In order to comply with the increasingly stringent American safety and emissions regulations, it became necessary for Lamborghini to replace the Islero Coupe by the end of the 1960s. After Gianpaolo Dallara departed Sant’Agata, the task of crafting a replacement fell to his former assistant and now chief engineer, Paolo Stanzini. Stanzini carefully shortened the Espada’s chassis by 10.7-inches, leaving everything else intact. This platform was then dressed in husky yet angular styling by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini, with flared wheel arches, NACA hood ducts, and unique hooded headlamps, as well as a comfortable 2+2 interior that leaves the stylish impression of four individual seats.

The result was a larger car than the Islero, but the talent of Stanzini and Gandini resulted in an equal top speed of 162-mph. The elegant platform is driven by a 3.9-liter, 350-hp DOHC V-12 engine with a five-speed manual gearbox. Some 177 of the original 400 GT models were produced between 1971 and 1973, making the Jarama one of the rarest Lamborghini models, and as a result, it is a much sought-after collector’s item today.

The car offered here is even more special, in that it is documented by N Club Sport Lamborghini expert, Olivier Nameche, as being the first Jarama ever sold in the United States and it bears the 34th Bertone body built for this model at the end of 1970 or early 1971. Chassis number 10066 runs with engine number 40505 and period 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 and is fitted with optional air conditioning. It was sold new through Modena Sports Cars in New York on March 3, 1971 in the color of “Bruno Metalizzato” with the interior presented in “Senape” or mustard-toned; of course, in leather.

This exceptional Jarama is a two-owner car from new; the second and current owner purchased the car on June 22, 1984 and has enjoyed the car for over 30-years. The car’s odometer indicates less than 30,000 miles driven, and the owner believes this low figure to be correct. This matching numbers Lamborghini has been stripped down to bare metal and repainted in its original factory color of Bruno Metalizzato, while the original interior was only in need of a “light refresh.” All of the aluminum has been re-polished and the chrome elements have been re-plated. All new rubber seals have been affixed from “top-to-bottom,” while the V-12 engine was also removed and had a top end rebuild executed that included the six Weber carburetors and appropriate tuning by a marque specialist.

The cooling system has been recently and completely overhauled and all of the electrical in the car has been sorted – again, “top-to-bottom” so all is in working order. A brand new Ansa exhaust system is in place, as are new disc brakes all-around. The original Muira knock-off wheels have just been refinished and have correct Michelin XWX tires fitted to them. This is an exceptional Jarama 400 GT that runs and drives superbly. It is accompanied by the appropriate documentation, factory owner’s handbook and dealer brochure. It is believed to be as authentic today as it was in 1971. This Jarama would be a marvelous example to drive, combining a fascinating, rarely-seen design with unusual features and a professional restoration.