Lamborghini Islero

car model

The Lamborghini Islero is a grand tourer car that was built by Lamborghini from 1968 to 1969. The Islero was the successor to the 400 GT, and shared the same V12 engine with it.[1]

Lamborghini Islero
Lamborghini Islero S
Overview
ManufacturerLamborghini
Production1968-1969
Islero: 125 units
Islero S: 100 units
Total: 225 units
DesignerMario Marazzi at Carrozzeria Marazzi
Body and chassis
ClassGrand tourer
Body style2+2 Coupé
LayoutFR layout
Platformtubular steel frame
riveted aluminium body panels
Powertrain
Engine3,929 cc (239.8 cu in) 60° Lamborghini V12
Transmissionfive-speed, reverse manual all-synchromesh
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length4,525 mm (178.1 in)
Width1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Curb weight1,315 kg (2,899 lb)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorLamborghini 400GT
SuccessorLamborghini Jarama

History

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The Islero was first revealed at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show, along with the Lamborghini Espada. It shared its 3,929 cubic centimetres (239.8 cu in) V12 engine with the earlier 400 GT.[2] The car's namesake, Islero, was a Miura bull that killed matador Manuel Rodriguez "Manolete" on August 28, 1947.[3]

The Islero was designed by Mario Marazzi, who was working for Carrozzeria Marazzi at the time. Carrozzeria Marazzi was chosen because it was founded by Carlo Marazzi, a former employee of the now-bankrupt Carrozzeria Touring. Carrozzeria Touring had previously produced bodies for the 350 GT and 400 GT.[2][4][5][2][6][7]

By the time production ended in 1969, 125 Isleros had been built.[3][7]

An updated Islero, known as the Islero S or the Islero GTS, was released in 1969. There were a few changes from the standard Islero, including a more powerful engine and some styling changes.[7][8] 100 examples of the Islero S were built,[9] bringing the total number of Isleros to 225.[10][11]

Engine and transmission

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The Islero used the same 3,929 cubic centimetres (239.8 cu in) Lamborghini V12 as the earlier 400 GT and the later Jarama. The engine produced 325 bhp (242 kW; 330 PS) in the standard Islero, and 350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS) in the Islero S. The engine was paired to a Lamborghini-designed five-speed manual transmission in both Isleros.[2][6]

The Islero's top speed was rated at 154 mph (248 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 6.4 seconds.[6]

Performance

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The standard Islero was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.4 seconds, and it also had a top speed of 154 mph (248 km/h).[6][2][7] The Islero S was faster than the standard Islero, because of the extra power in the engine. Its 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time improved to 6.2 seconds, while its top speed was 161 mph (259 km/h).[8]

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References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 "Islero". carsfromitaly.net. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Marchet, Jean-François (1985). Lamborghini Espada & the 4-seaters : 350GT, 400GT, Islero, Jarama, Marzal, Espada. London: Osprey. ISBN 0-85045-592-8. OCLC 12806744.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "RM Sotheby's - 1969 Lamborghini Islero 400 GT | Amelia Island 2017". RM Sotheby's. 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  4. "CHI SIAMO – Marazzi Car" (in Italian). 2016. Archived from the original on 2021-09-28. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  5. Rive Box, Rob de la; Crump, Richard (1981). Lamborghini : the cars from Sant' Agata Bolognese. London: Osprey. ISBN 0-85045-408-5. OCLC 8431194.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "www.QV500.com - Lamborghini Islero Part 1: 400 GT Islero". qv500.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-05. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Lyons, Pete (1988). The Complete Book of Lamborghini. New York: Beekman House. ISBN 9780517667156. OCLC 18937830.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "www.QV500.com - Lamborghini Islero Part 2: The 400 GT Islero S". qv500.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-05. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  9. "RM Sotheby's - 1970 Lamborghini Islero 400GTS | Essen 2020". RM Sotheby's. 2020-03-11. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  10. Branch, Ben (2015-09-08). "Roger Moore's Lamborghini Islero S". Silodrome. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  11. Graham (2011-12-13). "1968 Lamborghini Islero". Classic Italian Cars For Sale. Retrieved 2020-03-28.