280 hp, 3,464 cc dual-overhead cam V-12 engine, ZF five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 100.4"

• One of only 143 built from 1964 to 1967

• Featured in Road & Track

• Fresh two-year restoration

Enzo Ferrari’s legendary snub of Ferruccio Lamborghini may be myth, but it helps to explain why, by the mid-1960s, Italy’s third largest builder of farm tractors was willing to undertake the design and construction of a premier Gran Turismo. To affect his plans, Lamborghini assembled a dream team of talent: Giotto Bizzarrini, Gian Paolo Dallara, test/development driver Bob Wallace, the racing development shop of Neri & Bonacini in Modena, and the designer of the famous Bertone BATs, Franco Scaglione. He then gave them adequate resources and enthusiastic support; their charge was to create the ultimate GT car, being at once fast, beautiful, comfortable, reliable, and well-built.

The prototype, called the 350 GTV, was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Auto Show and was widely acclaimed. With four-wheel independent suspension and a four-cam V-12 engine derived from Bizzarrini’s extensive racing experience, it promised outstanding performance. With further development, including the refinement of Scaglione’s styling by Touring (who built the 350 GT’s all aluminium body), the production 350 GT was introduced at Geneva in 1964.

The 350 GT delivered on all its promises but also included more of the attributes sought by Lamborghini, in particular, solid construction. And thanks to Dallara and Wallace, the car’s chassis gave sound and consistent handling. This was a luxury GT, as Ferruccio Lamborghini, the prototype consumer for which it was designed, felt it should be.

Early 350 GTs (about nine in total) were fitted with a third seat in the rear to give 2+1 seating. An upholstered package tray later replaced this design. Retractable headlamps, an oddity on the GTV, were replaced by more powerful, exposed oval Cibie lamps. Other exterior changes included a softening of all the sharp edges, especially in the tail section, and the addition of more window glass.

Production sales of the 350 GT started slow, with only 13 early production models built in 1964. The 350 GT soon impressed journalist and car enthusiasts around the world, and production increased to 25 cars per month. The following year, Lamborghini introduced the groundbreaking mid-engined Miura as a rolling chassis at the 1965 Turin Auto show. Each 350 GT, however, was practically hand-made, so special-order modifications were common. The grille was often revised, or a second windshield wiper, back up light, and cowl air intakes were added. The leather dash was eventually replaced with a polished aluminum dash.

Chassis number 0253, offered here, was delivered on August 28, 1965 to the United States. Noted West Coast collector Jack Kellam, a major participant in the Lamborghini Registry and Club, originally owned it. It is known that the car was finished in red with a black interior during Jack’s tenure. Andy Chan bought the car from Jack in 1989 and stored the car for about two decades, while he lived abroad in Hong Kong.

The current owner is the fourth caretaker, having acquired 0253 in 2011. Prior to his acquisition, the car had just received a fresh two-year restoration from a Santa Barbara enthusiast and still retains the 1989 Bill of Sale from Kellam, jack equipment, and luggage straps. At present, a full-time mechanic cares for the car as part of the respected collection in which it resides. The stunning black finish shows off the elegant aluminum body lines, while soft tan leather wraps the occupants in luxury. The chrome, trim, and components are all excellent, as the car is virtually show quality throughout. In fact, this is the very same Lamborghini featured in the October 1988 Road & Track special issue on Lamborginis.

This first Lamborghini production car delivered on all its promises, with solid construction, competitive handling, formidable performance, and, of course, its distinctive and sexy Italian styling. As one of only 143 built before the 350 GT was replaced by the 400 GT 2+2, this car not only presents extremely well, it is also exceptionally rare.