Beschreibung:

It is the stuff of legend that Ferrari-owning industrialist Ferruccio Lamborghini only turned to automobile manufacture as a result of receiving off-hand treatment at Maranello, vowing to build a better car. A successful manufacturer of tractors and related machinery, Lamborghini possessed the resources to realise his dream without having to compromise. Lamborghini's first production car, the Touring-styled 350GT, debuted at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. The work of two of Italy's most illustrious automobile designers, the 350GT featured a glorious 3.5-litre, four-cam V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, housed in a chassis penned by Gianpaolo Dallara. The 350GT's four camshafts and all-independent suspension meant that it upstaged the best that Ferrari offered at the time; but to compete with his Maranello rival's larger models, Lamborghini needed a four-seater, and the 400GT 2+2 duly appeared in 1966. A development of the 350GT, the newcomer used an enlarged - to 3,929cc - V12. This 4-litre unit had first appeared in 1965, finding its way into a handful of late 350GTs, this interim model being known as the 400GT. The 400GT's claimed maximum power was 320bhp - up from the 350GT's 270 - an output sufficient to make the former a 150mph-plus car. Despite its novice status as an automobile manufacturer, Lamborghini soon dispelled any lingering doubts about its ability to compete with the world's best Grand Tourers. Reviewing the 400GT in its 2+2 form in 1967, Autocar magazine voted it 'better than all the equivalent exotic and home-bred machinery in this glamorous corner of the fast-car market.' The relaxed manner of its long-legged performance was reckoned the finest quality of the Lamborghini, its V12 engine being judged to have the broadest range of smooth torque the testers had experienced. Autocar concluded: 'To achieve this level of performance without noise, fuss, temperament or drama is an achievement; in the time taken for development, it is nothing short of sensational.' One of only 247 units built between 1966 and 1968, this matching numbers example was sold new in the UK and first registered 'NEG 67E', its original owner being a Mr John Henry Pinder, of London. In 1995 the car was acquired by the last owner, Mr Joost de Graaff, who owned an important collection of exclusive, classic motor cars. While the Lamborghini was in Mr de Graaff's care the engine was completely restored using all new components by Badsaddle Stables Ltd in Apethorpe, Cambridgeshire, UK, while the carburettors and distributors were overhauled by Lorenzini Autosports in Lisbon, Portugal. Attending to the brakes and other works were undertaken by Mr de Graaff's personal motor engineer, who maintained his cars in an exemplary manner. Over the course of the past 20 years '0793' has been driven approximately 12,000 kilometres and is described as in 'perfect' condition. We are advised that the smoke-free engine maintains regulation oil pressure and runs perfectly, while the transmission and brakes are said to be in similarly excellent condition. All panel gaps are 'good as new' and the door fit is superb for a 400GT. The paint, brightwork, rubbers are all in wonderful condition, and the leather, carpets and interior generally very good. New Michelin tyres were fitted to the restored Borrani wire wheels earlier this year. This exceptionally well cared-for early Lamborghini is offered with its original UK registration document in the name of John Henry Pinder, Netherlands registration papers, and a five-page article on this actual car published in Classic & Sports Car magazine (July 1996). La légende veut que l'industriel Ferruccio Lamborghini, propriétaire d'une Ferrari, soit devenu constructeur d'automobiles après avoir été éconduit à Maranello quand il avait demandé une meilleure voiture. Constructeur prospère de tracteurs et de matériel agricole, Lamborghini avait les ressources nécessaires à la réalisation de son rêve sans être obligé d'accepter des com