Lamborghini Islero (1968-69)
Production Total: A total of 225 Lamborghini Isleros were manufactured. This includes **125 units** of the original Islero and 100 units of the updated Islero S.
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Price New: In 1968, the new price of a Lamborghini Islero in the UK was approximately **£7,000**.
Using historical inflation data, **£7,000** in 1968 would be approximately **£126,000** in 2025.
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Rivals: In 1990, the main rivals of the Lamborghini Diablo in the UK included the **Ferrari 348** and the **Porsche 911 Carrera**.
- **Ferrari 348**: The cost of a new Ferrari 348 in 1990 was around **£50,000**.
- **Porsche 911 Carrera**: The cost of a new Porsche 911 Carrera in 1990 was approximately **£25,000**.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, it is estimated that between 4 and 6 Lamborghini Isleros (1968–69) are recorded by the DVLA as being in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1968, the road tax for a Lamborghini Islero in the UK would have been based on its engine size. Given that the Lamborghini Islero had an engine capacity of around 4.0 liters, the road tax would have been approximately **£10 per year**.
Using historical inflation data, **£10 per year** road tax in 1968 would be approximately **£45 per year** in 2025.
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Petrol: In 1968, the cost of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately 29 pence per gallon. This translates to about 6.4 pence per litre.
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Insurance: The average cost of insuring a Lamborghini Islero in 1968 in the UK is estimated to have been between £200 and £400 annually, depending on individual circumstances such as driver profile and location.
In terms of today’s money (2025), the average cost of insuring a Lamborghini Islero in the UK in 1968 (£200–£400 annually) would equate to approximately between £3,800 and £7,600 annually when adjusted for inflation.
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The Lamborghini Islero, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are a few issues that owners and enthusiasts have reported:
1. **Rust**: The Islero is prone to rust, particularly in the rear quarters and footwells.
2. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the electrical system, including wiring and connections, are common.
3. **Fit and Finish**: The quality of the body and interior fit and finish can be inconsistent, with some cars suffering from poor assembly.
4. **Cooling System**: The cooling system can be problematic, leading to overheating issues.
5. **Suspension and Steering**: Wear and tear on the suspension and steering components can lead to handling issues.
Despite these faults, the Islero remains a beloved classic for its unique design and driving experience.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The Lamborghini Islero had **two generations**:
1. **Islero** (1968): The original model.
2. **Islero S** (1969): An updated version with several improvements and styling changes.
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Engines
The Lamborghini Islero was equipped with a **3.9-liter (3,929 cc) Lamborghini V12 engine**. This engine was capable of producing **325 bhp (242 kW; 330 PS)** in the standard Islero and **350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS)** in the Islero S. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
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Performance
The Lamborghini Islero and Islero S both offered impressive performance for their time:
### Lamborghini Islero (1968)
- **Engine**: 3.9-liter V12
- **Power**: 325 bhp (242 kW; 330 PS)
- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)**: 6.4 seconds
- **Top Speed**: 154 mph (248 km/h)
### Lamborghini Islero S (1969)
- **Engine**: 3.9-liter V12 (upgraded)
- **Power**: 350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS)
- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)**: 6.2 seconds
- **Top Speed**: 161 mph (259 km/h)
The Islero S had a slight edge in performance due to the increased power output and minor improvements in acceleration and top speed.
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Spares/Specialists
For Lamborghini Islero spare parts in the UK or Ireland, you can check out the following sources:
1. **Classic Lamborghini Parts**: They specialize in parts for classic Lamborghini models, including the Islero. They offer new old stock and used parts.
2. **Eurospares Ltd**: They have a large inventory of genuine, OEM, and aftermarket spare parts for all Lamborghini models and provide fast global delivery.
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There are specialist garage services in Northern Ireland for a Lamborghini Islero. Here are a couple of options:
1. **McMillan Specialist Cars**: Located in Antrim, they are known for their expertise in high-performance and luxury vehicles, including Lamborghinis.
2. **Highline Autos**: While they are based in Hertfordshire, they offer specialized Lamborghini services and might be able to provide advice or referrals for services in Northern Ireland.
These garages should be able to help with the maintenance and repair of your Lamborghini Islero. 😊
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Racing
The Lamborghini Islero was not primarily designed for racing, but it did have some involvement in motorsport. Notably, French enthusiasts Paul Rilly and Roger Levève attempted to enter a lightly modified Islero (chassis 6348) in the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans to compete in the GTX class.
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Valuation
The value of a Lamborghini Islero today can vary significantly based on its condition, history, and market demand. On average, a well-maintained Islero can be worth around **£170,000** in the UK. However, prices can range from approximately **£68,200** to **£401,500** depending on the specific car and its provenance.
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