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GTV question re 1963 Geneva show debut

Discussion in 'LamborghiniChat.com' started by FredParoutaud, Oct 30, 2011.

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  1. FredParoutaud

    FredParoutaud Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2004
    1,455
    #1 FredParoutaud, Oct 30, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2011
    Hi Folks,

    The GTV was photographed in front of the factory during a press event that occurred in conjunction with the car's debut at the Geneva show, Oct 12-22, 1963.

    Here is one of the photos:

    http://www.400gt.com/misc/gtv/IMG_4380.jpg

    Does anybody know if this photo (ie: this series of photos) was taken before, or after the Geneva show? (I guess possibly during as well, while we're at it.)

    I'm guessing before, but I don't know. It's probably mentioned in Tonino's book, which I don't have. (The photos are available there -- the photo I have above was taken of a framed photograph hanging on the factory wall.)

    Thanks,

    Fred

    PS: At least I think that's the factory -- sure looks like it!
     
  2. P300V8

    P300V8 Formula 3

    Mar 8, 2010
    1,645
    London U.K.
    #2 P300V8, Oct 30, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2011
    According to the Illustrated Lamborghini Buyers Guide, Bob de la Rive Box says "the GTV was introduced to the public at the 1963 Turin show" and that "the 350 GT was introduced to the public at the Geneva show held in March 1964". Perhaps Turin is the October show whose dates you quote.

    Anyhow, in the book there is a b&w picture of "Ferruccio Lamborghini explaining his GTV to the not-too-enthusiastic press". I cannot be sure if it is the same group as in your picture though the young person in the light suit and striped tie is in both pictures.

    My instinct suggests that the press were being given a preview before the wider distractions of the show...
     
  3. Olivier NAMECHE

    Olivier NAMECHE F1 Veteran

    Aug 18, 2007
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    #3 Olivier NAMECHE, Oct 30, 2011
    I'm confirming you this preview, in september 1963, was for all Italian Press before the Turin show 2 weeks later... in October 1963.

    At this preview, Ferruccio was very nervous due to the quality of the guests.

    He was also excited to reveal to the Automobile world his sport car view, but he had a bad feeling whole night before the event. His team worked hard the day before to finish it with the engine standing on a display next to the rolling chassis. The test bench room was also opent to this Public with an engine that was tested... unfortunately, an accident happened... a failure with the engine, something broken and one guy was injured by that flying part !

    Tonino remembered his father smoked 5 cigarettes boxes that day...
     
  4. FredParoutaud

    FredParoutaud Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2004
    1,455
    #4 FredParoutaud, Oct 30, 2011
    What on earth! Sorry guys, I meant Turin.

    oops! :)

    Ok, thanks for that Olivier & P300V8. That makes sense.

    Cheers,

    Fred
     
  5. FredParoutaud

    FredParoutaud Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2004
    1,455
    #5 FredParoutaud, Oct 31, 2011
    Hey Olivier (or anybody) -- can you confirm these (1963) dates? I have this:

    >>the GTV prototype was rushed to completion for the upcoming October 26 press meeting and the subsequent inauguration of the Turin Auto Show on the 30th.<<

    Do you have the specific dates of the press meeting? I'm not sure where I got that "October 26" date from, but it seems to be weeks after the date you mentioned.

    Thanks,

    Fred
     
  6. P300V8

    P300V8 Formula 3

    Mar 8, 2010
    1,645
    London U.K.
    #6 P300V8, Oct 31, 2011
    I have discovered a post by Miltonian in March 2010 "Looking at the "International Happenings" calendar in old Competition Press magazines, I see that the 1963 Turin Auto Show was scheduled for October 30-November 10."

    The 26th was a Saturday (a good day for a press conference?) and 30/10 was a Wednesday.

    BTW this information has also helped me with another piece of the Silhouette jigsaw. 40002 (the second prototype) was the 1976 Turin show car. If that show was also at the beginning of November it explains the delay between testing on 01/10/76 and delivery on 17/11/76.
     
  7. FredParoutaud

    FredParoutaud Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2004
    1,455
    #7 FredParoutaud, Oct 31, 2011
    Hey, thanks for that information! These shows were certainly long.

    Fred
     
  8. Olivier NAMECHE

    Olivier NAMECHE F1 Veteran

    Aug 18, 2007
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    #8 Olivier NAMECHE, Nov 1, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hi Fred,
    I've doubble checked my notes :

    * Friday 20th September 1963 => benediction of GTV by local Cardinal & priest.

    * Saturday 26th October 1963 => GTV presentation to Italian Press.

    * Wednesday 30th October 1963 up to sunday 10th November => Turin car show, 1st presentation to Public.

    Ciao,
    Olivier - LCB
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  9. FredParoutaud

    FredParoutaud Formula 3

    Jun 9, 2004
    1,455
    #9 FredParoutaud, Nov 1, 2011
    Great info Olivier -- I especially love this part:

    >>Friday 20th September 1963 => benediction of GTV by local Cardinal & priest.

    :)

    Cheers,

    Fred
     

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