There are plenty of cars out there that are in horrible shape, left to rot and sulk in corners surrounded by the shadows of their former glory. Some of them are even very expensive cars that you can't believe would be forgotten and neglected, but often the best laid plans can go awry and one man's vision of a restored car is in reality a project that will never see fruition. But in recent years there has been a tremendous amount of interest in "barn finds" - cars that are just these types of situations, and today's Jarama 400GT could probably be classified as such. All original minus a pretty spectacular set of Miura SV wheels, this already rare Jarama is ready for a full restoration - or would you keep the patina?

Year: 1971
Model: Jarama 400GT
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 26,041 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1971 Lamborghini Jarama 400GT

1971 Lamborghini Jarama
s/n 10224
Red with Black Leather Interior

The Jarama, introduced in 1970, was one of the last front-engined Lamborghini GT’s, concluding the line that began with the very first Lamborghini, the 350GT. Mechanically, it was similar to the Espada, but with a 10.6 inch shorter wheelbase, the Jarama was considerably more agile to drive. Fitted with Lamborghini’s sophisticated quad-cam V-12, all independent suspension, and five-speed gearbox, the Jarama was a deliberately understated high performance “businessman’s express” intended for those who appreciated Lamborghini’s engineering and performance, but who wanted to maintain a more refined lifestyle and image. Nevertheless, the styling has a subdued excitement that is hinted at by the sharp creases and muscular wheelarches. The car is very well proportioned, and thanks to its thin pillars and generous greenhouse, visibility is excellent. Today, the Jarama continues to exemplify this more subdued approach to enjoying a Lamborghini, in addition to gaining momentum as collectors and enthusiasts start to appreciate the unique blend of attributes that the car embodies.

This particular car is a longtime California example which the previous owner reports has covered 26,000 miles from new and has never been apart. It is structurally excellent and highly complete, with and overwhelming sense of authenticity. He purchased the car in 1989, drove it once, and then laid it up with the intention of restoring it. It sits on genuine and extremely rare Miura SV wheels, which are staggered in width and tremendously valuable. It also comes with its original tool kit, jack, books, manual, and several photos taken in 1988 in San Diego, in which the car looks virtually identical to its present day appearance, right down to the car’s stunning and absolutely fantastic stance facilitated by the staggered wheels.

The car needs a complete restoration but is gloriously complete and undisturbed. All mechanical and cosmetic systems should be inspected and restored as necessary but everything is there, right down to the accessories and Becker Europa radio. The body is extremely straight with great fit and virtually no rust. The small amount of rust present is limited to the rocker panels. The undercarriage is extremely solid as well. The engine compartment is unmodified in appearance, right down to the original FIAMM silk screening on the airbox covers and the windscreen washer fluid reservoir. The car is fitted with air conditioning.

This is a superb opportunity to acquire an ideal restoration project. Just 177 Jaramas were built, and this is an exceptionally honest, solid, and undisturbed example that could serve as an invaluable reference for originality for other cars, as well as for this car’s restoration. It is highly complete, extremely sound, and is reported to have covered just 26,000 miles from new.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This car is sold AS IS without warranty. A 10% deposit is due upon the successful completion of the auction. Remainder of payment is due within one week of the end of the auction, and prior to the delivery of the vehicle. Fantasy Junction reserves the right to end this auction early in the even of the sale of the car outside of eBay. Inspection is available and encouraged, and should be arranged and completed prior to the completion of bidding. A final bid (if reserve is met) is and should be considered a sale and acceptance of terms, and the vehicle is AS IS and WHERE IS. If you have NEGATIVE or ZERO feedback, please contact us prior to bidding. Please contact us for names and phone numbers of local professionals familiar with this type of car, whom you may interview and with whom you may arrange an inspection. If you are concerned with what the car may need, an inspection is an excellent way to remove surprises. Please allow for normal wear and tear items based on the age of any car and restoration if applicable. Please use your better (or even your best) judgment. We have done and will do our best to describe the car faithfully and correctly, and would like you to know and understand exactly what you are bidding on.

I know it's far from perfect, but there's something that's indescribably cool about the current state of this car. Granted, it likely needs a full mechanical service and updating, and I'd probably recover the seats so that I wasn't getting covered in a fine dust of disintegrating seat internals every time I went for a drive. But this Jarama has presence - especially with the Miura wheels - and it would be neat to just cruise around in it, regardless of whether the outside was perfect or not. The mechanical restoration alone won't be cheap or easy, but currently the car sits on reserve with bidding around $30,000 - with top Jaramas only bringing around $80,000 these days, you could concievably end up not losing your shirt in this deal - but I'd spend a little on a mechanical sorting and just drive it, personally. Just don't forget your gold chain.

-Carter