Affordable Exotics: Lamborghini

The idea of Joe or Jill Average driving home in a ravishingly lovely Lamborghini may come as a shock, but there are a few models by the famed Italian exotic car manufacturer that, although not cheap, are within the price range of many sports car buyers. While few can come up with the ransom for a new Gallardo or Murcielago, here are a few older charmers to check out. Note that these are not all the models that Lamborghini has built, just the best buys.

400GT 2+2
The first Lamborghini production model was the 1964 350GT, a superb front-engined, two-seat GT car with a high-winding, 3.5-liter V-12 fed by six side-draft Weber carburetors. It was fast, fun to drive and wore a lovely coupe body designed by Carrozzeria Touring.


With 280 horses at the reins, the 2,460-pound 350GT was quicker than any 1964 Ferrari street car. In 1965 Ferrari raised the ante with its fearsome 275GTB, and Lamborghini responded with a larger 3.9-liter engine to create the 400GT.


This model was a serious two-seater, and in 1966 a roomier 2+2 version was introduced. The 400GT 2+2 had tiny jump seats only suitable for small children and, although it looked very similar to the other models, it was entirely re-designed. The 400GT 2+2 was the most successful of the early models in the showrooms, with 224 sold.


A 400GT 2+2 in average condition will sell in the $40,000 range and, due to the astronomical cost of parts and rebuilds, can skyrocket to $100,000 for restored examples. But that's still a bargain when compared to period Ferraris such as the more common Daytona ($120,000) and the 275 GTB ($300,000 plus).