1970 Lamborghini Jarama

The list of Lamborghini's front engine, rear-wheel drive grand touring automobiles with twelve-cylinder power began with the 350 GT wearing coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring and introduced in 1964 at the Geneva Motor Show. Next came the 400 GT, followed by the Islero, and finally by the Jarama. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, production would continue through 1976 with a total of 176 examples built plus 152 examples of the Jarama S.

The Jarama was an important replacement for the Islero as it complied with American safety and emission regulations. By this point in history, Giampaolo Dallara had left Sant'Agata, so the task of creating the Jarama fell to his former assistant and now chief engineer, Paolo Stanzini. A full 10.7 inches were removed from the Espada wheelbase, now measuring 93.7 inches and having an overall length of 176.6-inches (two inches shorter than the Islero). Both the Islero and the Jarama were styled by Marcello Gandini, with angular 2+2 design cues, flared wheel arches and NACA hood ducts. The Jarama received unique hooded headlights all its own. The wide track was shared with the Espada, giving the small Lamborghini a broad-shouldered look that was attributed to Bertone's Marcello Gandini. Marazzi, who designed and built the Islero's bodywork, handled the construction of the Jarama's body construction.

The Lamborghini Jarama was not named after the famous race track outside of Madrid but after the Spanish district made famous for its breeding of fighting Bulls.

Beneath the long and graceful bonnet was a twelve-cylinder engine with a displacement size of 3,929cc, the same engine powering the Islero and Espada and heavily derived from the 400 GT. With the help of six Weber 40 DCOE carburetors, it produced 350 horsepower which was sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

177 examples of the Jarama 400GT were built from 1971 through to 1973 before the model was upgraded to the 400 GTS status. Modifications to the carburetors, heads, and the exhaust system added an additional 15 horsepower, now rated at 365 bhp. Minor styling updates were made to the exterior, including a hood scoop, relocated turn signals, exhaust vents in the fenders, and windshield position adjustments. The previous center-locking magnesium alloy wheels were replaced with new wheels on five-bolt hubs, the same as used on the Series 3 Espada. Updates to the interior were more extensive with a redesigned dashboard trimmed in aluminum, switches relocated to the center console, extra sound insulation, and improved rear seats and legroom. Mechanical updates included an optional Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic transmission, removable roof panels, and power-assisted steering (early into Jarama S production).

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2022