Lamborghini 350 GT celebrates its PoloStorico restoration by making debut on track
A Lamborghini 350 GT, which has just finished a one-year full restoration by Lamborghini PoloStorico, took its first drive on a race track during the official hand over to its owner. The 350 GT chassis #0121 was returned to its pure, original state with over 1150 specialist hours’ work on the body and interior and 780 hours on mechanical and electrical functions, using only Lamborghini Original Spare Parts.
The car was delivered in a special event to the current owner, who wanted to test his newly restored car on track for the first time. The car drove 80 perfect kilometers on the especially reserved Autodromo di Modena, in the presence of the car’s original owner invited for the emotional occasion. The track test revealed a perfect balance and performance by the car in general, with precise gear changes, responsive braking and, even in the more pressured track driving environment, demonstrated its performance and handling.
One of the first 15 350 GT models to be produced by Automobili Lamborghini, chassis #0121 includes particular features of the original prototype that changed as production continued, all of which have been researched and reinstated as necessary by Lamborghini PoloStorico during the restoration process.
The original chassis and body panels were returned to their original geometry, with extensive reworking of the engine and cooling system, the braking system as well as the fuel system, to ensure safety as well as authenticity. The interior in black leather was refurbished using classic processes from its original era, and the steering wheel in wood as well as the original accelerator, clutch and brake pedals, restored while respecting small signs of wear. The car’s radio is also the original, performing as perfectly today as in 1964 when first delivered.
The body was repainted in a delicate white using the same original nitroacrylic paint formula and techniques, applying 22 layers of paint with wet sanding by hand in between each layer, giving the car a particular elegance and accenting the car’s lines. The original rims have been restored and authenticated by the original supplier Ruote Borrani di Milano, and fitted with new Pirelli Cinturato 205/15 tyres as first on the car. Originality was extremely important to the owner and the car retains certain small marks and features to conserve the authentic feel of this car.
Following the prototype 350 GTV’s showing at the 1963 Turin Auto Show, the Lamborghini 350 GT was first shown at the 1964 Geneva auto show, and definitively launched the Lamborghini marque to the world with a GT car.
The 350 GT’s 12 cylinder aluminium alloy engine, evolved from the prototype GTV, was adapted for a sophisticated and demanding clientele, outputting 270 hp from its 3464 cc power plant. A five speed ZF gearbox, Salisbury differential and four-wheel independent suspension with Girling brakes all round was housed within an aluminium body. Initially produced with a dry sump lubrication system, this was later substituted by a wet sump in recognition that the 350 GT was a performance car for the road rather than the race track.
The prestigious Carrozzeria Touring company redesigned the vehicle, preserving the lines and character of the GTV prototype project first proposed by Franco Scaglione: elegant, yet at the same time aggressive. For many enthusiasts the 350 GT remains the most elegant of Lamborghini cars.
This is the fourth complete restoration project for Lamborghini PoloStorico, following a Miura, LM002 and a Countach. Lamborghini’s specialist heritage department is focused on four key areas: restoration; archive management; certification; and the supply of original spare parts via Lamborghini After Sales and its dealer network to preserve a vehicle’s value. Lamborghini holds parts for more than 70% of the historic Lamborghini car parc with additional manufactured as required.
