Introduction: When Lamborghini Met Zagato
In 1965, Lamborghini partnered with renowned Milanese coachbuilder Zagato to create a grand touring masterpiece—the Lamborghini 3500 GTZ. This rare coupe, designed by the legendary Ercole Spada, embodied a unique blend of elegance, engineering precision, and Italian artistry. Lamborghini produced just two units, making the 3500 GTZ one of the rarest and most coveted examples in the brand’s history.
Exterior Design: Zagato’s Vision in Aluminium
Ercole Spada designed the 3500 GTZ with fluidity, balance, and aerodynamics in mind. He sculpted its aluminum bodywork over a shortened Lamborghini 350 GT chassis, giving it sharper proportions and greater agility.
The fastback silhouette, Kamm-style rear end, covered headlights, and delicate curves showcased Zagato’s unmistakable design language. Every surface contributed to the car’s performance and presence. Lamborghini chose lightweight materials and racing-inspired proportions, emphasizing dynamic intent.
Performance & Powertrain: Lamborghini’s V12 Reimagined
Under the long, sculpted hood, Lamborghini installed a 3.9-liter DOHC V12, a tuned and enlarged version of the company’s already iconic 3.5-liter unit. This engine produced 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and delivered 375 Nm (277 lb-ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Drivers engaged a ZF 5-speed manual transmission to channel power to the rear wheels. Thanks to its lighter weight and increased displacement, the 3500 GTZ could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 160 mph (260 km/h)—exceptional figures for its era.
Chassis & Handling: Precision at Its Core
Lamborghini engineered the 3500 GTZ on a tubular steel chassis, which provided high torsional rigidity with low weight. The company shortened the wheelbase by 100 mm compared to the 350 GT, making the car more responsive and nimble.
Independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs kept the ride balanced and refined, while Girling disc brakes ensured reliable stopping power. At just 1,050 kg (2,315 lb), the 3500 GTZ felt agile and athletic—true to Lamborghini’s performance ethos.
Interior: Craftsmanship in Every Stitch
Inside, Lamborghini and Zagato tailored the 3500 GTZ for grand touring luxury. The cabin featured bespoke leather upholstery, diamond-quilted panels, and a driver-focused walnut dashboard housing classic analog gauges.
Zagato refined the interior beyond the standard 350 GT, integrating fine materials and exclusive finishes. Every element—from the chrome accents to the racing-style seating—reflected the artisanal care that went into this car’s creation.
Legacy: Two Created, One Survives
Zagato built two examples of the 3500 GTZ:
- Chassis 0310, finished in white with a black interior, debuted at the 1965 London Motor Show.
- Chassis 0322, painted metallic silver, appeared at the 1965 Turin Motor Show.
While both cars originally captured global attention, only chassis 0310 survives today. After passing through several hands and spending years in Australia, it underwent a full restoration and now resides in its original left-hand-drive configuration, finished in white.
The second car, sadly, was destroyed in an accident shortly after its debut, cementing the surviving GTZ’s rarity and value.
Collector Value: A Coachbuilt Unicorn
Today, the Lamborghini 3500 GTZ holds legendary status. As the only surviving Zagato-bodied Lamborghini from the 1960s, it bridges Lamborghini’s early engineering prowess with Zagato’s coachbuilding finesse. Collectors and enthusiasts prize the GTZ for its exclusivity, provenance, and timeless Italian style.
This one-off creation also marks a significant chapter in Lamborghini’s design evolution, predating the arrival of the Miura and setting the tone for future masterpieces.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production Year | 1965 |
| Units Produced | 2 (1 survives) |
| Designer | Ercole Spada, Zagato |
| Engine | 3.9L DOHC V12, 320 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 375 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed ZF manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Chassis | Shortened tubular steel (350 GT-based) |
| Body Material | Hand-formed aluminium |
| Weight | 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs) |
| Top Speed | 160 mph (260 km/h) |
| Acceleration (0–60) | ~6.0 seconds |
Conclusion: Lamborghini’s Hidden Jewel
The Lamborghini 3500 GTZ Zagato remains one of the most breathtaking and historically important cars the marque ever built. It captured the brand’s ambition during its formative years and reflected the artistry of Milan’s greatest coachbuilder.
With only one surviving example, the 3500 GTZ isn’t just a rare Lamborghini—it’s a singular statement of performance, beauty, and innovation. For those lucky enough to witness it, this car offers more than history. It offers a legend.
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