Automobili Lamborghini took part in the ICE (International Concours of Elegance) for the second time, which took place on the frozen Lake St. Moritz from February 23rd to 24th. The House of Sant’Agata Bolognese was represented by Lamborghini Polo Storico, the reference point for all international Lamborghini enthusiasts and collectors, many of whom were welcomed at the event. During the event, Automobili Lamborghini presented two cars from its museum collection in Sant’Agata Bolognese: a 1973 Jarama GTS, ready for a weekend in the snow, complete with ski rack, skis and toboggan, and a 1968 400 GT 2+2: both important Cars in the company’s history. Although they are representative of two different historical decades, the 1960s with its rounded shapes and the 1970s with its characteristic angular design, both Lamborghini 2 +2s presented in St. Moritz are equipped with the same power unit: the legendary Lamborghini 4 -liter V-12 with two overhead camshafts in the front longitudinal position.
“The ICE”, which stands for “International Concours of Elegance” and is being held for the third time, has established itself right from the start as one of the most fascinating events in the world of classic cars. In addition to the concours itself, where the over 50 submitted cars are judged not only by experts in the field, but also by artists and architects, the main attraction of the event is the stage on which it takes place: the frozen lake of St. Moritz embedded in the Engadine.
Alessandro Farmeschi, Global After Sales Director of Automobili Lamborghini, noted: “Polo Storico’s participation in The ICE was an opportunity to meet our customers and lovers of classic Lamborghini models in a truly unique setting. This event is very close to our own spirit and our way of celebrating the passion for our classic cars: beautiful to look at, but also fun and exciting to drive. It is an unusual context to see a historic Lamborghini, even more so when it comes to cars that are normally admired in our museum.”
With its presence in St. Moritz, Lamborghini Polo Storico enters 2024 together with customers and enthusiasts, ushering in a year full of goals, certifications and restorations that confirm an increasing commitment to preserving the historical heritage of the House of Sant’Agata Bolognese .
The forgotten Lamborghini, a Jarama GTS from 1973
The Jarama GT was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970. It is the new GT 2+2 from Lamborghini, which was developed as a replacement for the Islero and whose mechanics were retained. The ultra-modern body style is the work of Carrozzeria Bertone and is a perfect expression of the automotive shapes that would characterize the 1970s, consisting of tight, angular lines. The Jarama is a true Gran Turismo car, perfect for comfortable, fast and enjoyable long-distance journeys in luxury.
Its design allows it to accommodate two adults and two children in the back seat, as well as several pieces of luggage. One of the Jarama’s styling features is the eyelids that cover the front headlights when not in use, a unique feature in the entire history of Lamborghini production. In 1972, the Jarama GTS was born, with an engine, the same 4-liter engine, made more powerful and now producing 365 hp, and some aesthetic changes, such as a raised air intake on the hood, air intakes on the front fenders, etc. redesigned Campagnolo rims. Inside, the GTS gets seats with contoured backrests to create more rear seat space, an aluminum panel to cover the dashboard, a new secondary button layout and standard power steering.
Production lasted until 1976 and no replacement model was planned when production of the Jarama ceased. A total of 327 units were produced: 177 GT and 150 GTS. Displayed in St. Moritz in 1973, the GTS, now owned by Automobili Lamborghini, was sold new in Sicily and is in its original configuration with Blu Tahiti body and mustard yellow interior.
The ultimate Italian GT from the sixties, the 400 GT 2+2 from 1968
In 1966 the 400 GT was presented at the Geneva Motor Show, slightly revised in its lines compared to the 350 GT, especially in the rear part of the body, raised by 6.5 centimeters to 2+2 and equipped with the 12-cylinder engine was increased to 4 Liter enlarged and, thanks to the enlarged bore, produces 320 hp at 6500 rpm. With the 400 GT, the V12 engine reached its perfect stage of development and became Lamborghini’s trademark, equipping, with its respective developments, all 12-cylinder vehicles manufactured in Sant’Agata Bolognese in the following decade.
The 400 GT also adopted Lamborghini’s in-house developed and manufactured transmission and differential, as well as a revised rear suspension. The October 1966 issue of American Road & Track magazine mentioned the 400 GT “The best GT we have ever had the pleasure of testing” A remark that pleased Ferruccio Lamborghini, who had started his new venture just three years earlier with the desire to simply build the best GT in the world. The 400 GT 2+2 on display in St. Moritz was delivered to the Grand Garage des Nations in Geneva in March 1968 in Grigio Saint Vincent livery with a tobacco brown interior and is now part of the collection of the Automobili Lamborghini Museum.
