A lesser-known yet captivating classic, the 1984 Lamborghini Jalpa, is poised to attract enthusiasts and collectors as it goes up for auction at Mecum Auctions’s annual event in Indianapolis later this month. While the Lamborghini Countach has long overshadowed it, the Jalpa represents a significant chapter in Lamborghini’s history as one of the only three models produced during the Countach’s reign.
Introduced as Lamborghini’s attempt to offer an “affordable” sports car, the Jalpa was designed to be a more accessible alternative to its V-12 sibling. It features a wedge shape akin to the Countach but opts for a more subdued overall design and a V-8 engine, distinguishing itself with a balance of performance and practicality. Between 1981 and 1988, only 410 units were manufactured, a testament to the exclusivity of this model during an era when Lamborghini produced merely a hundred cars per year.
This particular Jalpa, serial no. ZA9J00000ELA12127, stands out with its Rosso Siviglia exterior and removable roof panels, reminiscent of the Silhouette—Lamborghini’s first targa. It rides on white Route Z alloy wheels and features an interior draped in black leather with a grated shifter, a factory air-conditioning system, and an Alpine stereo system.
Under the hood lies a mid-mounted 3.5-liter DOHC V8 engine delivering 255 horsepower and 225 ft-lbs of torque. This power is harnessed through a five-speed manual transmission, pushing the car from zero to 62 mph in six seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. With only 18,701 miles recorded, this Jalpa is in remarkable condition and holds promise to nearly meet its original performance specs.
As the auction date on May 18 approaches, anticipation builds not only for this unique piece of Lamborghini’s heritage but also for the potential it has to exceed the typical market value for Jalpas, generally around $85,000. This auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive example of Lamborghini’s “starter” supercar lineage, which paved the way for successors like the Gallardo and Huracán.
Shawn Henry
[…] Ferrari introduced the 275 GTS at the 1964 Paris Motor Show alongside the better-known 275 GTB. While over 800 units of the GTB were produced, only 200 examples of the GTS were built between late 1964 and early 1966, making it a coveted collector’s item. The 275 GTS featured a 3.3-liter V-12 engine designed by Colombo, producing 260 horsepower and achieving a top speed of 150 mph. […]