Lamborghini Islero - more than meets the eye with this little known GT | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop

The Lamborghini Islero is a car that not everyone will have heard of, but more the reason to give it its moment in the spotlight. And it just so happens that we have no less than three of them in the workshop right now with a fourth on the way, quite remarkable considering the total production run between 1968 and 1969 only totalled 225 units, 125 of the original Islero model and 100 of the improved Islero S.
Introduced alongside the Espada at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, the Islero featured much more conservative styling, something not many would associate with Lamborghini! But as Iain explains, Ferruccio himself was very close to the design and vision of this model, a grand tourer that was deceptively small and drove beautifully as a result, powered of course by that wonderful V12.
Iain talks us through the history of the cars and the differences between the two versions with the help of the examples in the workshop, two of which are rather special. The brown Islero starred in the Italian short film anthology "Vedo nudo" aka "I See Naked", as driven by Sylva Koscina. The third example is very special indeed, Ferruccio's personal Islero that will be undergoing a full ground-up restoration at the workshop. The Islero is also famous for its appearance in the Roger Moore thriller "The Man Who Haunted Himself".
After tuning the brown Islero V12, Iain takes her for a drive to sample that Gran Turismo feeling.
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Lamborghini's history with grand tourers
01:43 - Ferruccio's vision with the Islero
02:15 - 1968 reveal
02:45 - subtle styling and build issues
03:36 - Islero S improvements
06:05 - design details
06:37 - the Islero movie stars
07:20 - Ferruccio's personal Islero
09:00 - Engine tuning
11:34 - Road test
17:07 - Outro
Thank you once again to everyone for the overwhelming reception of these videos and for all the support of likes, subscribes and wonderful comments.
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Filmed and edited by Whipp3dCream - whipp3dcream.com/
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[@risinbison1106]

My wife, who drives a 911, exact quote as we watched this. “ Watching Tyrrell tune a Lamborghini 12 cylinder is about the sexiest thing I’ve seen a man do in a long time.” Still got it my friend.

[@adamwort7160]

Best you go & tune her 911 then

[@iain_tyrrell]

…… in the interests of marital bliss, I think I need to teach you!

[@andyelliott8027]

@@iain_tyrrell That actress Sylva Koscina sadly died in 1994 aged 61from breast cancer,

[@charlie1832]

Time to learn how to tune a 911

[@docskate4312]

Seems like you need to up your game of tuning your woman.

[@arthuralford]

To have one Islero in a shop is something. Three, including Ferrucio's own? That shows you what people think of Iain's work. Thank you for letting us look over your shoulder and be able to experience and learn about cars we'll never see in the flesh

[@martiniv8924]

To me the Islero is beautiful 👌🏻

[@atastefortheroad4475]

100%

[@daveverster7483]

I agree..it's to me the sexiest older car after the Muira..and only a bit ahead of the Jalpa..which is my small V8 engine Lambo favourite!

[@bruceboatwright7488]

I think so as well. I was curious to note the lack of an outside rear view mirror. Is this common on this era of car?

[@tomlanigan4308]

I have to take another opportunity to thank you so much for these videos. As someone who grew up on Observer's car books, and Motor road tests, I can really appreciate the era we live in where we can get so intimate with these actual cars, and see and hear them being driven. We are so fortunate to have you share these moments with us all.

[@andymercer8092]

I absolutely love watching these videos, I know in some previous comments Iain has been described as the motor worlds version of David Attenborough and that’s exactly right. In my view Iain is a mechanical surgeon. 👍

[@duncanwaterston6145]

Wow, what an honour to restore Lamborghini’s own car, speaks volumes of their trust in you ! We’ll done !

[@ericheaton642]

It’s a shame this car doesn’t get the spotlight compared to the other models during the time period. In my personal opinion, I think this one of the best looking Lamborghinis and one of the overall best looking GTs of all time. Definitely on my list of cars I’d love to own one day.

[@nealm1814]

I was out on my bike the night you shot this and on my way home past Hawarden airport was pondering why I'd driven and ridden this road for years and never seen you out testing when who should come past me but yourself in that Lambo. Caught up with you when you pulled over by the junction to the Airbus jetty so if you were wondering who the cyclist in the red and black jersey shouting that he liked your stuff and giving you the thumbs up was it was me. Personally I thought she was running a bit rich going by the smell of the exhaust as you went past as I reckoned you could have run another car off the exhaust fumes but I guess we're all used to cars with cats these days 👍👍

[@markhaylett9570]

Another fantastic video beautifully delivered. I love that Ian doesn’t talk money and how much these cars are worth…Its all about engineering and history. Great stuff

[@AxLWake]

Great car. I like it a lot more than a Countach. Doesn't look as impressive but that's what I like. A more subtle, yet sporty and elegant design. Especially with than nice light shade of blue.

[@mescko]

"Impressive"? The Countach? No, ugly. THIS is the Lamborghini I want. And the Espada (behind him at 9:04) The last pretty Italian cars had chrome bumpers and the engine in front.

[@soidog5]

@@mescko I agree 100% - this car is so elegant and reasonably practical but still quick and fun to drive - I'll take the classic curves over the "modern" angles any day, and I don't really like the Countach either...

[@mescko]

@@soidog5 I thought I was the only one. I like to say the current Lambos look like turds from an origami dog.

[@asquare9316]

@@mescko Audi-Lambos, not actually Lambos, I agree wholeheartedly. Personally, I think both Lambo and Ferrari lost "it" when Ferruccio and Enzo passed. I do continue to be a fan of the Ferrari F1 team, though.

[@joaoportesantava1412]

It is beautiful! I think it’s the funniest thing when he is done tuning the car he will put his fingers on the motor to feel the vibrations and how smooth it is and grin 😁 when it’s just right, hahaha! I heard he was a professional singer, maybe oporá and maybe this is how he is so good at tuning. You have to hear a frequency then you need to balance all the cylinders and that’s not easy, it’s years and years working with these engines. I love this channel

[@nigelsenior4789]

Absolutely brilliant car, thanks for the great video, I'll be watching this over and over again, as you say, highly underrated and ignored, I'd love lamborghini to build a new version.

[@samueljohnclark]

I agree Nigel, if only they would build a modern homage that didn’t look like it belongs in a manga cartoon. Just much the same exterior with todays build quality and safety standards. V12, manual box… sign me up😃

[@wanderingweederspapa7878]

These videos are so interesting, being from the states we don't get to see these rare and beautiful beasts up close.. so a heart felt thank you for sharing your passion

[@bicyclist2]

I've always loved the look of the Islero, ever since seeing pictures of them in car magazines. The two shown here are stunning. It's good to see that they drive as good as they look. Great video. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@MrDallman]

And yet another weekend comes to a close and ends on a blissful edge watching the latest video feast from Iain’s garage…..absolutely wonderful..I can now sleep soundly and gracefully slip into next week…

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

That's the Lamborghini I think I'd choose over any other. It's understated, very obviously 60's Italian but not instantly recognisable (at least, to most folks, myself included)..... and it has that V12. Another excellent video! I can't wait to see more of the white one's restoration.

[@supercomp7078]

What a pretty little car, car s like this are what the world is missing today

[@bri77uk1]

Stunning! I first saw an Islero in 2018 at Bicester Heritage and instantly fell in love with the design. Such a shame so few were made. Good to know they drive well. Thanks for featuring it Iain!

[@pezzonovante888]

I personally love the Islero (and the Jarama). Thrilled to see it featured on TCW.

[@carfan3762]

I remember going for a ride as a passenger in an Islero when I was a young man. Being enthralled with the Miura and Espada designs, the Islero didn’t make much of an impression on me, but I loved the smootheness and silkiness of the engine. I didn’t realize so few were built !

[@mariojurman4113]

Since the Islero is so unique, one could easyly forget all the other big Lamborghini Types !

[@johnmilhuisen2607]

I prefer this era of Lamborghini over the later more garish ones. The designs are more pure and classic.

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

I hit the like button immediately, love your show and expertise.

[@marcuscoquer5958]

At last! I have been waiting for Islero or GT350/400 content to appear. That sound makes me smile.

[@RunDub]

Oooh, I was right! A handful of videos back, I'd spotted what I thought was an Islero in the background! Now to learn that it was Ferruccio's personal car, well, that's even cooler! Looking forward to seeing work on it! I've always had a sweet spot for the subdued Lamborghinis.

[@lindaoffenbach]

Wonderful, specially the interior-exterior colour combination of the car you’ve been showing driving is exquisite and very stylish. It makes the entire modest athletic design stand out and extraordinarily pleasing for the eye.

[@markfoggy9933]

One of the most beautiful cars of all time.

[@aaronandrewgill]

Could listen to this guy all day. He's the reason I decided to start working on cars again 👍

[@MaticT]

The Islero is so classic looking, its like a Alfa Romeo GTA Junior from the back, a Lotus-Corvette-Aston-Ferrari Daytona mixture from the front... simply amazing

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

What a beauty, and exactly "my" kind of car. GT cars is where it is at.

[@banjopete]

I agree, especially if you intend to use it!

[@robertharris7027]

Yep. Another one in the line.

[@advancelast1740]

Unfortunately Tesla is where it is at now 🙁

[@ruutbianchi4358]

Opens one's eye on the Islero, very interesting and I can imagine what Iain means as he states that sometimes a car surprises your expectations! Very nice!

[@marinman3551]

What a lovely way to spend 17 minutes ...thanks Ian

[@kipsome45]

I remember seeing the Silver Islero in The Man Who Haunted Himself…thank you for reminding me Iain!.

[@glennlindamood]

Thank you for making this video! I have seen the Islero briefly mentioned in books, but never anything this in depth! I always enjoy watching the carburetors getting tuned! Does this remind anyone else of a piano tuner?😉

[@niklaswejedal463]

Known about this model for ages, but never really took my time to check it out before - good to have that error corrected, at last!

[@douglasmorgan9224]

Thank you Iain. This has always been one of my favourite Lamborghinis. The crisp coupe design with the glasshouse is so elegant and understated much like the Ferrari 365/400/412. Have seen a few over the years and they never disappoint. Superb.

[@chrisdyson5513]

Another wonderful Lamborghini history lesson.

[@csnelling4]

That exhaust note is beautiful , Thanks for the video 🍷👍🇬🇧

[@fransb8543]

This video is a perfect gift for a sunday afternoon, thanks.

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

The number of times I have said after watching one of these videos "How can he top this?" and here we are again. Not only Do you find the rarest model but you get 4 of them lined up in one go. And such an amazing story behind each car from a time when the world was still a good place to be.

[@sharg0]

This style of GT car is much more appealing to me then today's huge, heavy lumps.

[@45green1]

I just love watching you tune, the car is not bad either, Lambo's of all models get me every time, especially the older models

[@kosmogeorge]

Wow. A really great and very strong car with less than 1400 Kg. Very light and probably quite agile. I love to watch your workshop videos. Great stuff !

[@shaunleecollins778]

This is actually my all-time favourite Lamborghini, the Islero S! Along with the Urraco S! Simply stunning.

[@andrewnevermind4902]

Love it when Mr. T drops a vid.

[@gori277]

Thank you so much for this (these) video (s). I cannot convey how much rewarding it is to have someone “review” a classic car offering a totally different perspective that us, normal classic car enthusiasts, couldn’t possibly get anywhere else. The history, the stories, the personal love and appreciation of such models is priceless. Keep yourself healthy and fit so we can enjoy these videos for much longer. 🙏

[@Kellsboro]

I've always liked the understated look of the Islero. I'm reminded of the De Tomaso Longchamp with its smaller size, 2+2 sedan/GT styling, yet with a very potent engine. The whole combination making for comfortable, higher speed cruising.

[@loopy7776]

It's not often that you get to see a master at work. Thank you.

[@trainmanbob]

What a lovely piece of machinery Iain. Looks like you really loved this one. Cheers, Bob

[@davidpate6095]

So pretty. Classy. Not over-styled. Delicate. How do you not fall in love?

[@jasonmeehan1269]

My favorite Lamborghini after the countach. Roger Moore drove an islero in the man who haunted himself.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

I’ve got the DVD 👍

[@jasonmeehan1269]

@@wokeybrokey8006 has other car was a rover p5B. Great movie.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

@@jasonmeehan1269 true with the 3-5 v8….beast for the stag 👍

[@richardhunt1384]

Fantastic looking car neither heard of one or even seen one and you currently have 3 with a forth on the way..... absolutely amazing!!!!

[@rene4868]

One of my personal favourite Lambo's that I already spotted in the background of your last video. Thank you for this video. Lovely to see.

[@aussiebloke609]

That fender vent may hearken back even further - it very much looks like the exhaust you'd find on virtually any WWII fighter that had a V12.

[@969Lokisan]

Just want to thank you. I really love your videos!

[@oldbenz3123]

Nice video. I drove a friend's 400GT a few years ago and was impressed with just how sweet a drive it was. I expect this is very similar.

[@constantinoskandiliotis9408]

Thank you Mr. Tyrrell for another informative video!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@tombley5760]

Superb. Only thing missing was a b-roll of the pop-up lights.

[@neocentro]

Stunning as usual. The brown car looks similar to AR818 Bruno Fondo, a colour that I considered for the repaint of my Alfa Berlina 2000; couldn't agree more, these classic Italian gems often look better in period colours other than "resale red"!

[@DK640OBrianYT]

Without your appearance on KZbin, I would never have known these insight details of Lamborghini and would never ever have known to appreciate the handbuild car manufactoring aspects of this brand. From a place out somewhere in the depths of the unknown, Lamborghini with his Espada, Miura, islero has found a well deserved place at the very top end. Magnificent. ....and thanks.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Schooled again, never seen one of those before. Excellent little car.

[@Phil-RS]

Great car, super rare, love the steering wheel, understated, fast and pretty and a cool name for a car. I think i seem to recognise the rear light clusters from another vehicle. Well thank you again Iain Tyrrell, i think you've pretty much become the David Attenborough of the automobile world. Salute.

[@johndavey72]

Hello lain . I could immediately see the difference in the build quality . Must say the beautiful side vents reminded me of the ltalian Macchi Castoldi sea plane that broke the air speed record in 1933 . (In reality probably nothing like !) Well , another fabulous insight to the world of Lamborghini . Thankyou lain .

[@Auraxium]

Camera work spot on, getting us right in at the action when Ian was working on the carbs. Well done!

[@patk8417]

To make this completely educational a mic on the hose that Iain is using so we can hear what he is hearing would make it truly complete.

[@OzTwanger]

I have never seen one. Absolute stunner

[@terrysandoe3531]

Absolutely fantastic content, I’ve so enjoyed learning about the lesser know Lamborghini models. So eloquently delivered and with excellent production values. I re watch so many of these videos as there is a ton of info to try and soak up. Thank you Iain and the team. 🏆

[@craigmountain5100]

I knew nothing about Lamborghini’s apart from recognising a countach, your an education pal 💪

[@EuropaSman]

Thanks Iain for another great video. It clarified a childhood memory of a film that had a David Niven looking character in it with a saloon that changed into a sports car. Now I know what had watched as a child! I remember the speeding scene, particularly the Rover P5 and its speedo with the needle going higher and higher, and it changing into the Islero, as well as a shot of the Lamborghini parked outside on the road in the dark of the main character's house. It's only now Thanks to you that I know it was a Roger Moore film; it must have been the moustache that made me think it was Niven from my memory of way back in the mid/late 1970s!!! 👍

[@robertsheppard1333]

Second-best looking Lambo ever made in my opinion. I love it's simple elegance.

[@darrenstone3693]

Thank you for the new upload Iain. Your knowledge on these Italian classics is outstanding. What a beautiful classic GT from yesteryear👍

[@catvisimo]

fantastic story for the Lamborghini, thank you for the video and for being on KZbin

[@antonhoward7968]

I was involved in Historic racing for quite a while, we had a couple of podiums at Goodwood and been generally obsessed with classic cars since I was 10, 44 years ago. I've loved every film I've seen you guys put out, just fabulous quality with beautiful cars. bravo!

[@alisonleaman333]

One other highlight of the Islero is its fantastic all-round visibility. Great car.

[@NLBassist]

Splendid vid! And those high placed bumpers on the back. Wow!

[@lunabouch]

Again an introduction to a car I was not aware off. Thank You!

[@nt5919]

INCREDIBLE Iain - thank you!

[@TheAslakVind]

What a stylish, elegant GT car for crossing Europe. Timeless, from then till now. Looking forward to see the finished Islero from Mr Lamborghini himself. Ofcourse they ask you to do it!

[@perroviejo666]

A piece of art.

[@aaronpaulking3675]

Yes beautiful cars thanks! I’m a 40 year veteran mechanic also! Specially is tuning! With multiple carburettor I also use a heater hose to the ear! Maybe just point out the linkage must be slackened of before you start then tightened up at the end once balanced. Of course this balancing is the very end of the tune procedure. Starting with charge rate and coil voltages check., 1. Points / dwell check 2. Timing light, check both advances 3. Cylinder balance test 4. Fuel mixture, 4 gas analyser 5. Idle speed / carby balance as described above! Thanks again

[@rogerpritchard]

Professional and classy. Pure and simple. The best there is.

[@MrAarongilbey]

Oooh thanks Ian, I'll be watching this in a mo! Edited my original post having just watched the video. What a treat on a Sunday evening and a pleasant ending to the weekend! I've only ever seen one Islaro, which at first look thought was a 350 GT. Beautiful car, although not quite Muira level and that sound. Am I the only one who whenever Ian says "..open it up now", nudges the volume up a couple of notches? Looking forward to a 1947 Maserati GranTurismo or Maserati Bora making an appearance!

[@kar4tube]

Absolutely lovely video! It really is a rare treat to be given this opportunity to learn about these canonical Lamborghinis. So grateful and appreciative of your efforts Iain!

[@melanieraphael5144]

Excellent as ever! Thank you yet again Iain ❤️

[@gtv6chuck]

This was the first Lambo I ever sat in. It was a red one, at my mechanic's place in Colorado in the late 90s. The owner got tired of it and sold it for $35,000, then the new owner sold it off almost immediately for over $100,000. I think it's a very elegant design.

[@marcryvon]

Thank you Iain for another trip in history. It so appreciated !

[@counterterror101]

Anyone who can tune side-draft Weber carburetors properly with just a screwdriver and a bit of rubber hose gets my instant respect and admiration.

[@alym123]

I really enjoy this channel and it is easily the best subscription I have on KZbin. Iain is wonderfully insightful, interesting and informative on the eclectic array of vehicles that roll into his workshop. Your success is well deserved.

[@pepenacho17]

By the way, just to add some info for those who could be interested, Islero' s name comes after the bull who killed the most famous bullfighter in history, the late Manolete, who was at the time considered God on Earth to spaniards.

[@sdry1688]

Thanks Iain gr8 video. My 1969 Daily Mail Motor Show Review has the car priced £7950 (inc PT) which was the same price as the RR Shadow. The car features tinted windows and a "lockable glove box " ! - the magazine doesn't feature a more expensive car (the Muira was priced above that but not featured). The Jensen FF2 was a similar price at £7700.

[@mrpbody44]

Glad to see these get a bit of love. One of my favorite cars and so much fun to drive

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

I much prefer the size of these to those built today and I really like how understated and refined it is.

[@markw4263]

Love the low-key and classy styling. Dignified.

[@happy_camper]

Funny, I was chatting with my dad about these cars last night! 😁

[@davidsherley2652]

Wonderful video Iain! Your knowledge as a historian fused with you skill as a master mechanic make your videos wonderfully unique. Your gift as a story teller gives your videos a silky smooth appearance to the ear and the eye. Thank you; cheers mate!

[@fredd3.14]

this design was ahead of its time and still is, wow. those rear chrome accents look like modern LED tailiights you see on every car.

[@jdesmo1]

Understated elegance- a GT for the ages

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Beautiful and rare. I would much rather have this than one of the modern era computer laden Lambos.. Fine car.

[@45green1]

Oh, and I love the info about the paint colours, fascinating

[@darrellsimpson6966]

The Islero I feel is a lovely looking car. Nice well proportioned profile. Simply done at the front, yet attractive. It seems quite small which to me adds to the looks. And that fantastic V12.

[@nigel.w]

Really really nice cars! Although, I don't think the original colour of the light blue one does it justice. I preferred the colour before it was restored. The copper one is classically classy, and of course browns are somewhat back in fashion. They sound great. And not so fast that you can't really enjoy them on a B road. The 60s really were the best years of the motorcar.