The 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring represents the definitive birth of the Sant’Agata legend, serving as the sophisticated answer to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s quest for the perfect grand tourer. Chassis number 0110 is among the most historically significant examples in existence, believed to be the ninth production road car ever manufactured. Beyond its early sequence, its provenance is unparalleled, having been delivered new to Edmondo Lamborghini, brother of the company’s founder. As the very vehicle utilized by the Italian Ministry of Transport for the series’ homologation, it stands as a fundamental pillar in the developmental history of the Italian supercar.
Superleggera Aluminum in Azzurro Acrilico
The exterior of this 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring features the renowned Superleggera aluminum coachwork, a hallmark of the Touring patent that emphasizes lightweight strength. While originally delivered in Rosso Matador, the vehicle was recently refinished in Azzurro Acrilico Metallizzato. This striking turquoise metallic hue was chosen to mirror the original livery of the very first 350 GT produced. The car retains its matching-numbers body, chassis, and engine, all certified by Lamborghini Polo Storico in 2021. The sinuous, forward-looking lines are accented by pristine brightwork and the elegant, understated trim that defined Lamborghini’s initial foray into the GT market.
Classic Nero Upholstery and Period Precision
Inside, the 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring provides a focused and luxurious environment, originally trimmed in Nero upholstery. The cabin reflects a time when ergonomics were becoming as important as style, featuring a large wood-rimmed steering wheel and a comprehensive array of gauges set into a leather-wrapped dashboard. Because this is the ninth car built, it emerged during a formative era before many components were fully standardized, giving the interior a unique, hand-crafted character. Every switch and handle serves as a tactile reminder of the marque’s early artisanal roots, now restored to a standard that earned it Best in Show at the 2023 Classic Club Italia concours.
V-12 Engineering Refined by Valentino Balboni
Performance is derived from the legendary 3.5-liter V-12 engine, a masterpiece of engineering that set the template for Lamborghini power for decades. This matching-numbers unit was subjected to a multi-year restoration in Italy, with the final fine-tuning and road testing personally performed by the legendary Valentino Balboni. The engine delivers its power with a smooth, linear urgency that was revolutionary for its time, providing approximately 280 hp/284 PS and 240 lb-ft/325 Nm of torque. Combined with a fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, the 350 GT offers a level of mechanical refinement that allowed it to successfully challenge the contemporary establishment from Maranello.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-12 (Matching Numbers) |
| Chassis | Steel Tube (Chassis No. 0110) |
| Coachwork | Touring Superleggera Aluminium |
| Certification | Lamborghini Polo Storico (2021) |
| Restoration | Valentino Balboni Verified |
| Production | 1 of 13 in 1964 |
Unparalleled Provenance and Auction Context
In the global collector market, a 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring is a rare prize, as only 13 examples were built in that inaugural year. Chassis 0110 holds a unique advantage over its peers due to its direct familial connection to the Lamborghini family and its status as the official homologation car. Compared to the later 400 GT 2+2, the 350 GT is prized for its purer two-seat proportions and historical weight. With recent accolades including 1st place in the Lamborghini Cup, this example is positioned at the top tier of investment-grade Italian classics. It represents the very beginning of a multi-billion-dollar legacy, making it a cornerstone for any serious world-class collection.
A Milestone in the History of the Supercar
This 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring is more than an automobile; it is a vital document of Italian industrial history. From its early delivery to Edmondo Lamborghini to its recent certification by Polo Storico, every chapter of its life has been marked by significance and care. The involvement of Valentino Balboni ensures that its performance is as authentic as its appearance. For the discerning collector, it offers a rare opportunity to own a matching-numbers, first-year production Lamborghini that played a literal role in certifying the brand for the road. It stands today as an elegant, award-winning tribute to the vision that first launched the house of the bull.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
