1976 Lamborghini Silhouette P300 Coupe

De Tomaso's Luigi Capellini was appointed to the Lamborghini board in 1974. He had introduced the Pantera to the United States and knew the importance of the American market. He immediately launched the development of an Urraco-derived mid-engine design named Silhouette. It wore a design courtesy of Carrozzeria Bertone, and this particular example, chassis number 40002 and body number 01, is one of two examples built to demonstrate and productionize the Silhouette, the first Lamborghini with a Targa roof.

The Silhouette was a very important vehicle for Lamborghini, as it was one of the models that helped the Sant'Agata manufacturer remain in business. It made its debut in 1976 at the Turin Motor Show, wearing Bertone coachwork, and powered by a mid-mounted transverse 3-liter dual overhead cam V8 engine that used 4 twin-throat Weber 40 DCNF carburetors for a factory-rating of 250 horsepower. The design featured a unique rear window treatment to hide an integrated roll bar, flared wheel arches, a deep front spoiler with ducting for an oil cooler, and ventilated Girling disc brakes.

The two prototypes built, including this example, has several unique features which distinguish them from production cars. They have unique body numbers along with the original Urraco body numbers and use the P300 electrical system. In addition to the P300's console-mounted window switches, prototype number 40002 has the clock in front of the driver, the heater controls in the radio panel, Alfa-style chrome-bezeled warning lights and red switch labels.

In total, just 54 Silhouetts were built, including two prototypes. Producing lasted from 1976 through 1979.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2016