Lamborghini first introduced the Jarama at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 1970. In order to comply with American safety and emission regulations, it was deemed necessary to replace the Islero in Lamborghini’s lineup. Giampaolo Dallara had left Sant’Agata, so the task fell to his former assistant and now chief engineer, Paolo Stanzini. He cleverly shortened the Espada wheelbase by nearly 11 inches, leaving most everything else intact. The result was a husky, yet angular 2+2, with flared wheel arches and NACA hood ducts like the Espada, albeit with hooded headlights all its own.

The Jarama shared the wide track of the Espada, giving the small Lamborghini a broad-shouldered look that was attributed to Bertone’s Marcello Gandini. Body construction was farmed out to Marazzi (who had designed and built the Islero’s bodywork). Just 177 400 GTs were produced from 1970–1973, before the model was upgraded to 400 GTS status. Another 150 GTS cars were built through 1978, making the Jarama one of the rarer Lamborghini models.

The car offered here is indeed very special. It is documented by N Club Sport Lamborghini expert Olivier Nameche as being the first Jarama ever sold in the United States, while carrying the 34th Bertone body built for this model. Factory documents in Mr. Nameche’s possession are reported to confirm this car was manufactured at Sant’Agata Bolognese in 1971 in accordance with U.S. Federal specifications. It is also fitted with optional air conditioning. It was sold new through Modena Sports Cars, New York, on 3 March 1971, and delivered in Bruno Metalizzato over Senape leather.

The exceptional Jarama is a two-owner car from new; the second and current owner purchased the car on 22 June 1984, enjoying it for more than 30 years. Its odometer indicates less than 30,000 miles driven, and this is believed to be correct. As a matching-numbers example, it benefits from a bare metal repaint in its original color, while the interior was given a light refreshing. All aluminum has been re-polished, and the chrome elements have been re-plated, including the original Miura-style knock-off wheels shod with Michelin XWX tires. New rubber seals have been affixed from “top-to-bottom,” while the V-12 engine and transmission were removed and completely rebuilt. This included the original factory brake servos and six Weber carburetors with the appropriate tuning by a marque specialist.

All rubber suspension and steering components have been replaced. The original Koni shocks were removed and rebuilt, and all engine hardware, suspension, steering and brake components sound blasted, powder coated, or zinc coated according to how the car left the factory originally. Correct factory stickers are in place as in 1971. The cooling system has been completely overhauled, and all of the electrical items are in working order. A brand-new Ansa exhaust system is fitted, as are new disc brakes all around. The car is accompanied by the appropriate documentation, factory owner’s handbook, and dealer brochure.

This is an exceptional, rare Lamborghini that the owner says runs and drives superbly.