Rare because only 55 pieces were made. But beautiful?
The first entry-level Lambo, the Lamborghini Urraco, was already on its last legs quite smoothly. The competition also did not sit still and so a successor for the small Lambo had to be found in order to connect with new customers. Because money was needed. Founder Ferruccio Lamborghini had left the company entirely since 1974, and in 1976 the company was hanging by a thread. An attempt was made to set up a collaboration with BMW for the construction of the M1. And the company also tried to win contracts for building military vehicles. Which later resulted in the LM 002. But none of that really got off the ground. Finally, the Silhouette was shown to the public at the 1976 Geneva Motor Show.
The car was a minor evolution of the Urraco, with similar sizes and performance. But now with a design that is more geared towards the Countach, with sharp corners and square wheel screens. To serve the American market in a more targeted way, Carrozzeria Bertone – again the designers – turned it into a targa. Two roof panels above the occupants’ head are removable and fit behind the front seats.
The engine of the Lamborghini Silhouette remained unchanged
The engine was taken directly from the Urraco P300. So also with 250 hp and a top speed of 260 km/h. By the way, people also talk about the Silhouette P300 as a name here and there, but that is not what Lamborghini does. And there is no other model of the Silhouette. The aluminum block with almost all accessories is located almost in the middle of the car, just behind the front seats.
Unfortunately, the Silhouette was not a success. The car was only available in America via the gray circuit due to the strict requirements. And the build quality and reliability left a lot to be desired. In the end, only 53 Silhouettes were built, the last of which was not sold. Because it was used as the basis for the prototype of its successor, the Jalpa. Of those 53 cars, thirteen are right-hand drive, and in total there are still about 31 known. Which makes it a rare sight.
The fact that it is rare is also reflected in the current range. You hardly find them and if you come across one, the prices quickly exceed 2.5 tons. Strangely enough, another one was sold by auction house Sotheby’s in 2010 for $60,500. So either they have risen enormously in price, or there was little interest in them at the time.
Why the name Silhouette?
This Lamborghini model was also not given the name of a fighting bull. But it is not known where the name Silhouette comes from. It was probably chosen mainly because of its ‘international’ character. Important for Lamborghini’s aspirations on the American market at the time.
Production Quantity
55
Production period
1976-1979
Specifications Lamborghini Silhouette
2,995cc V8
250 hp
0-100 km/h in 6.5 s
top 260 km/h
Models
Prototype (2 pieces)
Silhouette (53 pieces, of which 1 later serves as a prototype for the successor)
