Lamborghini’s heritage division, PoloStorico, has revealed a fully restored 350 GT at Salon Rétromobile 2017 in Paris.
Chassis number 0121, one of the first fifteen examples produced by Lamborghini, is the first 350 GT to be restored by PoloStorico. The restoration of the bodywork and interior took 1150 hours, plus 780 additional hours for checking mechanical and electrical functions.
Lamborghini PoloStorico has a philosophy to maintain the car's originality as much as possible, and the conservation work involves exclusive use of original Lamborghini parts, specially reconstructed in certain instances. The parts reconstruction process is enhanced where possible by seeking out the historical suppliers and using the original technical drawings and designs.
For the 350 GT on display at Rétromobile 2017, particular attention was given to reworking the engine cooling system, the braking system, and the fuel system, to ensure safety as well as authenticity. A track test concluded the restoration process, revealing ‘excellent balance and overall performance, with precise gear changes and effective, reliable braking, even under the stress of the track’.
The black leather interiors were refurbished using the classic procedures of the era, and the wooden steering wheel and the original accelerator, clutch, and brake pedals were restored maintaining the small signs of wear. The radio too is original and still functions perfectly, just as in 1964 when the car was delivered to its first owner.
The 350 GT was painted during the restoration using the same techniques and formula as the original nitroacrylic paint. The original rims were restored and authenticated by the original supplier, Ruote Borrani of Milan, and the car is fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205 R15 tyres just as in the original version.
Following the presentation of the 350 GTV prototype at the Turin Motor Show in 1963, the Lamborghini 350 GT made its debut at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. The 350 GT is powered by a 12-cylinder engine delivering 270 HP and is mated to a five-speed ZF gearbox. The car was redesigned by Carrozzeria Touring, maintaining the lines and character of the GTV prototype originally proposed by Franco Scaglione.
This is the fourth full restoration project carried out by Lamborghini PoloStorico, following a Miura, an LM002 and a Countach. Safeguarding the historical heritage of the House of the Raging Bull, Lamborghini PoloStorico's focuses on four key areas: restoration, archive management, certification, and supply of original spare parts.