Description
A superb and rare – 1 of 100 – coach built LHD V12 GT Lamborghini Islero in ultimate “S” guise, beautifully restored and on the button.
History of this car
According to the Lamborghini factory correspondence on file, our Islero S was delivered new in Switzerland in August 1969 by concessionaire Foitek in Zurich. The delivery colours were verde chiaro with a black interior; our car is equipped with the optional shorter, 10/ 45 ratio differential.
Being an “S” model, it differs to the earlier Islero by featuring the higher compression Miura S motor, a different interior and bodywork changes including flared arches and front wing vents.
Nothing is known of the car’s early life in Switzerland, and it was imported into the UK in 1989 by exotic car dealer Classico Cars (C&E 386 certificate on file); a July 1989 classified advert in Classic & Sportscar magazine from this dealer shows they had another Islero S, a black car, at the same time.
Our example was sold to a Dutch buyer in the early 1990s and imported into Holland. Period photos are on file. The car then underwent a significant restoration spanning some years, carried out by Lamborghini specialist Kees von Stukum of Italauto and fully detailed over a large quantity of invoices totalling around 300, 000 Euros, involving a body restoration and major mechanical works (engine, differential, brakes, suspension etc), with much copy correspondence with the Lamborghini factory on file, evidencing technical liaisons. The restoration is also photo documented. Mileage at the time was 52, 624 klms, and today the car has 59, 700klms.
During the restoration, a set of deep dish, Lamborghini application specific 15 x 7 Borrani RW3983 wire wheels were installed. We have available by separate negotiation a spare set of Miura type Campagnolo magnesium wheels and tyres with newly re-chromed spinners for the buyer who prefers this style.
Our Islero was sold at auction in 2007 to a collection, at a then record auction price, where it remained on static display until imported into the UK by us in 2022. The car is all UK taxes paid, NOVA cleared and UK registered.
Since importation, the Lamborghini has undergone a large recommissioning programme to refresh the earlier restoration, producing what must be one of the best examples of this very rare car.
Bodywork
Our car has had a photo documented body overhaul when it was restored in Holland in the 1990s. At the time the colour was changed from the delivery verde chiaro to verde Amazonia (an Islero palette colour).
When we obtained the car it had storage marks and scratches on most panels so we elected to fully windows out repaint it in the same stunning verde Amazonia, fitting new screen rubbers. The work was carried out by award winning body shop Kingswell Coachworks in 2022 and today the car looks terrific.
Chassis wise this Islero is very sharp with protective undercoating throughout. The car had extensive cavity rust proofing when restored in Holland, and we have topped this up using Dinitrol products.
Glass (all original) is excellent as is the brightwork.
Mechanics
The Islero is now running beautifully after an extensive programme of re-commissioning works, including:
Engine compression and leak down tests, resulting in excellent numbers.
Cooling system overhaul with fresh re-cored radiator, rebuilt water pump, new aluminium header tank, fans stripped and serviced with new wiring, all new cooling hoses, belts and fresh blue glycol coolant.
New oil cooler, shroud and Mocal hoses/ couplings.
Fuel system overhaul with all new hoses, regulator, carburettor servicing, new air filters.
4 x new Pirelli CN72 tyres.
New engine oil and filter, gearbox and differential oils replaced, full chassis greasing.
Ignition overhaul with new points, condensers and plugs.
New brake master cylinder and fluid flush.
Electrical overhaul of window and headlight motors.
New Yuasa HD battery with 5 year warranty.
A stainless steel exhaust is fitted, painted black. The engine bay is lovely with much original detail including the hood pad.
Current advisory free MOT.
Interior
With the majority of these cars having been restored using non original materials, a stand out feature of this example is the all original interior, featuring the unique to this model and super stylish pigskin and velour seats (very comfortable they are too). Even the carpets are factory with Marazzi heel mats. The well stocked dashboard is lovely and the dashtop has no cracks. All the instruments work – even the clock, and this cabin looks and smells just right.
Boot
Similar to the interior, this has the original carpeting, Borrani spare and tie down.
Summary
This car is great value at the price suggested, a superb sounding and driving example sensitively restored. Supplied with an impressively comprehensive 30 year history file, two sets of original keys and copy handbook. The personalised registration shown will be removed prior to sale and an age related number applied.
E&OE
