1966 Lamborghini 400 GT Interim
When Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to try his hand at building a Gran Turismo, his company had essentially zero experience in automobile production. Earlier in his life, Ferruccio had constructed a couple of Fiat-based specials, so his desire to build a sports car was not new, but his career focus was primarily on tractors, and he built a considerable fortune as his business expanded.
Lamborghini’s business prowess translated into rapid financial success through the 1950s, and Ferruccio developed a refined taste for fast cars. He owned numerous Maseratis, Jaguars, a Mercedes 300SL, and several Ferraris. His alleged dissatisfaction with Ferrari’s quality and aloof customer service spurred him to produce a Gran Turismo under his own name, aiming to build a sporting car that was more luxurious and refined than any of Ferrari’s offerings. By the early 1960s, the Bolognese firm was well-respected for its robust farm tractors and agricultural equipment, so Ferruccio’s bold desire to best Ferrari was sure to have raised a few eyebrows. What he may have lacked in car building experience was more than made up for in his company’s manufacturing capacity, his eye for engineering talent, and pure Italian moxie.
Ferruccio Lamborghini made good on his promise, debuting the radically shaped 350 GTV at the 1963 Turin Motor Show. The GTV received mixed reviews from the motoring press, so Lamborghini returned the following year with the heavily-revised 350 GT. Boasting a tubular chassis, fully-independent suspension, and a glorious 3.5-liter V12 engine designed by the brilliant Giotto Bizzarrini (the father of the 250 GTO), this iteration was much better received. The initial styling was done by Franco Scaglione, which was toned down and refined by Carrozzeria Touring for the production model. Engineering and development were handled by a team of gifted young engineers, including Gian Paolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani, and test engineer Bob Wallace. After approximately 120 examples, Lamborghini introduced the 4-liter 400 GT 2+2, adding more power and practicality with 2+2 seating.
Bridging the transition between these models was the rare 400 GT Interim, which retained the two-seat body of the original 350 GT but benefited from the mechanical advancements of the 400 GT 2+2. Production was extremely limited, with only 23 examples built, making the 400 GT Interim one of the rarest early Lamborghinis.
This example, chassis 0463, was completed on May 16, 1966, finished in red over black leather upholstery, and equipped with engine no. 0439, which it retains today. Delivered new to Bob Estes, Lamborghini’s West Coast distributor in Inglewood, California, the car played an important role in the brand’s early presence in the United States. Estes, a successful Ford Lincoln-Mercury dealer and early advocate for Lamborghini, was instrumental in refining the cars to better suit American buyers. He retained 0463 for two years, using it as a demonstrator and featuring it in promotional materials before selling it to a California-based buyer on June 26, 1968.
By 1976, the Lamborghini was owned by John A. Baum of Tustin, California, who entrusted its maintenance to renowned specialist Gary Bobileff. In 1983, Bobileff acquired the car from the Baum estate and subsequently sold it to Richard W. Killion of Carlsbad, California, who retained it for nearly four decades. During this time, 0463 continued to be maintained and restored by Bobileff, with documentation covering decades of work, including an engine rebuild in 1997. In early 2020, Mr. Killion sold the car to the most recent owner, adding it to a collection of some of the world’s most significant Italian sports cars. Under current ownership, a team of in-house specialists has regularly serviced the Lamborghini.
Now finished in the classic combination of red over beige leather upholstery, 0463’s body is in superb condition, with crisply defined lines, straight panels, and restored brightwork. It rides on proper Borrani wire wheels with period-correct Michelin XWX tires, ensuring an authentic aesthetic and handling characteristics. The businesslike cabin features beige leather on the seats and door cards, accented by a black dash and carpets. The soft trim is excellent throughout, and details like controls, switches, and instruments are in fine order.
The four-liter DOHC V-12 engine, topped by two rows of Weber twin-choke sidedraft carburetors, remains a defining feature of Lamborghini’s early grand tourers. Accompanied by an extensive history file—including maintenance records, restoration invoices, and period photographs—chassis 0463 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest and most exclusive Lamborghini road cars. With its striking design, matching-numbers engine, and well-documented provenance, this 400 GT Interim is a highly desirable piece of Lamborghini history, suitable for concours display and long-distance touring alike.
Offers welcome and trades considered
$ Price on request
Stock number 7852
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