1985 Lamborghini Jalpa P350 GTS

Change is inevitable, and change is constant. Embracing changes is a step towards new opportunities and growth. Lamborghini's history is a lesson in change; from front-engined grand tourers to mid-engine supercars. They have explored new avenues but have consistently remained steadfast in their core values of groundbreaking technology and exclusivity.

As the 1970s were coming to a close, the muscle car era in the United States was nearing its end, as safety became paramount, insurance premiums rose considerably, and new emission regulations were introduced. This would continue into the 1970s, hastened by the oil crisis of 1973 and an industry-wide endeavor to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. Supercars were on the chopping block, and the industry suffered as tastes shifted towards smaller and more economical alternatives.

Perhaps forecasting this change, Lamborghini introduced a smaller and less expensive model to complement its V12-powered cars in 1970. It was dubbed the Urraco P250 and this four-seater retained the Miura's basic mid-engine layout, but employed a compact 2.5-liter V8 engine instead of a transverse 4.0-liter V12. A two-seater version followed in 1976, the Bertone-styled Silhouette, powered by the Urraco P300's four-cam, 3.0-liter V8. Production of the Silhouette was brief, perhaps due to Lamborghini's famous financial struggles of the era, and just 52 examples were built. The Urraco followed suite a year later, in 1979, ending the concept of a smaller V8-engined Lamborghini.

The Lamborghini Jalpa
As a new decade began, Lamborghini soon introduced another 'Junior' model, the Jalpa. As a development of the earlier Uracco and Silhouette, the styling of the Jalpa was conceived and executed by Bertone, receiving somewhat more aggressive lines, mainly in the side treatment of the body. The Targa-style two-seater was powered by a quad-cam V8 engine with its capacity increased to 3.5 litres (3,485cc). Mounted transversely, fuel flow was managed by four twin-barrel down-draught Weber 42 DCNF carburetors, and it was paired with a five-speed synchromesh manual transaxle. It produced 255 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 225 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM in European specification. The U.S.-destined examples produced 250 bhp.

The Lamborghini Jalpa rested on a 96.5-inch wheelbase, had an overall length of 170.5 inches, a width of 74 inches, and stood 44.9 inches tall. It had a fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

The potent engine paired with aerodynamic coachwork courtesy of Giulio Alfieri, the Jalpa had a top speed of around 155 mph. Zero to sixty mph took 6.0 seconds.

Production lasted through 1988, with 410 examples built during that time. During its production lifespan, it received only minor changes. In 1984, several black-painted plastic components were replaced with body-color components. The list included the engine cover, air intakes and bumpers. Additionally, round taillights replaced the previous rectangular-shaped lights.

By 1988, under the new ownership of Chrysler, the decision was made to end Jalpa production.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2024