The first Lamborghini returns to Geneva

In October 1963, a fairly new Italian car company presented its first prototype, a sportscar it designated ‘350 GTV’, at a motorshow in Turin. The company was called Automobili Lamborghini, founded by Ferrucio Lamborghini who had up till then was better know for a popular range of tractors. Though it was not revealed when the prototype was displayed, Lamborghini was in the final stages of developing a car which would be the company’s first production model.

Joining the Italian sportscar brands
Six months later, in March 1964, at the Geneva Motor Show, the 350 GT was presented as the production version of the 350 GTV. Lamborghini planned to make the model for sale and establish itself as automotive brand – with a bull as its symbol – to join the famous Italian sportscar brands.

The 350 GT immediately caught the attention of much of the media present at the show. Besides the design of the aluminium body, the engineering was also impressive, especially the 320 ps 3.5-litre V12 engine with 4 overhead camshafts which had initially been intended for competitive use and then adapted for the 350 GT.

The V12 engine that powered the first Lamborghini would go on to become legendary and a part of the brand’s DNA used in most models.

The V12 – part of Lamborghini’s DNA
The V12 configuration would be the cornerstone of Lamborghini’s success. The same geometry would be used in various positions and variations in the 400 GT, Islero, Jarama, Espada, Miura, Countach, Diablo and even the LM 002 SUV. It would become one of the key symbols of Lamborghini’s DNA.

The 2024 Geneva International Motor Show is over but the company despatched a 350 GT to travel through the streets of the city this month to mark the 60th anniversary of the model. Restored and certified by Lamborghini Polo Storico. it is the oldest existing production Lamborghini and the second 350 GT that was built.

The story could have been different
The Lamborghini story could have turned out differently and might have been merged with Ferrari because Ferrucio had reached out to Enzo in 1962. He owned a Ferrari 250GT which had a troublesome clutch and he believed he had found the solution to end the problem. He wanted to share the information with Ferrari, but through a partnership.

Ferrucio Lamborghini was well known for his powerful tractors before he began making powerful sportscars.

However, Enzo (who was 16 years older) not only rejected the proposal but he also insulted Ferrucio, regarding him as being a low-class uneducated farmer who only knew how to make tractors. That triggered Ferrucio to start his own company with the aim of challenging Ferrari. He hired top engineers and pushed them hard to develop a powerful sportscar.

And within two years after being insulted, he presented his sportscar at the Geneva Motor Show, hitting back at Enzo with this statement: “You buy a Ferrari when you want to be someone; you buy a Lamborghini when you are someone!”. And the rest, as they say, is history.

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