Equipment & Specs
Left-hand drive, air conditioning, factory rear wing, factory sports exhaust
Description
We are pleased to announce that a Lamborghini Jalpa has arrived at our dealership.
In the early 1970s, Lamborghini introduced the Urraco to break into the mid-range market dominated by cars like the Ferrari DINO and Porsche 911.It was equipped with a 3.0-liter V8 engine, which was carried over to the Silhouette—its successor—and then to the Jalpa, which debuted in 1981, eventually increasing in displacement to 3.5 liters. The Jalpa marked the end of the V8-powered mid-size Lamborghini lineup for the time being in 1988.It would not be until the Gallardo, announced in
2003, that Lamborghini would again offer a V8-powered model. The Jalpa was produced in very limited numbers, with only 420 units manufactured. However, it is now being reevaluated as a rare “baby Lamborghini.”This particular model is a Series 2 produced in 1984; it features power windows and air conditioning, making it an even more comfortable car to drive.
The engine, an evolution of the 3.0-liter unit found in the Urraco Silhouette, was enlarged to 3.5 liters. Designed for greater durability and low-end torque, it is a DOHC, 4-valve, transversely mounted unit equipped with four Weber “42DCNF” twin carburetors, producing 255馬力.However, this provides more than enough power for a body weighing just 1.5 metric tons, and combined with its responsive handling, it’s a joy to drive. Furthermore, starting with this Series 2, air conditioning and power windows came standard, giving it a comfortable ride suitable for everyday use.But this is a Lamborghini, after all—the moment you step on the throttle, the sound of the factory-optional sports exhaust and the Weber carburetors roars to life, allowing you to experience that distinctive Lamborghini character, which is quite different from that of a Ferrari.
The body design was, of course, handled by Marc Deschenes, who served as style director at Bertone. The engineering was led by Lamborghini’s Giulio Alfieri.The sharp, straight-line styling was superb, but in the market at the time, it still couldn’t quite measure up to cars like the Ferrari 308. Looking at it today, I find it very appealing—but am I the only one who thinks it still looks like a pretty good design even now, transcending its era?Also, while one might assume the rear wing on this car was borrowed from the Countach, it is actually—like the exhaust system—an optional part exclusive to the Jalpa, and it contributes to a remarkably well-balanced silhouette.
This vehicle was imported into Japan as a used parallel import in 1989 and has since passed through several owners, yet it remains in nearly original condition. With its original black body color—which is likely one of only a few remaining—and equipped with rare options like the rear wing and sports exhaust, there’s no doubt this is a rare Lamborghini that I’ll probably never come across again.The clutch is light, the gearshift feels smooth, and there’s plenty of torque even at low speeds, making it surprisingly easy to drive.
Additionally, removing the detachable top to drive with the roof down while enjoying the engine’s sound is an exceptional experience.
Please come visit our dealership to see this car in person.