Galleria di Tom Automobili

History

From ambitious concept to refined reality.

The Lamborghini 350 GT, introduced in 1964, marked the official beginning of Lamborghini as a road car manufacturer. Born from the promise of the earlier 350 GTV prototype,
it transformed bold ambition into a production-ready grand tourer. To achieve this, Ferruccio Lamborghini assembled an exceptional team: Giotto Bizzarrini refined the V12 engine,
while Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani reworked the chassis and drivetrain for reliability, comfort, and everyday usability. Carrozzeria Touring of Milan was entrusted with the body,
crafting it in aluminum using their patented Superleggera construction technique.

The result was a refined yet formidable grand tourer that directly challenged Ferrari’s dominance. Unlike many aggressive sports cars of the era, the 350 GT emphasized balance,
drivability, and mechanical sophistication. Featuring fully independent suspension, a five-speed gearbox, and an advanced V12 engine, it offered cutting-edge engineering wrapped
in elegant restraint.

Between 1964 and 1966, Lamborghini produced just 120 examples of the 350 GT, making it one of the rarest and most historically significant models in the brand’s history.

Design

Timeless elegance shaped by craftsmanship.

The Lamborghini 350 GT was the embodiment of a gentleman’s grand tourer—elegant, refined, and unmistakably Italian. Its long, low proportions were defined by a graceful fastback roofline,
slender pillars, and a wide front grille that conveyed both presence and sophistication. Designed and built by Carrozzeria Touring using the lightweight Superleggera method, the aluminum
bodywork relied on clean, flowing lines and subtle curvature rather than sharp aggression. Twin round headlamps and restrained chrome detailing completed its understated appearance.

Unlike many contemporaries, the 350 GT avoided flamboyance. Its design philosophy favored harmony and proportion over shock value, setting Lamborghini apart from the outset.
Every panel was hand-shaped, resulting in a form that appears timeless from every angle.

Inside, the 350 GT delivered a surprising level of luxury for a high-performance car. The cabin featured fine leather upholstery, a brushed-metal dashboard, and classic Jaeger instruments.
The seating position was comfortable even for taller drivers, while generous footwells and a practical luggage compartment reflected Ferruccio Lamborghini’s insistence that performance
should never compromise usability.

This blend of craftsmanship, comfort, and engineering integrity ensured the 350 GT stood apart—not merely as a sports car, but as a carefully considered grand touring machine.

Driving Experience

Mechanical purity balanced with refined control.

Despite being Lamborghini’s very first production model, the 350 GT was remarkably well resolved. Its 3.5-liter V12, slightly detuned from its racing roots, produced around 280 horsepower
with smooth, linear delivery. Capable of exceeding 240 km/h (149 mph), it ranked among the fastest GT cars of its era.

Beyond outright performance, the 350 GT excelled in balance and composure. Lightweight construction and fully independent suspension endowed it with precise handling, while ride comfort
remained suitable for long-distance touring. The steering, gearbox, and braking performance were widely praised—qualities that were far from guaranteed in 1960s high-performance cars.

Even today, driving a 350 GT feels like an exercise in elegance and mechanical honesty. It encourages spirited driving without ever overwhelming its driver, perfectly reflecting Ferruccio
Lamborghini’s original vision.

Fun Facts

Details that shaped decades to come.

• The 350 GT’s V12 architecture formed the foundation of Lamborghini engines well into the 2010s.
• It was among the earliest GT cars to feature fully independent suspension—something even Ferrari had not fully adopted at the time.
• Some of the final 350 GTs were fitted with 4.0-liter engines destined for the upcoming 400 GT.
• Ferruccio Lamborghini personally owned and regularly drove a 350 GT, considering it the ideal everyday sports car.
• Each body was hand-built by Touring, meaning no two 350 GTs are exactly identical in fit and finish.

Legacy

The blueprint for everything that followed.

The Lamborghini 350 GT did more than introduce a new model—it established an entirely new marque. As Lamborghini’s first production car, it demonstrated that the company could create
a world-class grand tourer from scratch and compete directly with the most respected names in the industry. It defined the brand’s early identity: innovative, uncompromising, and quietly confident.

While later icons such as the Miura and Countach would redefine performance and design, the 350 GT remains the cornerstone. It transformed Ferruccio Lamborghini’s vision into reality and laid
the foundation for decades of innovation. Today, it stands not only as a rare collector’s piece, but as a symbol of beginnings, ambition, and enduring influence.