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.

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. 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 one of a believed six examples fitted with dual removable roof panels, which give it a striking and futuristic appearance, like riding in the cockpit of a jet. For more private motoring on less sunny days, the panels can be repositioned by a simple fastener. The interior is upholstered in rich tan leather, a suave counterpoint to the rather flamboyant metallic blue finish, which shows off the Jarama’s fascinating, modern lines. A wooden steering wheel, shift knob, and dashboard insert add a touch of traditional, old world luxury.

The current owner reports that this car was restored by Ultimate Motor Works, of Florida, in the early 1990s, and it was subsequently thoroughly freshened in 2006. Owned continuously as part of a major sports car collection for a quarter century, it is provided with its original sales brochure and parts manual, and it shows just over 15,000 miles. It is believed to be as authentic today as it was in 1972. This Jarama would be a superb example to drive, combining a fascinating, rarely-seen design with unusual features and a professional restoration.