Lamborghini Silhouette

[P300V8]

roygarth said:

Both fantastic looking machines. Aren't they both essentially Uraccos with differing body kits/wheels?

The Silhouette is indeed a modified Urraco P300, but it needed a lot of development work to accommodate the new P7 tyres. The suspension geometry and steering arms were changed and because the P300 engine ran hot the front radiator ducting was altered and an oil cooler was fitted. In addition to the new bodywork the interior was completely changed.

The Jalpa had 16" wheels and reverted back to Urraco suspension and steering though the rear lower arms are sturdier to cope with the increased torque. Early cars used the P300 block with a spacer under the heads to increase the stroke. With the introduction of the single colour scheme the oil cooler was moved into the engine compartment. The Jalpa had additional chassis bracing and a steel roof that added significant weight.

Here are some pics of the Snorkel development car including one of Sterzel testing during winter 75/76...

[Ian.C]

Ok, has anyone driven a Uracco, Silhouette and Jalpa back to back?


The late Mike McCarthy drove all three in a Classic and Sports Car magazine article (1985/6approx).

His comments were interesting as he favoured the 3 litre Uracco.

More recently Martin Buckley drove the Silhouette and Jalpa in another Classic and Sportscar magazine article.

[P300V8]

I have owned both P300 and Silhouette simultaneously. They are very different on many levels but I love them both! The extra rigidity of the P300 is an advantage but the seats are dreadful and the instrumentation is wanting. It is noisier inside and it can get very hot. The Silhouette is less rigid but it is less noisy with the roof on and generally more comfortable and sophisticated than the Urraco. Driving it with roof removed and side windows up is a wonderful experience as there is virtually no turbulence inside and the engine noise and exhaust note is superb...

I have only been a passenger in a Jalpa. Sure there is much more torque but the engine doesn't spin as freely as the 3L. To my eyes the exterior and interior style is not an improvement on the Silhouette, though I do quite like the look of the early cars with twin tone paint...

[countachman]

[LDM]

gorgeous!

[rich888]

LDM said:

gorgeous!

Even more amazing when you consider that in 1977 most folks were driving round in Austin Allegros, Princesses and Ford Cortinas,

[roygarth]

rich888 said:

LDM said:

gorgeous!

Even more amazing when you consider that in 1977 most folks were driving round in Austin Allegros, Princesses and Ford Cortinas,

I remember going to the Earls Court Motor show c.1975

On the Lambo stand was a Urraco, Espada, Miura and/or Countach and a Jarama. I nearly fainted at the sight of this line-up. As you say most of the other cars at the show were so ordinary.

[countachman]

I'd like to see that photo.....

[countachman]

Interesting eh Ivor..........

[P300V8]

40094 RHD. All cars consigned to Australia had clear screen and sun vizors. Since the tinted screen had the aerial embedded an external aerial was necessary for these cars.

Edited by P300V8 on Tuesday 29th March 01:32

[LDM]

roygarth said:

rich888 said:

LDM said:

gorgeous!

Even more amazing when you consider that in 1977 most folks were driving round in Austin Allegros, Princesses and Ford Cortinas,

I remember going to the Earls Court Motor show c.1975

On the Lambo stand was a Urraco, Espada, Miura and/or Countach and a Jarama. I nearly fainted at the sight of this line-up. As you say most of the other cars at the show were so ordinary.

As I have mentioned in another thread as a kid in the 70's an early countach was owned by a guy who lived a few houses down from us (orange 3DUU) it really did seem like something from the future!

[tannucats]

P300V8 said:

40006 on her golden Campies at NEC Classic Motor Show in November. Picture courtesy of Tony Harrison.

And parked next to my espada they complimented well

[Nik da Greek]

tannucats said:

And parked next to my espada they complimented well

This one?



Lovely car! Wonderfully brown

[tannucats]

yep

[Motorheads]

Here is a pic of 40052, the other silhouette on the roads in the UK. It was returned to it's orginal colour of Rame Colorado over the winter, the only silhouette made in this colour.

[Nik da Greek]

Great pic. It looks like a lion stalking zebra on the veldt

[P300V8]

Opportunity!
40002 the second prototype residing in Canada is being auctioned at Monterey in August...
https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/CA0...ni-Silhouet...

[P300V8]

Motorheads said:

Here is a pic of 40052, the other silhouette on the roads in the UK...

There may be three as the original convoy car 40010 has a current MOT...

[silverthorn2151]

I recall a story from the papers when these were new where a young chap living at home has saved up and bought one new.

No idea why that should stick in my mind but it's always been there. Wonder if it's one of these?

[P300V8]

silverthorn2151 said:

I recall a story from the papers when these were new where a young chap living at home has saved up and bought one new.

No idea why that should stick in my mind but it's always been there. Wonder if it's one of these?

This story may have been for a Countach as there were only three Silhouettes imported new into UK