Lamborghini Urraco

Vehicle Overview

In the early 1970s, Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to expand his brand’s range with a more accessible, compact model that would appeal to a broader audience. Unlike the flagship V12 engine in the Miura, Lamborghini’s vision for this new model centered around a smaller V8 engine. This concept gave birth to the Lamborghini Urraco, a sporty, four-seat, mid-engine coupé that marked a significant shift in the brand’s design philosophy. The Urraco’s development involved overcoming several technical challenges, particularly in selecting the right configuration for a mid-engine layout. Lamborghini was convinced that this approach would deliver the ideal combination of performance and practicality. Surprisingly, Ferrari would follow a similar path a few years later with the 308 GT4 Dino. Both Lamborghini and Ferrari turned to Carrozzeria Bertone for the body design, adopting a central trellis chassis with independent-wheel suspension. Both manufacturers also opted for a V8 engine. Marcello Gandini, the talented designer at Bertone, was tasked with bringing this vision to life. He radically altered the traditional proportions of a mid-engine car, shortening the bonnet and maximizing the space available for the cockpit, thanks to the 2,450 mm wheelbase. The result was a sleek, low-slung car with a pointed front end and a fastback rear end. Notably, the rear featured matte-black “blinds” above the engine compartment and side pillars, a styling detail borrowed from the Miura. Two initial prototypes were created and showcased at the 1970 Geneva and Turin Motor Shows. The first prototype introduced a bold, distinctive look with double headlamps arranged in a shield shape, while the second was more conventional, featuring pop-up headlights positioned mid-hood, a small integrated rear spoiler, and a prominent air extractor on the hood. This second prototype would later serve as the inspiration for Gandini’s design of the 1973 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino. Ferruccio Lamborghini eventually requested a blend of the two designs, leading to the creation of a third prototype. This iteration incorporated retractable headlights positioned lower on the front end, helping to refine the car’s overall profile. Once finalized, this new design was approved, and in 1972, the P250 Urraco was launched. The car was powered by a 2,463 cm³ V8 engine mounted transversely in the center of the vehicle, fed by four Weber twin-barrel carburetors. It produced impressive power for its class, while its sleek, aerodynamic design contributed to its reputation as a true driver’s car. The Lamborghini Urraco P250 made its debut at the 1970 Turin Motor Show, but deliveries didn’t begin until a few years later. The final production model was a refined version of the prototype, with only 520 units produced, including a few variations like the P111. Inside, the Urraco featured a distinctive four-spoke steering wheel with a “goblet” structure, adding a touch of elegance to its sporty interior. The Urraco’s mix of performance, style, and practicality made it a key chapter in Lamborghini’s evolution, laying the groundwork for future models that would continue to push the boundaries of automotive design.

Photo courtesy of Bonhams.