1975 Lamborghini Jarama

Lamborghini Jarama (Coupe), 1970-1976

The Lamborghini Jarama was in production from 1970 until 1976. Styled by Marcello Gandini, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive GT range seating two adults and two children.

The Jarama was introduced as a replacement for the slow-selling Islero, as a staging post between the Espada GT and the Miura supercar. Under the skin sat a modified Espada chassis - with just over ten inches removed from the wheelbase, the Jarama was a 2+2 rather than a full four seater. Powered by the same 3.9 V12 as the outgoing Islero S, the Jarama produced 350bhp - but at almost 150kg heavier, performance was blunted from that of its predecessor. This didn't stop the Jarama being Ferruccio Lamborghini's favourite model, however, as he felt it offered all the advantages of both Espada and Miura in one package as stated in a 1991 interview.

But the lack of performance could have driven away customers, so once again Lamborghini unveiled an S model with more power. The Jarama S features revised heads, carburettors and exhaust, new wheels, a redesigned dash and - from early S production - power steering became a standard fitment. Outside, exhaust vents in the wings and a bonnet scoop were the easiest telltales. Lamborghini made just 150 Jarama S models and 176 standard Jaramas before production ceased in 1976. It was not replaced, but Lamborghini fans seeking rear seat accommodation could either consider the Espada or the smaller mid engined Urraco.

Both its Islero predecessor and the Espada upon which it was based could be considered rivals to the Jarama, as could the similarly styled ISO Lele, with its Chevrolet V8 offering cheaper routine maintenance bills under a near identical body. The Maserati Indy could also be considered as an alternative, alongside the less capacious Ghibli model. Ferrari's 365 GT4 2+2, the precursor to the 400 series, also offered four seat accommodation with sports car performance. If you wanted four doors to go with the four seats, then the Jaguar XJ12 might have offered an interesting alternative for those who didn't want to appear flash.