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Lamborghini 400GT 3,939cc DOHC V12 1968

General description : 1968 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2
s/n 01321 engine no. 1570
Azzurro Fiat Blue with Natural Leather Interior

When Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to build his own sports car, legend has it his spirited Italian nature was motivated by his disgruntlement with Enzo Ferrari. As fate would have it, finances and timing favored Lamborghini to launch his challenge to the Enzo empire. Money would come from Lamborghini’s lucrative tractor business, while talent like Giotto Bizzarrini and others would storm out from Ferrari after a dispute with Enzo Ferrari, exiting the company during the now infamous “palace revolt”. With fresh talent, resources, and a willingness to take chances on ideas Ferrari had dismissed, Lamborghini was soon producing a car that was better built, more sophisticated, and better performing than contemporary Ferraris. Impressive specifications included an all-new quad cam V-12, fully independent suspension, disc brakes, and a Gian Paolo Dallara designed 5-speed synchromesh gearbox, initially made by ZF, and later in house by Lamborghini. And while these technical features might seem common today, back then this advanced technology caught Ferrari off-guard as they remained producing cars with single cam motors, live rear axles, and four-speed gearboxes.

Initially built using more traditional carrozzeria methods, Lamborghini soon realized that demand warranted more advanced and less laborious production. Touring of Milan, regarded as a premier coachbuilder, came on board refining the originally penned Superleggera Scaglione design with a more dimensionally tolerant steel body, a gracefully revised roofline, new headlights, a new lower profile floor pan allowing space for small rear seats, and of course, the new 4 liter 320 hp engine. Contemporary automotive press favored the refinements, luxurious materials, exceptional build quality, and performance offered in the 350GT and subsequent 400GT. Even legendary Beatle and sports car enthusiast Paul McCartney became an owner of one of the mere 247 production 400GTs built. By successfully launching Lamborghini into the budding supercar world, the 400 GT set the stage for a remarkable series of sports cars, making Lamborghini a world leader in sports car manufacturing and the first to launch one of many revolutionary super and hypercars which remain among the best in the industry today.

This particular 400 GT is one of the few US delivery examples built in the final year of production. One of 247 constructed, registry records published on this car indicate it was completed at the factory finished in Blu Notte with a Tobacco interior. The registry further indicates this car was delivered to North America January 22, 1968, and sold to the first owner, Bob Estes. Robert “Bob” Estes, Los Angeles, California was a prominent car dealer, racing driver, team owner, and car collector. As owner/operator for a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Inglewood, California, resources allowed him 13 entries in the Indianapolis 500 from 1948-1960, a Class C land speed record in 1952, AAA Midwest Sprint Car victories and other prominent racing events. In 1955, Estes expanded his dealership business to include imports, opening Precision Motor Cars and Estes-Zipper Porsche with Otto Zipper. Although it is not known how long Estes retained this Lamborghini, this car eventually came under the care of well-respected Brummen, Netherlands specialty dealers “The Gallery Aalderling”. In May 2008, the former owner purchased this car directly from The Gallery, retaining it as part of a static display until spring 2022.

Having benefited from restoration under prior ownership (between 2008-2022) the car was finished in light metallic Azzurro Fiat and upholstered with tan leather hides. The high-quality restoration has benefitted from regular care under current ownership and current mechanical service includes recent mechanical services performed by specialists.

Today this Lamborghini 400 GT is a very handsome representation of these rare and desirable cars, combining beautiful Touring coachwork and premium performance, The light metallic blue finish is smooth and glossy showing only modest mellowing to the finish, a minor chip on the driver’s side door, and a few other small imperfections, though overall offering a confident presentation throughout. The chrome finishes are excellent as are the various trim, window garnish moldings, distinctive chrome plated cowl vents, and door handles. The glass, windshield, lenses, and various emblems are quite nicely detailed and finished to a high level. The Borrani wire wheels are in excellent condition, displaying correct polished aluminum rims and nicely detailed triple-ear knock offs. The stance, poise, and impressive design is particularly alluring in this striking color combination.

The interior is in excellent condition. The leather seats, console, and inner door panels display like-new finishes with excellent taut fit, correct seat pleating and piping, and smooth finish. The driver’s seat bottom cushion shows only slight relaxing to the otherwise finely fit leather seating material. The console is finished with matching natural hides while the black dashboard upholstery is correctly padded and properly edge-line stitched as it was when factory delivered. The carpet matches the natural leather finish and remains in excellent condition. The steering wheel has the correct appearance with properly polished aluminum spokes, a handsome Lamborghini crest center emblem, and a finely finished wood lacquered rim which matches the 5-speed gear shift knob. The dashboard features factory correct Jaeger instrumentation with clear and vivid color and crisp nomenclature. The odometer indicates 5,079 miles. Various switches, indicator lights, and accessory ashtray along with beautifully sculpted chrome door trim are further in excellent condition. The rear seating area, a plus for those who enjoy touring events, is in excellent condition. The headliner, while also essentially as new, exhibits minor sagging at the far inside corner of the driver’s side inner roof edge. The trunk is finished with dark grey carpet, a full sized Borrani wire wheel recessed under the trunk floor, access to the battery, and ample space for weekend luggage.

The engine compartment is representative of generally correct finishes and accurate Lamborghini details, correct components, fasteners, and importantly rare features. The engine is stamped 1570, which is in sequence with other 400 GT chassis numbers further referenced by factory records that correspond to similar chassis/engine build sequences. The engine is fitted with a mixed set of six correct Weber DCOE 20 and 21 carburetors, factory correct air cleaners, engine cam covers finished with the correct crinkle black coating, and braided stainless steel fuel lines. Though not restored for concours events, the undercarriage reveals a clean and tidy car displaying no evidence of structural compromise, correct suspension components, correct four-wheel disc brakes, correct finned aluminum oil pan, and a correct dual exhaust system.

Driving the 400 GT one is reminded of the improvements in driver comfort, space, and more comfortable ergonomics. Unlike the earlier models, the additional roof height in the 400 GT is not only more spacious, it also allows taller torso drivers greater ease of entry and exit. The 400 GT is responsive on throttle and delightful through the gears. The V12 engine delivers snappy throttle response with an exhilarating rev range. The 5-speed gearbox shifts well through all gears, the 4-wheel disc brakes track evenly on a firm pedal coming down from higher speeds, and the advanced coil over suspension delivers superior mountain road cornering and greater comfort while cruising at highway speeds.

For anyone seeking one of the most important sports cars of the golden era of Italian performance motoring, this Lamborghini 400 GT will surely deliver on all the passionate promises of the fired up Ferruccio Lamborghini when he threw down his historic gauntlet daring to challenge Enzo Ferrari and his industry dominance. Beautifully finished in captivating colors, this Lamborghini will delight anyone who shares Ferruccio’s driving passion for exceptional performance and unmistakable Italian style.

1968 Lamborghini 400GT 3,939cc DOHC V12 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for $389500.

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