In the pantheon of raging bulls from Sant’Agata Bolognese, the Lamborghini Islero often stands slightly in the shadows, a more subtle and perhaps less flamboyant figure compared to its dramatic contemporaries like the Miura and Espada. Yet, this elegant 2+2 grand tourer, produced between 1968 and 1969, holds a unique and significant place in Lamborghini’s history, embodying Ferruccio Lamborghini’s personal vision of a refined yet potent Italian express.
Launched at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show as a direct successor to the 400 GT, the Islero aimed to offer a more comfortable and driver-focused experience without sacrificing the raw power that defined Lamborghini. Its name, like many of its stablemates, was derived from a legendary fighting bull – the very Islero that tragically ended the career of the famed matador Manuel Rodriguez “Manolete” in 1947, a testament to the car’s underlying ferocity.
A Departure in Design:
While its predecessors boasted elegant, curvaceous Touring coachwork, the Islero, penned by Mario Marazzi of Carrozzeria Marazzi (a firm established by ex-Touring employees), adopted a more angular and contemporary design language. The long bonnet, a hallmark of classic GT proportions, flowed into a sharply creased five-window cockpit. Pop-up headlights, a trendy feature of the era, punctuated the clean front fascia, while the slab-sided flanks contributed to a sense of understated muscularity. Though some contemporary critics found the styling less dramatic than other Lamborghinis, the Islero’s design has aged gracefully, now appreciated for its elegant simplicity. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself reportedly dictated many of the design requirements, desiring a more discreet grand tourer.
The Soul of a Lamborghini:
Beneath the Islero’s relatively demure exterior lay the heart of a true Lamborghini: the magnificent 3.9-liter, quad-cam V12 engine, inherited from the 400 GT and also found in the iconic Miura. Fed by six Weber carburetors, this glorious power unit initially produced a healthy 325 horsepower, providing effortless performance and a spine-tingling soundtrack. Mated to a smooth five-speed manual transmission and underpinned by a fully independent suspension, the Islero offered a compelling blend of high-speed cruising ability and surprisingly agile handling for a car of its size.
The Enhanced Islero S:
In 1969, Lamborghini introduced the Islero S, a refined and more potent evolution. Power from the V12 was bumped to 350 horsepower, thanks to hotter cams and a higher compression ratio, bringing its performance figures even closer to the Miura. Visually, the S gained subtle yet significant updates, including slightly flared wheel arches, a larger hood scoop for improved cabin ventilation, and stylish horizontal vents behind the front wheels. Inside, the Islero S featured a revised dashboard and more supportive seats, enhancing the driving experience.
A Rarity with a Pedigree:
Despite its impressive capabilities and the personal endorsement of Ferruccio Lamborghini, who reportedly used an Islero as his personal car, production numbers remained low. Only 125 examples of the original Islero were built, followed by a mere 100 units of the improved Islero S before it was replaced by the Jarama in 1970. This limited production run contributes significantly to the Islero’s rarity and desirability among collectors today.
The Forgotten Bull No More:
For years, the Lamborghini Islero was often overshadowed by its more extroverted siblings. However, discerning enthusiasts are increasingly recognizing its unique charm and significance. It represents a fascinating chapter in Lamborghini’s history, showcasing the brand’s ability to create a sophisticated and powerful grand tourer that appealed to a different kind of buyer – one who appreciated understated elegance as much as thrilling performance. The Islero, the bull that felled a legend, is finally stepping out of the shadows and into the well-deserved admiration of the automotive world.