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Islero

Sports car for four

General model biography: Islero

The Islero followed the basic form of its predecessor, the 400 GT, but not the function. This was a two-seater that was reminiscent of the early Lamborghinis. A long bonnet and spacious boot were more in keeping with the traditional GT styling cues, while the cabin was comfortable and finished to an extremely high standard. First launched at the Geneva Motorshow in March 1968, the Islero retained the same mechanical layout as the Espada the 400 GT, and the same 4-liter V12 engine, mounted at the front. The engine produced a beautiful sound, and plenty of power, while the overall weight of the car was lowered compared to its predecessor, with a reduction of 65 kg and a shorter chassis of 11.5 cm, leading to improved performance. 

General model biography: Islero

The Islero followed the basic form of its predecessor, the 400 GT, but not the function. This was a two-seater that was reminiscent of the early Lamborghinis. A long bonnet and spacious boot were more in keeping with the traditional GT styling cues, while the cabin was comfortable and finished to an extremely high standard. First launched at the Geneva Motorshow in March 1968, the Islero retained the same mechanical layout as the Espada the 400 GT, and the same 4-liter V12 engine, mounted at the front. The engine produced a beautiful sound, and plenty of power, while the overall weight of the car was lowered compared to its predecessor, with a reduction of 65 kg and a shorter chassis of 11.5 cm, leading to improved performance. 

New to the brand were the covered headlights and raised rear bumpers. The Islero embodied all that company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini had envisioned for a luxurious, high-performance car. Assembled by (Carrozzeria) Marazzi, the panels were produced by Carrozzeria Bertone. Lamborghini produced 155 Isleros, and 70 units of the Islero S, which were distinguishable by the air intakes on the front fenders and a larger hood scoop.

Islero design

The Islero featured new styling cues compared to its predecessors, with straight, square lines that were in keeping with the style evolution of the time. The rounded shapes that were typical of the 1960s were gradually replaced with more angular lines that came to symbolise automotive design in the 1970s. The bodywork production was undertaken by Carrozzeria Bertone after Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, which had produced the bodywork of the 350 GT and 400 GT, had filed for bankruptcy and was no longer an option for Lamborghini. Bertone had the machinery and the personnel to produce the sheet metal, while the final assembly was carried out by Carrozzeria Marazzi.

Islero technique

The Islero can trace its heritage back to the 400 GT, but the chassis was shortened by 11.5 cm compared to its predecessor, and the weight was reduced by 65 kg. That translated into an increase in performance. The engine was a 4-liter V12 with a double overhead camshaft for each bank of cylinders and six carburettors. This engine brought the power up to 340 hp at 7,000 rpm. In the Islero S, power increased to 350 hp at 7,500 rpm, along with additional air intakes on the front fenders and a larger hood scoop.

Islero technique

The Islero can trace its heritage back to the 400 GT, but the chassis was shortened by 11.5 cm compared to its predecessor, and the weight was reduced by 65 kg. That translated into an increase in performance. The engine was a 4-liter V12 with a double overhead camshaft for each bank of cylinders and six carburettors. This engine brought the power up to 340 hp at 7,000 rpm. In the Islero S, power increased to 350 hp at 7,500 rpm, along with additional air intakes on the front fenders and a larger hood scoop.

Islero lifestyle

The rarity of Islero makes it uncommon even in films and magazines of the time, although its appearance in the 1970 film L’Uomo che Uccise Sé Stesso, starring Roger Moore, and in the 1969 film with multiple episodes Vedo Nudo by Italian director Dino Risi, were highlights. The model is still elegant by today’s standards. Highly appreciated for both performance and comfort, it is rarely sold, making it a difficult model to find. Additionally, the Islero is often seen at Concorsi di Eleganza, where its timeless elegance continues to be celebrated.

Islero lifestyle

The rarity of Islero makes it uncommon even in films and magazines of the time, although its appearance in the 1970 film L’Uomo che Uccise Sé Stesso, starring Roger Moore, and in the 1969 film with multiple episodes Vedo Nudo by Italian director Dino Risi, were highlights. The model is still elegant by today’s standards. Highly appreciated for both performance and comfort, it is rarely sold, making it a difficult model to find. Additionally, the Islero is often seen at Concorsi di Eleganza, where its timeless elegance continues to be celebrated.