Affordable Exotics: Lamborghini

Islero
Don't consider $40,000 a bargain? Then try an Islero. By 1968 the 400GT 2+2 was replaced by two new models, the exotic mid-engined Miura (at over $100,000 these don't qualify as bargains) and the Islero.


The latter was a rebodied 400GT 2+2 with an attractive but conservative styling by Marazzi, a company founded by former employees of (by then defunct) Carrozzeria Touring.


Intended as a refined touring car (leaving the ground-pounding to the Miura), the Islero had the same 4-liter engine as the older model and was plenty quick with a top speed of around 150 mph. There was even a hotter "S" model with more power and a beefed-up suspension.


Lamborghini sold 225 Isleros from 1968 to 1969, but they have not caught on with collectors. Part of the problem has been the handsome but understated styling. But, also, Marazzi build quality was not great, particularly in the interiors, which seldom weather well. As a result, Isleros sell in the $25,000 to $50,000 range.

Espada
Lamborghini needed a true four-seat GT car in the lineup to compete with the Ferrari 2+2 models. The old Islero and 400GT 2+2 had laughable back seats, but the 1968 Espada was a serious effort at bringing high-speed touring to those with more than one friend. It was long, wide and powered by the familiar Lamborghini V-12 mounted up front like the Islero. And, although the back seats were more comfortable than in most 2+2s, there was still little foot room.