1985 Lamborghini Jalpa

Details

The Lamborghini Jalpa is the last evolution of the classic and underrated Lamborghini V8’s. The first of the V8’s was the Urraco which was first shown to the public at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. The car was finally introduced back in 1973 then running a 2.5 litre engine. It was designated as Urraco P250.  The Urraco was soon upgraded with a 3.0 litre engine with other subtle enhancements and the first P300’s were built in 1975. The model was then given a cosmetic make over and the Silhouette was born in 1976. The final iteration and last of the V8 engined Lamborghinis was the Jalpa (pronounced “Yawl-pa”).

The Jalpa, whose name was taken from a breed of fighting bull, had a roomy cockpit and the targa roof really made it comfortable for taller drivers, in warmer climates at least. The body was a clever and more aggressive update of the Silhouette’s Bertone styling, with colour-coded spoilers, integrated wheelarch flares covering bigger 16-inch alloy wheels and the removable roof panel ensuring the Jalpa still looked fresh when production ceased in 1988. Many were fitted with a rear wing similar to that of its big brother the Countach. The engine was increased to 3.5 litre capacity giving the Jalpa 255hp @ 7000rpm and quoted performance figures of a top speed of 250 km/hr and 0-100 km/hr in 6.5 seconds.

This baby bull is a very rare car with only 410 built in a production spanning seven years from 1982 through to 1988. Of these it is understood that only 35 left the factory as right hand drive and perhaps there are 10 in Australia.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to confirm the sale of this rare Australian delivered, factory right hand drive Lamborghini Jalpa. The Australian Compliance Plate is dated 12/85. This car is an incredible ‘time capsule’ with only 17,221 km on the odometer.

There is a letter on file dated 8th May 1991 from De Fina Nominees (the Australian Lamborghini importer at the time) to Jeffrey Dutton Pty Ltd confirming that the car was imported in December 1985 and it was originally a red/black car. It was been then registered as DSV248 in Victoria.

In April 1991 the car was sold, through Melbourne based classic and prestige car dealer Dutton Pty Ltd, to a local enthusiast who amassed a significant collection of cars over a very short period of time. He sparingly, and in some cases never, used his cars and they were all stored at the Chequered Flag Stables which was a car storage facility in Moorabbin, a southern suburb of Melbourne. At the time of purchase the odometer was 17,219 km. The owner passed away some eighteen months ago and his car collection has just been sold off by his estate

This car has been in storage and not run for in excess of 25 years and will require recommissioning. We have had a respected specialist inspect the car and he confirmed that the engine turns freely by hand.

The paint work on this car is excellent. It is vibrant with a strong depth of colour and a high gloss. Given the car was only ‘five years young’ when it went into storage it is most likely the paint is totally original. The panel gaps are excellent and you have to look hard to find any blemishes. The external trim, bumpers, wheels and the glass are also in excellent original condition. Inside the cabin is ‘just fabulous’. The leather is beautifully preserved and remains subtle. The dash and instruments which are typically fragile on a Jalpa are also in excellent condition. The engine bay is very clean and mechanically the car looks to be have been very well cared for. Unfortunately the space saver spare wheel is missing.

A unique opportunity.

 

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