The very first Lusso appeared in October of 1962 at the Paris Salon and generated lots of interest with its exquisite proportions. It became instantly recognizable with a sweeping side profile, full-length fenders, slim pillars, truncated tail and an odd three piece bumper.<\/p>\n
Inside, the Lusso was well appointed with ample room for two and luggage area in behind with retention straps. This was possible because the Lusso used the earlier SWB chassis, but with its engine mounted much more forward to increase passenger space.<\/p>\n
Although the Lusso’s primary intent was grand touring, it still shared many racing features with the all-conquering 250 GTO<\/a> race car. Both had the same wheelbase, disc brakes, Boranni wheels, suspension and all-aluminum engine. Despite the Lusso’s less robust chassis, steel bodywork and more forward mounted engine, many owners rigged their cars with a harness and went racing when a GTO couldn’t be ordered.<\/p>\n Around 350 examples of the Lusso were constructed with the same steel body designed by Pininfarina and executed by Scaglietti with aluminum doors, boots and hoods. Nearly all were delivered with the same specification except for a few cars that received custom rear end ratios, 5-speed gearboxes and competition spec carburetion which may have been added after delivery. Sometimes, custom body and interior alterations were executed by Pininfarina, including faired-in headlights, extra venting and air conditioning, but these factory modifications were rare.<\/p>\n After 350 examples were made, the Lusso was replaced in 1964 by the much more impressive 275 GTB<\/a> having four wheel independent suspension and a more complex space frame chassis.<\/p>\nSpecs & Performance<\/h2>\n
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