| |
| Lamborghini 400 GT Monza | |
|---|---|
| Lamborghini | |
| aka | Monza 400 |
| Production | 1966 1 unit produced |
| Class | Grand tourer one-off special |
| Body Style | 2-door, two-seater |
| Length | 4,380 mm (172.4 in) |
| Width | 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Weight | 1249 kg / 2754 lbs |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Engine | 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12 |
| Power | 238.6 kw / 320 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| Similar | Lamborghini 400 GT |
| Designer | Neri & Bonacini S.d.f. |
The Lamborghini 400 GT Monza was a one-off two-seater gran turismo based on the 400 GT "Interim", featuring unique bodywork by the shop of Neri and Bonacini, who were already previously known for their work on the "Nembo" series of Ferraris.
Giorgio Neri and Luciano Bonacini were initially hired by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963 to construct the chassis of and assemble the first prototype Lamborghini, the 350 GTV. Following this, they supplied some early production chassis, before turning that job over to Marchesi once series production of the 350 GT was well underway.
Through this pre-existing relationship with Lamborghini, Neri and Bonacini were commissioned to create a one-off two-seater sports car based on a 350 GT chassis (number 01030) and a 400 GT V-12 engine. Possibly built for an unknown American client to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car was completed in 1966 and named the 400 GT Monza. The original name was the "400 GT Neri and Bonacini," but the final name Monza was eventually chosen due to its brevity and evocation of racing history. The aluminum body was hand built in the Neri and Bonacini shop and went through many revisions during the fabrication process. The final result was a distinctive fastback, with a long hood and Kamm tail. The designers integrated a roll bar into the extremely thick C-pillar, possibly increasing roll-over safety but compromising rearward visibility. Other details included a very low and raked windshield, prominent but non-functional air vent grilles behind the front wheels and stylized "400 Monza" badging. Overall, the design shows visual similarities to other contemporary Italian sports cars, including a striking resemblance to the Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada.
Homologation problems prevented the car from ever racing and the American customer who commissioned it apparently never received the car. It was instead displayed at the 1967 Barcelona Motor Show on the Lamborghini importer Amato's stand. A wealthy Spaniard purchased it at the show and the 400 GT Monza remained in his family after his death in the early 1990s. In 1996, auction house Brooks (now Bonhams) discovered the car in storage when they were contacted by the family of the now deceased owner to appraise some other cars. After nine years of negotiations, the car was finally sold at Bonhams' December 2005 auction in London for £177,500 GBP.
Together with the Lamborghini Miura, today it is one of the most highly rated Lamborghinis.
Name[]
The 400 GT Monza, was originally supposed to be called the “400 GT Neri and Bonacini” but instead this was shortened to “Monza”.
Specificacions[]
| Type | Series Production Car |
| Built at | Modena, Italy |
| Coachbuilder | Neri & Bonacini S.d.f. |
| Production | 1 |
| Engine | V12 |
| Position | Front Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| Displacement | 3929 cc / 239.8 in³ |
| Bore | 82.0 mm / 3.23 in |
| Stroke | 62.0 mm / 2.44 in |
| Compression | 9.5:1 |
| Power | 238.6 kw / 320 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| Specific output | 81.45 bhp per litre |
| Torque | 393.2 nm / 290.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm |
| Driven Wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| 0 – 100 mph | “ not available ” |
Gallery[]
.jpg "1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza (1).jpg (84 KB)")
.jpg "1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza (2).jpg (62 KB)")
.jpg "1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza (3).jpg (57 KB)")
.jpg "1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza (4).jpg (64 KB)")
.jpg "1966 Lamborghini 400GT Monza (5).jpg (112 KB)")
