1974 Lamborghini Urraco

Lamborghini Urraco 1973 - 1979

The Lamborghini Urraco is a 2+2 sports car built by Lamborghini between 1973 and 1979. Of the 'wedge' style, the body was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, and was intended to compete with the 'affordable' Merak offered by Maserati and the Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino, which it pays more than a passing resemblance to.

Like the Merak, the car has a mid-engined V8, in three sizes. At first, 2463cc OHC and 2996 DOHC engines were offered as the P250 and P300 respectively. A more luxurious version was also offered: the P250S with leather seats and electric windows as standard. The P250 generated 217hp and a top speed of 149mph, reaching 60mph from a standstill in 6.9 seconds, and the P300 247hp, 162mph and 0-60 of 5.6 seconds. In 1975, in order to fit into a smaller Italian tax category, a 1994cc engine was offered in the P200, offering 180bhp, 134mph and 0-60 in 7.2 seconds.

The mid-engine layout is great for handling, but not perfect for ease of maintenance. P300s had reliable cam chains but earlier cars were fitted with belts, and it these (plus tensioners) should be changed every five years or so. In common with other similar cars of the age, sodium-filled valves were used, and it is wise to check these have been replaced with stainless steel alternatives. Electrical gremlins can also be problematic, as can rust: check all normal areas such as sills, arches, and around the battery compartment.

Today, the later P300 variants are the most desirable models, with P250S following behind. Small-engine P200 cars are less still, none of which were originally sold in the UK but some have been subsequently imported.