Description
A ‘small’ Lamborghini intended to compete with rivals such as Ferrari’s Dino 308 and Porsche’s 911 in an important market sector, the Urraco was announced in 1970, with deliveries commencing in 1972. The Miura’s basic mechanical layout was adopted for the Urraco (the name means ‘young bull’) but in place of the former’s transversely mounted 4.0-litre V12 there was a 2.5-litre V8. The latter was unusual at the time in employing toothed rubber belts to drive its single overhead camshafts but despite its simpler specification produced a highly respectable 220bhp at 7,500rpm. Styled by Bertone, the unitary construction Urraco employed McPherson strut suspension all round and despite a wheelbase 9cm shorter than the Miura’s was roomy enough to accommodate a 2+2 cockpit. Brisk acceleration and a top speed of 143mph (230km/h) were complemented by leech-like roadholding and a comfortable ride. After 520 cars had been built, way below Lamborghini’s expectations, the Urraco P250 was superseded in 1974 by the P300.
As its designation suggests, the P300 was powered by a 3.0-litre version of the V8 engine, which in addition to the capacity increase now boasted twin overhead camshafts and produced 250bhp – 265 horsepower from 1976 – which was good enough for a top speed of around 160mph. At the same time the transmission and suspension were improved, and the dashboard layout revised. Despite its basic soundness, superior performance and numerous improvements, this latest version of the Urraco still failed to sell in significant numbers and when production ceased in 1978 only 205 P300s had been made.
This delightful left hand drive example of the Urraco is finished in the unusual colour combination of black over black. UK registered and with a current MoT it offers exceptional value for money.
