Ferruccio Lamborghini will actually compete against the dominance of Ferrari on the market for the twelve-cylinder. He begins to build a car factory in Sant 'Agata Bolognese and gets in touch with developers. Including Giotto Bizzarrini, who has developed the 250 GT and the 250 GTO , has worked to the end of 1961 with Ferrari and after a further interim job works independently. According to legend, Lamborghini has expected of him for the (low) price of a medium-sized vehicle a more modern twelve- cylinder than usual at Ferrari with a specific performance. One can assume that Bizzarrini has several drafts in the drawer, including a 1.5 liter V12, otherwise such a short development time would be impossible.

Instead of two, as in Ferrari, the engine has four camshafts. For the adjustment you need probably half a day because also many units must be dismantled. The completion and test runs reveal a basic conflict between Bizzarrini and Lamborghini. The former wants a more sporty racing oriented engine, the latter possibly is looking for the torque for more relaxed GT-driving. Thus, the engine prior to installation in the 350 GT, which reached already 298 kW (400 hp) at 11000 rpm, will be again trimmed to 199 kW (270 hp) at an acceptable level of engine speed and much better pulling power, before it is mounted in the 350 GT.

Check out the prototype (fig. 3) and compare it with the production version (figure 1). If you notice major differences, you are correct. For the first presentation in Turin in November 1963, the car is not as successful as expected. Ferruccio Lamborghini is said to have yet discussed during the presentation serious changes with the company Touring. Then at the Geneva Salon six months later there is almost a different car. From behind the difference is even greater, because the prototype has a far-reaching glass pane into the rear. Since only a very small trunk lid is possible. But, as said in spring here is already improved. Delivered will be in 1963 still very few copies. A longer period between presentation and delivery it will later give more often.