<< Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >> As stated earliar, a coach-builder had not yet been assigned before its launch. All major Italian coach-builders realized the importance of the project and visited the Lamborghini stand at the Turin show. Touring was responsible for the 350 GT's design and therefore was considered by Feruccio first. His decision was made after several discussions with Nuccio Bertone. Not only the unusual chassis design, but also the deadline set by Lamborghini made it a very difficult project for Bertone. Lamborghini wanted the complete car ready for the 1966 Geneva Motorshow, which left only three months design time.
Adding insult to injury was Bertone's ongoing dispute with his head-designer Giorgietto Giugiaro. Giugiaro eventually resigned and joined Ghia, after sketching the first designs for the P 400. He was replaced by Marcello Gandini, who had previously worked as an interior decorator, specialising in night-clubs. Bertone had great confidence in this young designer and assigned the prestigious Lamborghini project to him, despite his absolute lack of experience. Gandini was probably in the best position to offer the fresh approach the P 400 project required. After all, the other Bertone designers had previously designed nothing but front-engined cars.
Making the most of the mid-engined layout, Gandini's design featured a very low nose. The two front wheel arches were the highest sections of the front end, whereas front-engined cars were usually dominated by a bulge over the engine. The nose is dominated by two grills, designed to release hot air from the radiator. Two air-scoops behind the side windows and in the sills are the most obvious cues indicating the engine position. To further cool the engine, the glass rear window was replaced by a set of black louvres, which covered the engine, but also provided the driver with a rearward view. << Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >>
Ultimatecarpage.com
> Cars by brand
> Italy
> Lamborghini
Miura P400 Jota
As stated earliar, a coach-builder had not yet been assigned before its launch. All major Italian coach-builders realized the importance of the project and visited the Lamborghini stand at the Turin show. Touring was responsible for the 350 GT's design and therefore was considered by Feruccio first. His decision was made after several discussions with Nuccio Bertone. Not only the unusual chassis design, but also the deadline set by Lamborghini made it a very difficult project for Bertone. Lamborghini wanted the complete car ready for the 1966 Geneva Motorshow, which left only three months design time.