350 GTS & 3500 GTZ Variants

The 350 GTS was a convertible version of the 350 GT, created to appeal to drivers who wanted an open-top experience while enjoying Lamborghini’s powerful V12 engine. Lamborghini only built two examples of the 350 GTS, making it one of the rarest and most desirable versions of the car today. These convertibles featured the same 3.5-liter V12 engine as the coupe, with identical performance specifications of 280 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. However, the open-top configuration provided a more engaging driving experience, especially when cruising along scenic routes.

Visually, the 350 GTS maintained the elegant lines of the coupe, with minor modifications to accommodate the convertible roof. The car had the same luxurious interior, with handcrafted leather seats and fine detailing. The exclusivity of the 350 GTS, combined with its beautiful design and the unmatched sound of the V12 engine with the top down, made it a highly sought-after vehicle.

Another notable variant of the 350 GT was the 3500 GTZ, which showcased the collaborative work between Lamborghini and the renowned Italian coach builder Zagato. The GTZ was introduced in 1965 and featured a distinctive body design by Zagato, with more aggressive styling and a lightweight aluminum body. This variant of the 350 GT had a strikingly different appearance, with sharper lines and a more aerodynamic shape compared to the elegant curves of the 350 GT and 350 GTS.

The 3500 GTZ retained the same 3.5-liter V12 engine, producing 280 horsepower and delivering comparable performance to the 350 GT. However, the lighter weight of the GTZ body helped improve handling and agility, making it a slightly sharper driving experience. Only two examples of the 3500 GTZ were ever built, making it another extremely rare model in the Lamborghini lineup. Zagato’s contribution to the car’s design gave it a unique flair, blending Lamborghini’s engineering prowess with Zagato’s signature styling cues.

The 3500 GTZ remains one of the most collectible Lamborghinis, admired for its rarity and the seamless integration of form and function. The partnership between Lamborghini and Zagato was brief but impactful, resulting in a car that stands out in the brand’s early history.

The Lamborghini 350 GT is a car that represents the beginning of one of the most iconic supercar manufacturers in the world. It was more than just a response to Ferrari—it was a statement that Lamborghini could not only compete with but also surpass the competition in terms of luxury and performance. The car was produced in limited numbers, with only 120 units of the 350 GT built, making it a highly coveted classic today.

The variants of the 350 GT, including the 350 GTS and 3500 GTZ, added further depth to the lineup, offering rare and distinct versions of Lamborghini’s first production car. Each variant, with its own unique attributes, showcased Lamborghini’s commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and innovation from the very start. The 350 GT paved the way for future Lamborghini models, setting the standard for what would become a long line of high-performance grand tourers and supercars that continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.