Estimated Price: £35,000 - £45,000
In the illustrious history of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., certain models like the Miura, Espada, Countach and Murceliago have stolen the spotlight, becoming icons of automotive design and engineering. However, nestled within Lamborghini's rich lineage lie a few lesser-known gems that offered comfort and practicality without compromising on the brand’s hallmark of high performance and Italian craftsmanship and amongst these is the Marcello Gandini-penned, Jarama.
Unlike its more flamboyant siblings, the Jarama’s design was subtle, making it one of the most understated Lamborghinis (the Pistachio Green example here is perhaps an exception). A blend of sharp angles and flowing lines, a hallmark of Gandini's work whilst at Carrozzeria Bertone, its appearance was distinctive yet understated, characterized by a low-slung body, pop-up headlights, and a spacious interior that offered space for 2 + 2 without sacrificing the sporty feel.
Launched in 1970, the Jarama was a creation born out of necessity as Lamborghini needed a grand tourer that complied with the stringent US safety and emissions standards without compromising on the brand’s cachet in the US. Powered by Lamborghini's 4.0-litre quad-cam V12 engine, this new 160mph four seater abandoned its maker's existing spaceframe chassis in favour of a platform-type unitary construction, derived from the Espada, but shortened by roughly 27cm. An unusual styling feature was the nose with its quadruple headlamps partially obscured by electrically raised covers. An improved S version, upgraded to 365bhp appeared in 1972, while later developments included Torqueflite automatic transmission and power-assisted steering. The Jarama continued in production until 1976, by which time 327 cars had been built, 152 of them to S specification.
Our vendor, Alex Postan, is well-known within the world of motorsport having competed in Formula Ford, F3, BSCC, BTCC and Le Mans plus many, many years taking part in club circuit racing and rallies all over Europe in everything from a little Healey to a well-sorted 911.
Initially establishing himself within the art world as founder of Alexander Postan Fine Art and an early specialist in Modern British Art, Alex simultaneously pursued an increasingly serious racing career. Beginning with Formula 3 machinery in the early 1970s, he progressed through hill climbs and into the fiercely competitive world of Formula Ford, where his natural consistency and determination earned him a National Formula Ford 1600 Championship title in 1983.
In early 1984, Alex became interested in the world of Lamborghini. In his own words "I was very interested in owning a Lamborghini and to be part of the Lamborghini experience. A Countach was out of sight but I came across the Jarama which had been taken as part payment by a firm of accountants whose client was an Italian hairdresser from Cardiff (Ferrari owners disparagingly refer to Lamborghinis as hairdressers' cars - true In this case!). I thought it would be a quick job and started to dismantle it under the guidance of Del Hopkins at Portman Lamborghini. In fact I had let myself in for a 30-year project, proceeding bit by bit as money and time permitted. To add to the complications, I moved from London to Oxfordshire - the car came with me in boxes.
The body was repaired using parts from another shell with the work carried out initially by Mike Creasey of Gravely Coachworks and latterly by Simon Fields at Deepcote Re-finishing. The paint was chosen from an original colour swatch supplied by Portman Lamborghini and is an authentic PPG Jarama colour - Verde Pistachio. The engine and gearbox were rebuilt by Howard Dent at Autosportif Engineering. So finally, after nearly 30 years, I had a viable Lamborghini! Feruchio Lamborghini 's favourite car was the Jarama and it is one of the rarest models with only 18 right-hand drive cars of which only 13 found homes in the UK."
This Lamborghini presents well in its verdant Verde Pistachio, although the dark blue leather interior is original and well patinated, which is exactly the way our vendor likes it, however, the car's next custodian may choose to refresh the interior also. The car runs and drives as you might expect for a fully rebuilt Lamborghini with only nominal mileage since the rebuild, and sounds fabulous with an organ-rearranging bark from that glorious V12. It's important to remember that, with the exception of the paintwork and the engine rebuild, the car's restoration has been carried out by our vendor over a 30-year period and is not the result of a vastly expensive restoration by a leading specialist.
The Jarama has been part of the Postan family for over 40 years and will be much missed, however, our vendor is no longer as nimble as he used to be so the time has come to say goodbye. We welcome and encourage your inspection of this very rare V12 Lamborghini at our BRDC Sale.
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