We have been featuring Alfa sports sedans all week, but now it is time to move up a class from BMW to Porsche 911 competitors.  Hopefully the readers are aware of our Lamborghini Urraco adoration - the Gandini Bertone wedge, the Dallara/Stanzani engineering - we are fans.  As much as we like them, the public did not exactly clamor for these mid-engine V8 sports cars.  And, had they, we are not so sure that Lamborghini could have kept up with demand.  Nonetheless, Lamborghini did manage to sell its mid-engine V8 sports car models for 16 years between 1972 and 1988 - not a bad run.

It began with the Urraco in 1972, which was augmented by the Silhouette in 1976, and then after a brief halt to production in 1979, was replaced by the Jalpa in 1981.  The Jalpa engine, now 3485cc vs. the 2996cc V8 in the Silhouette, was down 5hp to 255hp, but made its power lower in the rev range, thanks to the increase in engine torque.  While European models ran four twin-barrel downdraft Weber 42 DCNF carburetors, US car were forced into emissions compliance through the use of fuel-injection.  This car does not appear to be burdened with the half-bake fuel-injection system, thankfully.

Year: 1984
Model: Lamborghini Jalpa
Engine: 3.5L V8
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  38,966 km
Price: $90,000

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: 1984 Lamborghini Jalpa

Though we wouldn't personally choose a red Jalpa, we like the color on the car, as it begs comparison with its much more popular peers, the Ferrari 308/328 series.  The tan leather interior doubles down on the Ferrari impression.  Condition of both the interior and paintwork appears to be excellent, with the steering wheel leather standing out as the only cosmetic shortcoming on this example.

$90,000 would buy a lot of Ferrari 308/328..  And, the 308, though not particularly-loved or appreciated, does have a bit more of a reputation for serviceability and durability.  What issues they have can be sorted at a number of shops.  With the Jalpa, the owner will either need an exceedingly resourceful shop, or the gumption to take on the maintenance and repairs himself.  With a total of 420 cars produced, we think these are a more special buy than the 308/328.  Just make sure you already have a Urraco and a Silhouette before adding one of these to the collection.

-Graham