1987 Lamborghini Jalpa

Lamborghini Silhouette (1976 - 1979) and Jalpa (1981 - 1988)

The first Lamborghini to feature a Targa top, the Silhouette was a derivative of the Urraco and was designed to fit the niche of being a more affordable alternative to the Countach when launched in 1976. The car's design, styled by Bertone, was years ahead of its time and was intended to appeal to the American market. Its mid-mounted, 2,995.8cc alloy V8 engine produced 265bhp, enough for a 6.4-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 162mph. The engine is transverse- mounted, driving the back wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox and it has fully independent suspension. The rigid Targa top can be removed and stored behind the seats. With just 55 made, it is one of the rarest models of the marque and today there are a tiny number of Silhouettes still on the road.

In 1981, the Silhouette's successor was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the earlier car (with the final production Silhouette being used as the Jalpa prototype) but updated with a completely new body by Bertone and now featuring a transverse 3,485cc V8 producing 255bhp, the car was intended to compete with Ferrari's popular 308 (later 328) GTS. Lamborghini's last V8, 419 examples were built (34 in right-hand drive.)

Like many sports cars of their era, the Silhouette and Jalpa look and sound faster than they are. Criticisms include heavy steering, overheating brakes (especially on the Jalpa in warm climates) and weak engine mounts. Rust is an issue, with wings and valences suffering in particular. The mid-mounted engine position means servicing can be difficult and parts, especially trim and suspension parts, can be extremely difficult to find and very expensive to buy.

Alternative cars from the era are the Ferrari 308 GTS, the Maserati Merak SS and the De Tomaso Pantera.