SPECIFICATIONS
3,493 CC DOHC 80° V-12 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
Estimated 700 BHP at 13,800 RPM

In 1989, when Formula 1 outlawed turbocharged engines, Lamborghini commissioned legendary former Scuderia Ferrari engineer Mauro Forghieri to design a new 3.5-liter, V-12 engine for the French Larrousse team. The end product was called the LE3512 (Lamborghini Engineering 3.5-liter, 12 cylinder), which was said to be the best-sounding of all the new, normally aspirated V-12 engines.

The LE3512 was used by several teams, including Larrousse, Lotus, Ligier, and Minardi, and in total, the cars powered by these engines started 49 Grand Prix between 1989 and 1993. Significantly, McLaren’s Ron Dennis wanted to evaluate the LE3512 as a potential engine for his team’s use in 1994, and both Mika Häkkinen and Ayrton Senna tested a modified 1993 McLaren MP4/8 equipped with an unbranded LE3512. Reportedly, the engine was so impressive that Senna wanted to use it for the final races of the 1993 season, but Dennis eventually decided to use Peugeot power instead.

This LE3512 engine was one of those from this exciting period of Formula 1, and was later displayed alongside other significant Formula 1 engines in Italy before being acquired by the consignor. This is a rare opportunity to buy a piece of V-12 Formula 1 history and acquire an outstanding object of motoring art sure to elevate any collection.