I grew up in the era where cars like the Countach and Testarossa were in their heyday. But somehow, I wasn’t one of those kids who plastered one of the numerous posters of these outlandish sports cars on my bedroom wall. No, I was the odd one. Cars like the Citroën SM, Buick GNX and Audi Ur-Quattro were the cars that piqued my fancy. For me, cars are like wealth. Those that have the means don’t need to shout about it. But, there’s always the subset of the population who will want the brash face to go with the performance edge.

Amazing, then, that the manufacturer that popularized the mid-engine supercar formula started off with vehicles such as this: the Islero. Few people, even enthusiasts have ever heard of this car, let alone seen one. But it offers a window into the world of early Lamborghini history. This particular example for sale in Washington state has won an award at Concorso Italiano and is in show ready condition.

Year: 1968
Model: Islero
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 8,960 mi
Price: $198,888 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1968 Lamborghini Islero

1968 Lamborghini Islero GT 2+2 finished in stunning Argento Silver over Tobacco interior. This car, Chassis #6318 and Motor #2457 was the 104th Islero produced and delivered new on January 28th, 1969 To AutoElite in Europe. The 320bhp Lamborghini V12 engine has six Weber twin-choke carburetors and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Still retaining its original interior that is in stunning condition, it also retains its original color having been professionally re-sprayed during its cosmetic restoration. A full and comprehensive mechanical restoration was completed in 2012 at a cost of over $55,000 by Alpha of Tacoma. A strong and complete Islero with collector quality status and future upward mobility. Coming with extensive documentation from birth, such as Telex, window sticker, travel passport and multiple records and history of the car. Receipts for all recent work is available as well upon request. Sporting newer correct reproduction tires as well as its original RARE knock off Miura style wheels, its beauty is unsurpassed. A Lamborghini of the V12 era and Gentleman's GT cruisers, this show ready Islero recently won 3rd prize for 'Front Engine V12' at the Concorso Italiano. This never to be seen again styling Lamborghini Islero GT 2+2 is ready for its proud new owner!

Outside of the Miura and original 400GT, a lot of classic Lamborghinis languished in the collector market due to their obscurity. In the past several years, however, things have started to trend upward for these cars, which were devised as an onslaught to Ferrari’s dominance in the Italian sports car market. At almost $200,000 this Islero is on the high end of the market, but seeing as how it has a recent restoration and is a no excuses car, it might be worth it to the right buyer. You may get a lot of folks asking “what is it” but when they look at the badge and see the Raging Bull, you’ll garner a new found respect.

-Paul