The Lamborghini 350 GT, the oldest existing production Lambo, is back on the streets of Geneva to celebrate its origins 60 years after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1964.

At the time of its unveiling in March 1964, Lamborghini was still in its early stages as a company having only been founded a year previously. A prototype, known as the 350 GTV was designed by Franco Scaglione and built in Turin, set the blueprint for the 350 GT which was then unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Customers were invited to place their orders for the 350 GT straight away and with good reason. It received widespread media attention and critical acclaim from those in attendance at Geneva. The car was fast and well built, using the expertise of engineer Giampaolo Dallara - now considered the best chassis maker in the world - to create the chassis and frame. Its 3.5-litre racing designed V12 engine with four overhead camshafts was adapted for road use by engineer Paolo Stanzani, who became a key figure in the history of Lamborghini. Such was its success, that the V12 was then taken to 4 litres a few months later to create the 400 GT. Over the next 40 years, the same geometry would be used in various positions and variations when creating other iconic Lamborghinis including; Islero, Jarama, Espada, Miura, Countach and Diablo.

But back to the 350 GT, the interiors were also of the highest quality, making use of plenty of leather and chrome plating. The car was set out in a 2 + 1 configuration with two front seats and a single central rear seat.

The car exhibited at the Lamborghini stand at Geneva 1964 was the 350 GT chassis #101, Metallic Geneva Green in colour with white interior, the first ever produced. The car, later used as a test model for development and endurance tests, was unfortunately destroyed by a rear-end collision while stopped at traffic lights.

The next 350 GT, however, did survive and was delivered brand new to Geneva. Metallic grey with a red interior and perfectly restored by Lamborghini Polo Storico, it is now the oldest existing Lamborghini production car. And what better way to celebrate its 60th anniversary than by bringing it back to its original home.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Lamborghini