The vintage Italian car market has been one of the more exclusive circles of the car hobby for some time. In short, these are expensive vehicles and their rarity and upkeep will forever ensure that only a select few get to enjoy them. For many enthusiasts, Lamborghini is the pinnacle of the vintage sports car experience. But with the demographics starting to shift, I wouldn’t be surprised if your average man off the street these days thinks that Lamborghini’s history began with the Countach and the Miura. However, vehicles like this 1969 Lamborghini Islero listed here on Broad Arrow Auctions remind us that the company’s history goes back much farther, and the rarity of such models will place you in exclusive in short order should you be in a position to buy.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Araknid78 for the find. We often talk about the fact that rare doesn’t translate to “desirable” or even “valuable.” Rare in Lamborghini-speak can also mean that a model is less desirable as a result (see the Jalpa). But keep in mind: even the most undesirable vintage Lamborghini will offer access to an exclusive club of motoring enthusiasts who understand that two doors, four seats, and a V12 makes for a pretty fantastic combination. In the 1960s and 70s, many Italian manufactures were selling 2+2s at a decent clip, making it possible to enjoy the thrills of an Italian V12 within the presence of friends. The Islero was the successor to the 350 GT and 400 GT, and came equipped with a four litre V12 generating 325 b.h.p.
The Islero was meant to be a conservative option for the buyer who didn’t wish to alert the outside world to their wealth. The Muira was in the lineup alongside the Espada, making the Islero quite tame by comparison. The model itself has faded somewhat into the background, no doubt impacted by its relatively short production run and the subdued styling. This is still a striking car, however, oozing with style and class from a period in automotive design that made it possible for everyone of means to pretend to be Sean Connery or Frank Sinatra when they slid behind the wheel. The subject car shows light signs of patina and was restored once in 2012 and again in recent years.
With its numbers-matching drivetrain still under the hood and a lineage that goes back to being sold new to the Spanish royal family, this Islero has led a charmed life (like most cars reserved for the titans of industry and entire nations). After seeing limited use in Barcelona, it came to the United States where it was first restored and then went to a client in Europe, stopping in Germany before ultimately ending up with its current Swiss owner. This Islero is striking in its refinished original paint scheme of Azzurro Cielo, or Sky Blue. If I were in a position to purchase a vintage Italian sports car, I would go straight to Lamborghini’s lineup in the late 60s, and pair an Islero with a Muira for myself and an Espada for the wife.
Looks like an E9 was touched by a magic wand! Lovely in this color.
Best useless rear bumper ever!
Very cool find ..more stylish than a Ferrari 400i 2+2. I can see this appealing to the young doctor, wife and a couple toddlers out on the town OR mid life crisis guy with girlfriend gone for the weekend OR over 60 sugar daddy with trophy wife.
I suppose it’s silly to ask what this would go for. I didn’t see a price here or on the auction web site, so it’s like if you have to ask you can’t afford it. Beautiful car though. I guess if you can afford it you can afford the maintenance for a V12 Italian car too.
The site lists an estimate of $377,000 – $440,000 USD. Being One of 225 I’d imagine it’ll be a hot ticket.
Sweet!! Unique color. Estimate $377k-$440k.
This paint and interior colors remind me of the 89 or 90 jaguar.
Almost had the same colors.
Which was really sharp looking. Why bother putting bumpers on this!😂 this is such a beautiful looking car. The italians made such beautiful cars back in the sixties and early seventies. When you saw a Lamborghini, Ferrari or maserati, you could tell which one was which and the model it was. Not like today, they all look the same. This lamborghini will bring big price over five hundred thousand!!Good luck to the seller! 🐻🇺🇸
On my Bucket List’s Bucket List!
Given you have made this comment about 4 speed versus 5 speed on several cars in the past 48 hours, would you mind elaborating on your rationale? I honestly would like to know.
A red Islero was the first 12 cylinder with a back seat that i really liked.
nice write up Jeff
buzzin dozen, no. I like the rest
I’m sorry, I’m having a hard time typing and not drooling. Wow! Another one that I can lust over and not even come close to even sit in it!
If you came here at the right time. I might be able to give y ou a ride. I haven’t seen it in years but I t think he still has it.
Here is, don’t remember how many, hours south of brockway mountain.
Where is Brockway Mountain?
Molto bellissima!!
Wayne If you came here at the right time. I might be able to give y ou a ride. I haven’t seen it in years but I think he still has it.
Here is, don’t remember how many, hours south of brockway mountain.
Wayne, It’s as far North as you can go in God’s area code (906).40-50 years ago it was a stage run at night in the Press On Regardless.
There’s a stretch that every 10-11 hundreds of a mile, there’s a yump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOO3sfHh3T0
30 years ago, a local young man stopped by with daylight photos he had taken spectating the POR that year. Till that day, I didn’t know there were lookouts/drop-offs where you could fall into Lake Superior.
I’m 5-6 hours straight South of there.
Nice write up Jeff but u ask not for one not for two but for 3 Lambos. U need 3 oil wells for that and this somewhat rare in life u know!
I was a 20-year old in Germany when I walked around a corner and saw a new Islero just parked on the street. Metallic brown with cream leather. I was absolutely stunned! I simply stared and walked around it for along time.
I considered buying a used one and looked around, but $8000 was too much for me. Have wanted one ever since but they’ve always been just out of reach.
Absolutely gorgeous !!!
Sold Price:
$339,736