1965 Lamborghini 350 GT | The Quail Auction 2026
Chassis No. 0148
Engine No. 0118
The Lamborghini 350 GT represents the first production realization of Ferruccio Lamborghini's ambition to establish a refined, technically advanced grand touring automobile capable of competing with the most accomplished offerings from Maranello and Modena. Evolved from the 350 GTV prototype, the production model was re-engineered under Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani, refining Giotto Bizzarrini's original V12 concept.
Power comes from Lamborghini's 3,464 cc all-aluminum 60-degree V12, featuring dual overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder, hemispherical combustion chambers, and six Weber carburetors. Factory-rated at 280 horsepower, the V12 is paired with a ZF five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. The unit is celebrated for its smooth delivery, responsiveness, and mechanical sophistication, establishing the core character of early Lamborghini grand touring performance.
Coachwork was entrusted to Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, executed in aluminum using its Superleggera construction method. The design is defined by its long bonnet, compact cabin, and restrained surfacing, emphasizing proportion and clarity over ornamentation. The result remains one of the most elegant and resolved expressions of early Lamborghini design language.
According to copies of its original build sheets, this example was delivered new on 10 February 1965 to Angelo Salamini of Parma, Italy, finished in Grigio Grafite (Graphite Grey) over a Rosso (Red) interior. The International Lamborghini Registry notes that the car subsequently left Italy shortly after delivery and was later imported to the United States. In its early ownership history, it was refinished in red, reflecting period-correct changes in aesthetic preference as the car changed hands.
By the early 1990s, the car was in the care of Dr. Steven J. Reubel of Cincinnati, Ohio. During this ownership, it underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration completed in 1996. The engine was rebuilt by Bob Wallace Cars of Phoenix, Arizona, including new pistons, bearings, and valves, along with machining of the block prior to assembly. The ZF five-speed transmission, limited-slip differential, and servo-assisted Girling disc brakes were also believed to have been overhauled as part of the restoration program.
Following completion of the mechanical restoration, the car was refinished in black and fitted with a retrimmed saddle leather interior. Borrani wire wheels, restored brightwork by Christensen Plating, and interior work by Dubuque Trim complete the presentation. The restoration is reported to have exceeded $100,000 and is documented in the International Lamborghini Registry. The car subsequently earned multiple awards including First in Class at the 1997 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, First Place at the 1997 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, and Best in Class at the 1998 Cincinnati Concours.
Ownership following this period included custodianship in Indiana and Ohio, followed by acquisition by a Savannah, Georgia-based physician in 1996. The car later entered the collection of Todd Finlay of Miami, Florida in the early 2000s. It was sold in January 2014 to a subsequent owner before being acquired by the current owner in 2017. The car was later sold on 18 June 2021 to the daughter of importer Jake Kaplan before returning to the current owner in February 2026.
Just before reentering its current owner's collection, the car received extensive mechanical recommissioning by KTR European Motorsports of Ayer, Massachusetts between 2024 and 2025 which focused on the fuel and cooling systems. Fuel system work addressed leaks at the filter housing, lines, and carburetor fittings, followed by draining contaminated fuel and servicing all six Weber carburetors with cleaning, adjustment, and calibration to correct flooding and fuel level issues. Cooling system work included radiator removal and recore, water pump replacement, installation of a new fan control switch, hose replacement, and reassembly with revised mounting and oil cooler positioning. Once completed, the total documented expenditure during this time was nearly $15,000.
A highly significant early Lamborghini grand tourer, this 350 GT pairs Touring's lightweight Superleggera coachwork with the marque's foundational V12 engine. Supported by documented registry history, concours accolades, and comprehensive restoration and recommissioning work, it remains an important example of Lamborghini's formative production era and the establishment of its technical and aesthetic identity.