Modern Classic: Lamborghini 350 GT

Skin Deep
Lamborghini's bold venture nearly came to a halt when his controversial first prototype, the shark-nosed 350 GTV, bowed at the 1963 Turin Show. The car's pop-up headlamps were interesting, but there were far too many vents and slots peppering the bodywork. Still, underneath the berlinetta's angular skin, hope persisted. The specifications of Lamborghini's new car outpointed contemporary Ferrari GTs.


The GTV's tubular chassis featured unequal-length wishbones and massive sway bars for fully independent suspension. Ferraris still used live rear axles. A 5-speed gearbox, supplied by ZF, was later built by Lamborghini. Six Webers topped three, four cams beat two, but Ferrari still won on looks. Pininfarina, who'd outlasted all contenders for Ferrari's coachbuilding honors, was not available so the GTV's bizarre styling was a deficit. When the show ended, Scaglione was out. Carrozzeria Touring was in.


The freshened-up Berlinetta was renamed 350 GT. It benefited from Touring's patented superleggera construction. Hand-hammered sheets of aluminum were stretched over steel tubing to form lightweight, strong and durable bodywork. Although the facelifted Lamborghini's coachwork was still fussy in places, the Touring rewrite was an improvement.


Looking at a 350 GT today from a side elevation, the coupe's not unpleasant lines flow rearward with a gentle sweep, accentuated by a gracefully sculpted shallow molding that tapers off just as it kisses the door handle. Unique ovaloid headlamps, a single centered windscreen wiper, and the omission of intrusive vent windows all anticipated modern trends. Unfortunately, the 350 GT's still busy grille and its fussy rear deck treatment, interrupted by chunky little bumper guards, complicate the styling verdict. Lighter hues make this design appear quite cleaner.


Inside, the cockpit is comfortably appointed. While the big white-on-black speedometer and tach dials are legible, the center of the facia is a confused jumble of toggle switches, dials and chromed buttons. The view out front and to the sides is good thanks to thin, reverse-curved windscreen pillars and an oversized backlight. You have a sense of where all four corners are in the 350. Behind its classic Nardi wood- rimmed steering wheel, the GT's pancaked, hoodline drops away smoothly.