The Lamborghini Islero S sits in a quiet corner of Sant'Agata's history, overshadowed by the Miura yet arguably more telling about the company's ambitions in 1969. Built on a shortened 400 GT chassis with coachwork by Marazzi — staffed largely by alumni of the great Carrozzeria Touring — the Islero was the Lamborghini that Ferruccio himself chose to drive. KK Scale's 1:18 die-cast interpretation in Silver brings that understated legacy to the display shelf with genuine fidelity.
A Grand Tourer Built on Lamborghini's Finest Chassis
Launched in 1968, the Islero used the 400 GT floorpan — a proven 2550 mm wheelbase platform carrying Lamborghini's 3929 cc, twin-cam V12 breathing through six Weber carburettors. The Islero S arrived in 1969 with recalibrated carburation, an improved cabin and better ventilation, lifting output to 350 hp (DIN) and a claimed top speed of around 260 km/h. It was a thoroughbred GT in the truest sense: fast, refined and penned to travel distances rather than to perform for crowds at concours events.
One Hundred Units — and Ferruccio's Personal Pick
Of the 225 Isleros produced in total, only 100 were the higher-specification S variant, and production ended in 1969 when the Jarama took over in 1970. That total output puts the Islero S among the rarest of all road-going Lamborghinis. Crucially, it was Ferruccio Lamborghini's own car of choice — a fact that says more about the Islero's real-world usability and driver satisfaction than any press test could. The Silver livery worn by this example is period-correct for a late-1960s Italian grand tourer and deliberately understated against the flamboyant yellows and oranges of the era's supercar world.
KK Scale's 1:18 Die-Cast Interpretation
KK Scale has established a consistent reputation for 1:18 die-cast road cars, with particular attention to classic European GT subjects that mainstream manufacturers overlook. The Islero S in Silver is part of their classic Italian road car range — die-cast metal construction, finished in an Argento Silver that respects the coachbuilt character of the original Marazzi body. For a subject this rare, a dedicated 1:18 die-cast model from a specialist like KK Scale represents the most accessible route to owning a faithful replica of a genuine collector's Lamborghini.
In the Display Cabinet
The Islero S pairs naturally with other 1969 Lamborghini subjects — the Miura S or the Espada Series II — creating a coherent snapshot of Sant'Agata's V12 road car range at its most diverse. It also complements the 400 GT 2+2, the Islero's chassis ancestor, and the Jarama that succeeded it in 1970. Collectors following KK Scale's broader classic Italian GT range will find the Islero S a defining piece: a Silver car among predominantly brighter Lamborghinis, and a model that represents the definitive, final-year specification of one of the marque's most personal projects.
Frequently asked questions
How rare was the real Lamborghini Islero S?
Only 100 Islero S units were produced in 1969, as part of a total Islero run of 225 cars (125 original plus 100 S). Production ended that same year when the Jarama replaced it in 1970.
What made the Islero S different from the original Islero?
Introduced in 1969, the Islero S brought revised carburation on the 3929 cc V12, raising output to 350 hp (DIN), alongside an improved interior and better cabin ventilation.
Who made this 1:18 scale model and what material is it?
The model is made by KK Scale and is constructed in die-cast metal, finished in Silver as part of their 1:18 classic road car range.
Why is the Islero significant in Lamborghini's history?
The Islero was reportedly Ferruccio Lamborghini's personal car of choice — a driver-focused grand tourer positioned as a more discreet alternative to the Miura, built on the respected 400 GT chassis by coachbuilder Marazzi.
