Lamborghini Jarama

Vehicle Overview

The Lamborghini Jarama, making its debut at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, marked a departure from the flamboyant designs of its Lamborghini predecessors. Crafted by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the 2+2 front-engined V12 GT lacked the ostentation of the Espada, the extravagance of the Marzal, and the provocativeness of the Miura. Gandini’s design, though less daring, possessed a geometric and intuitive elegance. The Jarama replaced the Islero due to evolving U.S. safety and emission regulations. Faced with stricter standards, Lamborghini aimed to create a comfortable and performance-driven 2+2 vehicle, consistent with Ferruccio Lamborghini’s fondness for such configurations since the inception of the Lamborghini 350 GT. Named after the region famous for breeding fighting bulls, the Jarama was engineered by Paolo Stanzani following the departure of chief engineer Gianpaolo Dallara. Stanzani retained the Islero’s floorplan and mechanics but adapted it to meet U.S. regulations, pairing it with a modern 2+2 body by Bertone. The bodywork of the pre-series examples was assembled by Carrozzeria Marazzi in Caronno Pertusella, while the production examples were produced at Carrozzeria Bertone’s Grugliasco plant. While the boxy design leaned towards a fastback coupe, the massive and imposing tail presented a formal imbalance. However, slim pillars and the absence of moldings along the sides lightened the overall appearance. Notable features included large light-alloy wheels, a sporty front end, twin circular headlights, and a small integrated roof spoiler. Inside, the Jarama exuded luxury with leather upholstery, soft carpeting, a wooden steering wheel, and a dashboard adorned with circular dials. The front seats offered comfort, while the rear, more suitable for children, maintained a trim profile. Standard features included air conditioning, while the optional sunroof, splitting into two sections, added a unique touch to the limited 21 Jarama examples equipped with it. Under the hood, the Lamborghini Jarama featured a 3929 cm³ 4-camshaft V12 engine with six Weber carburetors producing 325 hp. The 5-speed gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes, a pioneering feature at the time, provided robust and efficient performance. With a shorter wheelbase than the Espada, the Lamborghini Jarama struck a balance between agility and comfort, catering to the needs of a young couple, perhaps with a child in tow.

Photo courtesy of Hyman Ltd.