There's virtue in starting with a hopeless example of a classic car, investing years of time and loads of cash into a restoration, and coming out with one more example of that particular classic on the road and able to visit shows. We can all hope that we aren't the ones to foot the bill or spend the hours in the garage massaging the panels, but for every car we've spent a little bit too much time, money, or effort on, there's a net benefit to the automotive community.
Sometimes - in the case of cars of significant historic value - these restorations can lead to some financial benefit. In order for this to happen, the car must be acquired prior to renewed interest in the particular model in question. Time it right, and by the time the restoration is complete, the vehicle is ready for sale in a competitive market. We've seen this with nearly every 1960s Ferrari, among other Italian classics.
Similar to the Espada, the Lamborghini Jalpa is one of the least expensive ways into owning a car with a the Raging Bull on the hood. A derivation of the earlier Urraco, the Jalpa had a production run for eight years with 410 cars produced. Equipped with a 3.5 liter V8 with 255 horsepower, the Jalpa was good for a 0-60 run in about 6 seconds. Nothing spectacular by today's standards, but then, most cars couldn't match the symphony which emerges from the exhaust pipes. This Jalpa for sale in California has but 22,000 miles on the clock and is being offered due to a move on the seller's part.
1984 Lamborghini Jalpa with only 36,780 Kilometers = 22,854 miles. Complete service has been done (documents on hand) $15,000 spent. 5-speed manual transmission with Targa top, interior and exterior in great condition. AM/FM original Blaupunkt Radio. This car is extremely rare. Always garaged. Moving out of the area and need to sell. I am the second owner.
Depending on how recently the service was completed, that will of course affect value. The asking price of $48,000 is rather high, as most good examples will reach into the high $30,000 range and possibly break $40,000. This car, looking cosmetically sound with two owners and relatively low mileage would realistically be worth somewhere between $35,000 and $42,000.
While the Urraco wasn't the first mid-engined Lamborghini, it was certainly more accessible to ordinary enthusiasts than what many consider the original supercar, the Miura. True to Lamborghini form, few Uraccos were ever built, even though this model was in production for a decade. Even if you count the Silhouette and Jalpa models, which drew heavily on Urraco hardware, a mere 1,255 examples left the factory. With a V8 engine ranging in size from 2.0 liters to 3.0 liters and 2+2 seating, this car was a direct competitor to the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. This particular Urraco for sale in Florida is a looker. From its pristine interior to attractive Capagnolo wheels, it's a great example of an oft overlooked Lambo.
1976 Lamborghini Uracco 300
Type: Lamborghini P300 Urraco
Years built: 1974 - 1979
Production: 190
Chassisnr.: 20.000 - 20.570
Presentation: November 1974 Turin Auto Show
Designed by: Marcello Gandini for Bertone
Built by: Bertone
Structure: Sheet steel, floor incorporated into the body
Suspension: All-independent, McPhersons with coil springs, telescopic dampers
Brakes: All-wheel ventilated Girling disc brakes, vacuum assisted by double hydraulic circuit and two servo's
Type: V-8 90 degree, light-alloy and aluminium block with gearbox and differential built in the same block and pressed-in liners, mid mounted, rear wheel drive
Distribution: Dual overhead camshaft with chain drive, two valves/cylinder
Main bearings: 5
Cyl. Capacity: 2995.8 cc
Bore & stroke: 86 x 64.5 mm
Compr. ratio: 10.5:1
Max. power: 250 bhp at 7500 rpm
From 1976 on: 260 bhp at 7500 rmp
Max. torque: 195 lbs.ft. at 3500 rpm
From 1976 on: 201 lbs.ft. at 3500 rpm
Cooling system: Water cooled, pump, thermostat and two electric fans
Ignition: Two Magnetti Marelli coils and one Marelli distributor
Plugs: Bosch 235 P21
Electr. system: 12 V
Alternator: 770 W Bosch
Fuel system: Electric Bendix fuel pump, 4 twin-barrel down-draught Weber 40 DCNF carburetors
Type: Lamborghini five-speed + reverse manual all-synchromesh Lamborghini differential
Clutch: Dry-single plate, hydraulically operated
I'm always disappointed by dealers that do not give detailed descriptions of vehicle history, especially when it's a Lamborghini dealer handling a classic exotic like this. That being said, the asking price of $85,888 seems way off, as most Urraco's I've seen for sale reside in the $30,000 to $50,000 territory. This car looks every bit of it's claimed 37,658 miles, but that's just not enough to put its value in the stratosphere.
