1976 Lamborghini Urraco P300

Details

Lamborghini’s baby bull was officially announced on the 27th of October 1970 and known simply as P250, the ‘P’ designating posterior or rear and the ‘250’ the engine capacity of 2.5 litres. In November of 1970 the Urraco as it was now known (and in the tradition of Lamborghini named after a famous fighting bull) was displayed at the Turin Motor Show and there it attracted a huge interest from the motoring world. Bertone’s classic wedge shape received critical acclaim at the time.

The early 1970’s were a tough time for Lamborghini and it wasn’t until some two years later in 1972 that the first production cars rolled off the Sant ‘Agata production line. Lamborghini hoped to build the Urraco in big numbers, however, this never eventuated and only 520 of the P250’s were built up until 1975 when the P300 was released. The Urraco had some teething problems early on and the car unfortunately developed a reputation as unreliable. This was perhaps unfair as once Lamborghini ironed out the bugs the car was in fact a little gem and if properly sorted was a genuine threat to Ferrari’s 308, Maserati’s Merak and the Porsche 911 of the day. The P300 was indeed a fabulous little car and in the October 1978 issue of Car magazine Mel Nichols pits the Lamborghini Urraco P300 against a Ferrari 308 GTB and a Maserati Merak SS. The article is compelling reading and Nichols picks the Urraco as his favourite.

Lamborghini only built circa 205 Urraco P300’s of which only circa 32 were factory RHD.

Urracos are rare and finding a fully sorted car is extremely difficult.

We are therefore genuinely excited to offer this Australian delivered factory right hand drive 1976 Lamborghini Urraco P300. Chassis number 20210 is documented as being completed on the 27^th August 1976 and it was part of a batch of 22 RHD cars built in sequence of which a number were sold through Australian importer Tony DeFina.

The factory records note the car as being finished in ‘grigio londra’, however, the car has always been remembered as being ‘luci del bosco’ (lights of the forest) being a stunning period colour. A recent bare metal repaint confirms the car was undoubtedly finished in ‘luci del bosco’ from new.

The car was sold new in Sydney by Lamborghini agent Henry Nehrybecki and it had three long term owners before being acquired by the current owner back in September 2003. It has been regularly used and maintained by marque specialists in his period of ownership.

Recently the car has been treated to an engine out service, gearbox refurbishment and suspension rebuild. Whilst the engine was out the engine bay was detailed. The car has also just completed a bare metal respray in its original colour of ‘luci del bosco’ (lights of the forest). This is just a STUNNING period colour for the car.  Overall the body was in very good condition, however, there were some rust repairs required and the bottom of the doors, sills and some lower panel sections either replaced or repaired.

Following all the recent work done the car presents and drives beautifully. Turn the key and the V8 engine bursts to life. The noise is simply ‘to die for’ and puts a smile on your face even before you take off! That said it is out on the open road where the Urraco is in its element. It’s a car that feels so balanced and easy to drive, visibility is surprisingly good and the car just begs to be driven. The car revs willingly through the rev range and following the gearbox refurbishment the synchros are excellent, often a weak link on these cars. The car has no rattles or squeaks and it handles and stops as it should.

The paint work is exceptional and the exterior trim, chrome and glass remain in very good condition. Inside the cabin is very original and also in very good condition for its age just showing the right amount of patina. All of the instruments and gauges work and the A/C blows cool air.

The car has a fully restored tool roll with tools & jack and an excellent history file. There is an owner’s manual (original), parts manual (copy) and engine workshop manual (copy) with the car.

The Urraco is one of Bertone’s finest designs and in fact we think one of the best looking cars ever built. And oh did we mention ‘the noise’ . . . the little V8 is in our opinion one of the best sounding engines ever . . . what a great combination!

These cars are extremely rare and have been a well kept secret for many years, but no more, today they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This would have to be one of the best Urracos in the world.

A unique opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

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