Lamborghini · 1968–1969
Lamborghini Islero
The Lamborghini Islero (Italian pronunciation: [iˈzlɛːro], Spanish: [isˈleɾo]) is a grand tourer produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1968 and 1969. It was the replacement for the 400 GT and featured the Lamborghini V12 engine. The car debuted at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Predecessor: Lamborghini 400 GT · Successor: Lamborghini Jarama
All Lamborghini Islero data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
History
The Islero was introduced at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show alongside the Lamborghini Espada. While both automobiles featured a 2+2 coupé body style, the Islero was intended to be a more visually conservative alternative to the then-radical Espada, in keeping with the traditional style of the earlier 400 GT. The car's namesake, Islero, was a Miura bull that killed matador Manuel Rodriguez "Manolete" on August 28, 1947. Lamborghini also produced a car named the Miura, from 1966 to 1973, while the Murcielago was named after another famous individual Miura bull. Carrozzeria Marazzi was chosen to construct the Islero's body. This firm was chosen as it was founded by Carlo Marazzi, a former employee of the now-bankrupt Carrozzeria Touring. Touring had previously produced bodies for the 350 GT and 400 GT. The firm was staffed by former Touring employees, along with Marazzi's sons Mario and Serafino. Ferruccio Lamborghini was rumored to be the true designer of the body, dictating his requirements to Marazzi. The design was essentially a rebody of the 400 GT, with its good outward visibility, roomier interior, and additional soundproofing improving driver and passenger comfort compared to previous models. The Islero's body and interior suffered from numerous deficiencies in fit and finish, some of which was corrected in the later Islero S. Lamborghini test driver Bob Wallace stated in an interview that the Islero's quality issues were due to Carrozzeria Marazzi's lack of resources and that Marazzi-built cars were never built to the same quality as those built at Touring. 125 Isleros were built. An updated Islero, dubbed the Islero S or Islero GTS, was released in 1969. There were quite a few styling changes, including six engine cooling vents on both front fenders (hinting at the t
Specifications
The Islero had a 325 bhp (242 kW; 330 PS), 3.9 L (3929 cc) Lamborghini V12 engine, as was also used in the 400 GT, Miura, Espada and Jarama. Six Weber 40 DCOE carburetors provided air and fuel. The Lamborghini-designed five-speed manual transmission was equipped with synchromesh and a hydraulically operated dry clutch. The fully independent double wishbone suspension and disc brakes were based on the 400 GT design, with thicker anti-roll bars, a wider front track and revised front suspension. These suspension changes were primarily made to accommodate newly available tires that were wider and grippier than those originally used on the 400 GT. The wheels were cast magnesium made by Campagnolo, as on the Espada and Miura. From the factory, the Islero was fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72). The Islero's top speed was rated at 154 mph (248 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 6.4 seconds. Islero S. The engine in this model was tuned to 350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS), but the torque remained the same. This was achieved by using Miura P400S-type camshafts and raising the compression ratio from 9.5:1 in the original Islero to 10.8:1 in the Islero S. Rear suspension was also revised to be closer to the Espada's design, in an attempt to improve stability under acceleration and braking. The top speed of the S improved to 161 mph (259 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds. == References ==
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- Lamborghini Islero
- Manufacturer
- Lamborghini
- Production
- 1968–1969, 225 built
- Assembly
- Italy: Sant'Agata Bolognese
- Predecessor
- Lamborghini 400 GT
- Successor
- Lamborghini Jarama
- Class
- Grand tourer
- Body style
- 2-door 2+2 coupé
- Layout
- FR layout
- Platform
- tubular steel frame, riveted aluminium body panels
- Engine
- 3929 cc Lamborghini V12
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual with all-synchromesh
- Wheelbase
- 2550 mm
- Length
- 4525 mm
- Width
- 1730 mm
- Height
- 1300 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1315 kg
- Designer
- Mario Marazzi at Carrozzeria Marazzi
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q577851CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_IsleroCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1372416905 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lamborghini_Islero,_Techno_Classica_2018,_Essen_(IMG_9696).jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Matti Blume · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.