Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (250 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (16 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep admiration for its design, rarity, and status as a unique classic.
2 problems reported (2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedLack of original engine
Isolated mention of a specific car for sale having a non-original Chevrolet V8 engine swap, which is viewed as a major detriment to value and authenticity.
- IsolatedDriving experience concerns
A single, unelaborated comment from an observer states the car is "a nightmare to drive apparently." No specifics on steering, brakes, ergonomics, or maintenance are provided.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. Specific series (Series I, II, III) and model years (1968-1978) are identified in posts, but no consensus or preference for one over another is expressed in terms of ownership experience, features, or driving characteristics.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Countach, Diablo, Islero, Jalpa and Jarama.
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Overall sentiment
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep admiration for its design, rarity, and status as a unique classic. The vehicle is consistently described as stunning, beautiful, and a favorite among classic Lamborghini models. It is celebrated for its dramatic, low-slung wedge shape, front-engine V12 layout, and its unusual practicality as a four-seat grand tourer. However, this adoration is almost entirely aesthetic and historical; there is a near-total absence of discussion regarding driving dynamics, reliability, or ownership costs. A single, isolated comment from an owner report describes it as "a nightmare to drive apparently," but this is not elaborated upon or corroborated. The community views it primarily as a rolling sculpture and a significant piece of automotive history rather than a vehicle to be evaluated on conventional ownership metrics.
Positioning vs competitors
N/A
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations (e.g., transmission type, interior options) are discussed by owners. A single, isolated comment suggests a modified example with a Chevrolet V8 engine swap is seen as significantly devaluing the car.
General recommendations
Suitable exclusively for collectors, enthusiasts, and investors who value dramatic design, automotive history, and rarity over practicality, modern performance, or daily usability. Prospective buyers should prioritize originality and condition, with a strong emphasis on verifying matching-numbers V12 engines, as non-original engine swaps (e.g., Chevrolet V8) are viewed negatively and significantly impact value. Given the lack of operational data, extensive pre-purchase inspections by marque specialists are an absolute necessity. Not recommended as a primary vehicle or for those seeking a reliable or engaging driving experience based on classic car norms.
Remarks
The provided data consists almost entirely of spotting posts and aesthetic commentary, with virtually no substantive long-term ownership reports, mechanical discussions, or driving impressions. This analysis reflects the community's perspective as admirers rather than as owners. The single price point mentioned is $95,000 for a 1970 example with a non-original Chevrolet V8 engine and 27,000 miles, which was characterized by the community as expensive for the modified specification. The vehicle's recognition and value are noted to have increased significantly over time, with comments indicating they were once considered cheap and underrated. Analysis based on approximately 90 community posts and comments, with fewer than 5 containing any semblance of ownership-oriented feedback.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
S3 3.9 V12
3.9L 12-cylinder · 350 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1972–1978