Model biography
Following the success of the 350 GT, in 1966 Lamborghini presented its successor, the 400 GT. Although the two models were related, there were some significant differences between them, notably the seating arrangement which was now a 2+2 layout. In order to better accommodate the rear seat passengers, the roof line was raised slightly to provide more headroom, and that then changed slightly the design at the rear. This concept formed the basis for Lamborghini’s future models. The 400 GT featured an evolution of the V12 engine, but capacity had increased to four liters and power was increased to 320 CV. Once again, the bodywork was styled by the Italian company Carrozzeria Touring from Milan.
The 400 GT proved to be an important commercial success, partly thanks to the American market which immediately became one of its main outlets.
Between 1966 and 1968, Lamborghini produced 250 units of the 400 GT which took on various updates during its life time. A 400 GT was transformed, by Carrozzeria Touring, in Flying Star II, a flamboyant Shooting Brake show car.
Design
Although the 400 GT retained many of the styling cues of the 350 GT, it differed in some important areas. The new headlights featured double circular lenses on each side, more efficient than the oval ones of the 350 GT. The rear window was smaller and the boot lid was redesigned with a new, modern shape that accommodated the new roofline, which was raised at the rear by five centimeters, a feature well hidden by the designers. The interior was also revised compared to the 350 GT, with a redesigned dashboard and comfortable rear seats that were separated by the transmission tunnel.
Technical features
The increased capacity of the engine to almost four liters (3929 cc) was one of the main talking points of the car when it was launched at the Geneva Show in 1966. This capacity engine powered Lamborghinis for the next decade. In the 400 GT the engine produced 320 CV, but more importantly the engineers had also increased the torque, which improved drivability. The carburetors were unchanged from the 350 GT engine, but the gearbox was entirely new, now produced in-house at Lamborghini. The fuel tank capacity increased to 87 liters. Another major change, although one that was not immediately apparent, was that the bodywork was made of steel, which replaced the aluminum of the previous model.
Lifestyle
The 400 GT appeared in several films at the time, including two dedicated to "Herbie the Crazy Beetle", ("The Love Bug") produced in 1966 and 1977. Its most famous appearance, however, is linked to the Beatles' last live performance, which took place on the roof of the Apple Corps headquarters in Savile Row, London, on 30 January 1969. Paul McCartney was a Lamborghini owner and an Alfa Red 400 GT appears in the video, with black interior. Lamborghini's customers were changing as the cars evolved. The brand, now famous for the technical quality and performance of its cars, attracted more members of the jet-set who were in search of fast and exclusive cars.
