1969 Lamborghini Islero

Lamborghini Islero (Coupe), 1968-1969

The Lamborghini Islero was in production from 1968 until 1969. Styled by Mario Marazzi, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive GT range seating two adults and two children.

Carrozzeria Marazzi wasn't only chosen to style the car - the body was built by them too. It was intended as a more conservative alternative for buyers scared off by the radical styling of the Espada - Lamborghini's other 2+2 GT launched at the same motor show. Effectively, it was a rebody of the older 400GT which it replaced, styled in a more up to date manner and - rumour has it - under heavy direction from Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. With 325bhp from its 3.9 V12, the Islero could manage 154mph and did 0-60 in just 6.4 seconds - fast even fifty years on. The underpinnings were based on the 400GT, with thicker anti roll bars, wider track and other minor revisions to accommodate widerwheels and tyres - the wheels magnesium alloy, and made for the car by Campagnolo.

A slow seller, Lamborghini sold just 125 Isleros before production was withdrawn in 1969. Lamborghini did however release an updated Islero at the same time - the Islero S. Cooling vents to the front wings, a larger bonnet scoop, flared arches and front quarterlights were the most visible changes, while bigger brakes, revised rear suspension and a pair of Miura P400S camshafts were among the mechanical revisions. Power was upped to 350bhp, 0-60 dropped to 6.2 seconds and the car could now crack 160mph. 100 Islero S models were made, alongside the 125 standard Isleros of the previous year. Production ended in 1970, replaced by the Jarama.

The clearest alternative to a Lamborgini Islero would be its sister car, the Espada - launched at the same time, and using the same mechanicals, its more daring body captured the public's imagination. The later Jarama offered a similar package with more 1970s styling. Alternatively, the older 400GT would be an interesting choice, as would the Daytona-based Ferrari 365GTC/4. A Maserati Ghibli might be perceived as more of a grand tourer, but that shouldn't deter the would-be owner. Film fans tempted by its appearance in The Man Who Haunted Himself could of course consider a Rover P5B instead, though obviously that would be a very different type of car.