1966 LAMBORGHINI 400 GT 2+2

This Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 is considered to be among the very best examples in the world, benefiting from a comprehensive body restoration by the renowned Gary Bobileff. Under the bonnet is a 320bhp 3.9-litre V12, fed by six twin-choke Weber 40 DCOE carburettors, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 65,012 km.

The 400GT 2+2 was a more spacious, practical, and ultimately more refined successor to the 350GT; and for its coachwork Lamborghini once again turned to Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. This car is believed to be one of only 224 examples of the 2+2 built.

Understood to have been first registered on 1 January 1967, this 400GT left the factory with the very rare air-conditioning option, and has a colourful history. It was acquired by Mr Chuck Gardner in Thousand Oaks, California, in the late 1970s, when the car had suffered some damage to the front end. Thought to have been inspired by the Islero of the late 1960s, custom bodywork was designed and fitted, which gave this 400GT a bluff nose with a wide oblong grille and pop-up headlights.

Following the modification, the car was enjoyed through the 1980s in southern California, before going into long-term dry storage in 1991, where it remained for more than 20 years. Around five years ago, Lamborghini was offered for sale in New York, where it was acquired by the current owner. Rather than having the car brought back to the UK immediately, it was dispatched to the other side of the US, where a no-expense-spared body restoration had been commissioned at the famous Bobileff Motorcar Company. It was imported to the UK 18 months ago after the rebuild was complete.

Founder Gary Bobileff is regarded as one of the foremost Lamborghini experts in the world, with multiple concours-winning restorations under his belt, and who is also a Pebble Beach judge. His workshop in San Diego is North America's only factory authorised Lamborghini certification centre.

More than 1,000 photos are on file that document the restoration of the body in meticulous detail. Its bodywork was completely refurbished to factory specification, with a whole new front end handcrafted. As such, the body presents in outstanding condition today, with flush shut lines and even panel gaps, prepared to concours-quality standards. Its curvaceous Touring-designed body was later refinished in the handsome Grigio St Vincent hue, and remains in pristine order. Care was taken to ensure all body trims and badging were correct, and the car rides on a set of immaculate Borrani wire wheels. All of the other brightwork is also in superb condition, polished to a mirror shine.

A stunning contrast to the bodywork; this 400GT’s cabin was upholstered in the vibrant Ochre leather from the Connolly Vaumol collection. The fit and finish is outstanding, with taut coverings over the door cards, transmission tunnel, and the seats, which have fluted centre panels. Its dashboard panels have been re-trimmed in smooth black leather, and all of the instrument dials, toggle switches, and control knobs have been refurbished and refinished where necessary. At the rear, the spacious boot has been lined with smart grey carpet, while the side sections also house the original tool roll and jack.

Lifting the bonnet reveals an engine bay that looks as clean and tidy as when it left the factory. As part of its extensive restoration, the car’s mechanicals were completely stripped and rebuilt, including the brakes, suspension, steering, and ancillary systems. Its engine and gearbox were fully rebuilt by noted classic Lamborghini specialist Colin Clarke Engineering, and the refreshed V12 is still in its running-in phase.

Exempt from mandatory MOT testing on the basis of age, it received an inspection after arriving in the UK, on 30 April 2019 at 63,836 km. This resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The period-correct Pirelli tyres are all brand new and in superb condition.

This Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 is a fully restored 1960s grand tourer, presented in outstanding condition, having been worked on exclusively by leading classic Lamborghini specialists. For someone who has always been tempted by one of these rare V12s, this example needs nothing more than some further running-in before it would be ready for a transcontinental driving adventure. The remarkable condition and striking colour scheme will no doubt appeal to even the most discerning collectors, so this is an opportunity not to be missed.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the vehicle is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.