Galleria di Tom Automobili

History

From Touring elegance to Marazzi refinement.

When people think of classic Lamborghinis, names like Miura and Countach often steal the spotlight. Hidden in the brand’s rich history, however, is the refined and
exclusive grand tourer: the Lamborghini Islero, built for those seeking raw V12 power wrapped in understated elegance.

By the late 1960s, Lamborghini sought to replace the aging 400 GT 2+2 with a more modern and comfortable GT. The Islero debuted at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, offering
a classic, clean-cut design penned by Mario Marazzi, whose coachbuilding company had taken over after Carrozzeria Touring shut down.
Under the hood, the Islero retained the legendary 3.9L V12 engine, producing 325 hp and accelerating from 0–100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds—a remarkable feat for a GT of its era.

In 1969, the Islero S arrived with 350 hp, wider fenders, improved interior materials, and better visibility, refining the original while preserving its elegant proportions.

Design

Understated, yet distinctively Italian.

Designed by Mario Marazzi, the Islero maintained the restrained elegance of Lamborghini’s early grand tourers. Clean, angular lines, hidden headlamps, sculpted fenders,
and flush surfaces created a timeless silhouette.

The cabin featured fine leather, wood accents, and full instrumentation, seating four in a comfortable 2+2 layout. The Islero S added flared wheel arches and redesigned air vents,
giving a slightly more assertive look while retaining the refined proportions.

Driving Experience

Smooth V12 power with a refined touch.

Beneath its calm exterior, the Islero retained Lamborghini performance DNA. The 3.9L V12 produced 325 hp in the original and 350 hp in the S version, with top speeds approaching 250 km/h (155 mph).

Unlike the mid-engine Miura, the front-engine Islero offered predictable and forgiving handling, ideal for spirited driving. Four-wheel disc brakes ensured solid stopping power, and improved visibility in the S model added practicality.
The well-appointed interior and softer suspension made the Islero a true grand tourer, perfect for long-distance driving with speed, comfort, and style.

Fun Facts

Hidden gems and fascinating stories.

• Ferruccio Lamborghini personally drove the Islero daily, appreciating its comfort and subtle elegance.
• Named after a legendary Spanish fighting bull that killed matador Manolete in 1947, continuing Lamborghini’s bullfighting tradition.
• Early interiors were praised for excellent visibility and spaciousness, rare for a GT coupe of the era.
• The Islero appeared in the 1969 French film "La Femme Écarlate" and in the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” driven by Count Draco.
• One of the last front-engine V12 Lamborghinis before wedge-shaped designs took over.
• Shares the same V12 lineage as other iconic Lamborghinis, linking it to the Miura and Countach.

Legacy

A connoisseur’s Lamborghini, rare and refined.

Often overshadowed by its famous siblings, the Islero has become a cult classic. With only 225 units built, it is one of the rarest front-engined Lamborghinis.
Today, it is celebrated for its elegance and mature styling, representing a chapter in Lamborghini history where refinement and performance coexisted.

The Islero remains a prized collector’s gem, exemplifying Lamborghini’s early blend of sophistication and V12 performance.

Would you add an Islero to your dream garage?