The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
In 1966, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera of Milan explored a new, and for those days very modern design concept. Their long relation with Lamborghini was celebrated with the unique Flying Star II, a fully functional prototype with surprising proportions.
The Lamborghini 400 GT Flying Star, an homage to the iconic Touring Flying Stars of the prewar era, epitomized the fusion of classic elegance and modern performance. Drawing inspiration from its esteemed predecessors on Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Isotta Fraschini, this extraordinary machine, based on the 400 GT showcased Lamborghini’s commitment to crafting automobiles that transcended mere transportation. Under the hood, the 400 GT Flying Star boasted an aluminum V12 engine, a testament to Lamborghini’s dedication to lightweight and high-performance engineering. This powerplant, coupled with a 5-speed transmission, delivered an exhilarating driving experience that enthusiasts could only dream of. The fully independent suspension and disc brakes on all corners further reinforced the car’s prowess, providing both precision control and formidable stopping power. The design of the Lamborghini 400 GT Flying Star was a masterpiece in itself. Strictly a two-seater, the car featured a low and compact two-volume bodywork that exuded a timeless yet avant-garde aesthetic. This design choice was not just about style; it emphasized the car’s commitment to being the ultimate machine for two people to embark on a journey of speed, luxury, and, notably, ample luggage space. The Flying Star’s focus on practicality without compromising on elegance made it a distinctive choice in the world of high-performance grand tourers. Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the renowned coachbuilder responsible for this masterpiece, was known for its prewar Flying Stars and continued its legacy with the Lamborghini 400 GT Flying Star. However, this design marked the end of an era for Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, as it would be the last before the company experienced a revival in 2006. In 2008, Touring Superleggera introduced the A8GCS Berlinetta, based on a Maserati drivetrain, reaffirming the brand’s dedication to exquisite craftsmanship and innovation. In retrospect, the Lamborghini 400 GT Flying Star not only represented a pinnacle in automotive design and engineering but also paid homage to the rich history of Touring Superleggera’s Flying Stars. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of the perfect amalgamation of speed, style, and functionality, embodying the spirit of grand touring that has defined Lamborghini for decades.
In the mid-20th century, the automotive world witnessed the birth of a legendary marque that would go on to challenge the dominance of established sports car manufacturers. Lamborghini, primarily known for its agricultural machinery, entered the sport car market with the release of the Lamborghini 350 GT.
The Flying Star is a type of body created by Touring Superleggera introduced at the 1931 Milan Auto Show on a Isotta Fraschini 8B chassis which gained a great success. It was also adapted to other chassis maintaining the same basic settings. The trademark elements of this kind of bodywork were basically a thick chrome strip on the side that starts from the radiator, runs along the entire car forming a ‘V’ at the doors and descends on the tail.
The early years In early 1926, two lawyers from Milan – Felice Bianchi Anderloni and Gaetano Ponzoni – decided to leave behind the world…
