Offered by Gooding & Co at Amelia Island
Matching-Numbers Engine
Coachwork by Touring
Estimate: $475,000 - $550,000
Chassis: 0622
Engine: 0570
One of Only 247 Examples Built; Retains Matching-Numbers Engine
Formerly Owned by Automotive Hall of Fame Writer Ken Gross
Owned for over Two Decades by Former Sebring Winner James Mullen
Recent Engine Rebuild and Other Mechanical Work Completed in 2015
Well-Documented Example Ideally Prepared for Touring and Rally Use
3,929 CC DOHC 60º Alloy V-12 Engine
Six Weber 40 DCOE Carburetors
320 BHP at 6,500 RPM
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Girling Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
EXHIBITED
Saratoga Automobile Museum, Forza Italia! exhibit, Saratoga Springs, New York, Summer 2011
PROVENANCE
Joe Skrzyniarz, Los Angeles, California (acquired circa 1985)
James Simkins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (acquired circa 1987)
Ken Gross, Princeton, New Jersey (acquired from the above in 1989)
James Mullen, South Hamilton, Massachusetts (acquired from the above in 1994)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)
THIS CAR
Introduced at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show, the Lamborghini 400 GT was an evolution of the company’s first model, the 350 GT. As the name implied, engine displacement was increased to four liters, and a greater overall length accommodated four seats in 2+2 configuration. The final evolution of the early Lamborghini grand-touring models, the 400 GT 2+2 has grown to be recognized for its deft pairing of performance and elegance, as this well-maintained example readily demonstrates.
Originally finished in the striking color of Grigio Saint-Vincent, this 400 GT was exported to the US at some point early in its history and, in the early 1980s was purchased by Southern California custom motorcycle builder Joe “Alphabet” Skrzyniarz. After passing through an intermediary owner for about three years, the Lamborghini was sold in the late 1980s to James Simkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it reportedly was driven very little by all three owners during some 15 years.
In late 1989, the 400 GT was purchased by Ken Gross, the Automotive Hall of Fame journalist whose diverse portfolio has included writing for Playboy magazine, directing the Petersen Automotive Museum, and curating some of today’s most successful museum exhibits in rolling sculpture. Mr. Gross immediately retained local Philadelphia marque expert Mike Tillson to refresh the brakes and electrical system to make the car an enjoyable weekend driver.
In 1994, in order to finance the build of a hot rod, Mr. Gross sold the Lamborghini to James Mullen of Massachusetts, a former Mazda factory driver and winner of the 1983 12 Hours of Sebring. Also a dedicated collector of vintage cars, Mr. Mullen entrusted the 400 GT to his personal mechanic, Jay Dow, and Mr. Dow continued to service the car fastidiously for the next 22 years, even during his more recent employment at the renowned Paul Russell and Company.
During Mr. Mullen’s ownership, Mr. Dow upgraded some of the hardware components for improved aesthetics, and conducted a complete engine rebuild two years ago, as demonstrated by a comprehensive set of photos. More recently he refreshed the suspension, installed a new stainless steel exhaust system, and mounted new Michelin tires.
Today, this beautifully maintained 400 GT has accrued less than 200 miles on the rebuilt engine, and currently displays approximately 13,000 miles, a figure the consignor believes to be original. As a pure example of one of Sant’Agata’s most desirable vintage models, 0622 offers spirited touring excursions or display at regional events.
