This is the 1969 Lamborghini Islero S Coupe, Chassis no. 6432. Starting with the name, ‘Islero’, derives from a Miura bull that killed matador Manuel Rodriguez "Manolete" on August 28, 1947. The Islero was introduced as the replacement for the 400 GT model, and was produced from 1968-1969 with only 225 units built in two different variants: Islero, and Islero S. The vehicle shown here is an Islero S, of which only 100 total units were produced for the entire world. Carrozzeria Marazzi was chosen to construct the Islero's body, however, Ferruccio Lamborghini himself is rumored to have designed the Islero on his own. Initially, the Islero suffered many different deficiencies in build quality, however, most of those issues were corrected in 1969 with the ‘S’ model. The Islero was essentially an updated version of the 400GT with a roomier interior, additional soundproofing, and greater visibility. The ‘S’ model actually came with a lot of updates and enhancements compared to the initial Islero model. The car now featured tinted windows, slightly flared fenders, an enlarged hood-scoop, and engine cooling vents on the front fenders. Other things like a slight increase in performance and handling also were implemented into the ‘S’ model. The Islero’s beauty speaks for itself, as Ferruccio Lamborghini himself drove an Islero as his personal car during that era – as did his brother Edmondo. This exact Islero made an appearance in the Roger Moore thriller The Man Who Haunted Himself, and in the Italian short film anthology Vedo nudo. The Islero was never intended to be a racecar, however, two French enthusiasts, Paul Rilly and Roger Levève, decided to enter a lightly modified Islero (chassis 6348) in the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans to compete in the GTX class. The car suffered a crash during qualifying, and did not end up competing.
How many made? Islero: 125
Islero S: 100
Total: 225
Engine: Islero: 4.0L Lamborghini V12 with 325bhp
Islero S: 4.0L Lamborghini V12 with 350bhp
Debut: 1968 Geneva Motor Show
Top Speed:
Islero: 154mph
Islero S: 161mph
0-60mph: Islero: 6.4 seconds
Islero S: 6.2 seconds
Photo Credit: @bonhamsmotoring
Research: @rarecarsonly