Chassis No. 6342

Engine No. 2532

Developed as the successor to the 400 GT, the Islero was unveiled in March 1968 at the Geneva Motor Show. The new Islero retained the 340-PS 4.0-liter DOHC V12 with six Weber carburetors paired to a five-speed manual, but thanks to its 65-kilogram weight reduction and a wheelbase shortened by 11.5 centimeters, it delivered improved performance and noticeably sharper handling. The sharper lines of the Islero were penned by Carlo Marazzi, a former Carrozzeria Touring employee as the first Lamborghini design to use covered headlights, starting a design trend for the brand that lasted for more than two decades. Produced in 1968 and 1969, just 225 of the refined Isleros were created, leaving these rarely seen examples highly prized among collectors today.

This Islero was built for the Spanish market where it was ultimately delivered on 15 April 1969 in Barcelona, Spain. As documented by Lamborghini historian Olivier Nameche, the original owners were members of the Spanish Royal family. After seeing limited royal use, the car was exported to the United States where it was acquired by Dr. Avery Alexander, a Wisconsin-based collector. Under his stewardship, the car was taken to Gary Bobileff of Bobileff Motorcar Company in San Diego, California, for a complete cosmetic restoration. After being disassembled, the bodywork was prepared to be refinished as originally specified in elegant and rarely seen Azzurro Cielo (Sky Blue). Inside, the interior was reupholstered with fresh cream-white leather and matching carpeting. The refreshed dashboard houses a set of restored Jaeger instrumentation, framed by the wood-rimmed steering wheel. After this work was completed, Evans Automotive Repair of Columbus, Ohio, expertly completed the mechanical restoration that included attention to the engine, suspension, brakes, and cooling systems.

Once the restoration was completed, the car was sold and returned to Europe in 2012 under a German collector. After its arrival, the car was serviced by Top Motors Salvioli S.r.l., just outside of Modena, Italy. The car passed to its current Swiss-based collector in 2017 and remains in splendid condition today. The car benefits from recent photo-documented restoration work performed under current ownership by Francesco D'Andrea and his skilled team at Classic Cars Center. Seldom seen on the open market, this outstanding Islero remains a highly prized example of Lamborghini's V12-powered grand touring car among collectors and enthusiasts alike for evolving Ferruccio's beloved GT formula.

Documents: Swiss Carte Grise