What it cost to restore a Lamborghini almost 40 years ago
In 1978, an enthusiast bought a Lamborghini Islero "in good condition" for DM 12,900. Yes, indeed!
As a connoisseur, he was aware that only a restoration down to the last screw would restore the Lambo to its former glory, even though the car was only eight years old at the time. Nevertheless, its shortcomings became apparent after the first long drive (20/25 km): "It started to boil and hiss. The wind whistled through the doors and it rattled alarmingly."
The new owner then completely dismantled the Lamborghini and rebuilt it.
This resulted in 875 hours of work, plus DM 47,978 for spare parts and external services. DM 44 was added as wages for the workshop, resulting in a total of DM 86,478 for a full restoration including engine overhaul.
Without inflation, we are talking about less than EUR 50,000 for a complete restoration at the beginning of the 1980s. If it was done well back then, the 1970 Islero would still be in good condition today, which would probably make it worth around EUR 200,000.
Seen in this light, the DM 86,478 was a good investment at the time, even if it certainly didn't pay off in the short term. I wonder if the Islero is still in the same ownership as when the magazine "Auto Exklusiv" reported on this restoration in issue 10/1984in an interesting report that is still worth reading today.
