Timeless Elegance: Marcello Gandini's Design for Urraco

Rare ONES - Lamborghini has long been synonymous with pushing boundaries, both in performance and design. As the brand races toward an electrified future with revolutionary models like the Revuelto, its forward-thinking vision continues to define the supercar landscape. However, a glance back in time reminds us of a model that holds a special place in Lamborghini's storied history. 

The Lamborghini Urraco Prototype I designed by Marcello Gandini of Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

In 2023, one such icon celebrates its 53rd birthday—a car whose name evokes the image of a spirited little bull: the Lamborghini Urraco. Among the illustrious Lamborghini family, the Urraco occupies a unique position as a more accessible sports car. In the 1970s, it became the preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking an alternative to contemporaries like the Ferrari Dino, Maserati Merak, or even Lamborghini's own Miura. 

The Lamborghini Urraco Prototype II designed by Marcello Gandini of Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The Urraco's charm and spirited performance made it a standout in an era dominated by exclusivity, offering a more approachable yet undeniably thrilling entry into the world of Italian sports cars. This iconic Lamborghini model made its grand debut at the Turin Motor Show in late October 1970.

The Lamborghini Urraco P250 Prototype I designed by Marcello Gandini of Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

In comparison to its contemporaries, the Urraco introduced a wealth of innovative features, thanks to the brilliance of Paolo Stanzani, who was Lamborghini's Chief Technical Officer at that time. The aesthetic appeal of the Urraco was masterfully crafted by design virtuoso Marcello Gandini, who held the position of principal designer for Carrozzeria Bertone during this period.

The Lamborghini Urraco designed by Marcello Gandini of Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Technically speaking, the Lamborghini Urraco is a 2+2 coupe boasting a mid-rear V8 engine and an independent MacPherson strut suspension both in the front and rear. Notably, this suspension setup was groundbreaking for a production car at that time. Initially, the Urraco was outfitted with a 2.5-liter V8 engine generating 220 horsepower, and it could achieve an impressive top speed of 245 km/h.

The Lamborghini Urraco is a 2+2 coupe boasting a mid-rear V8 engine and an independent MacPherson strut suspension both in the front and rear. (Picture from: Lamborghini)

This engine boasted numerous innovations, including a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valve system, a unique "Heron" combustion chamber, and concave pistons that allowed for effective utilization of a high compression ratio. Fueling this marvel of engineering were four Weber 40 IDF1 double-barrel carburetors.

The interior of the Lamborghini Urraco is well appointed, with genuine leather upholstery, 2+2 seating, air-conditioning, Jaeger instruments, and a Blaupunkt radio/cassette player. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

What set the Lamborghini Urraco apart was an efficient production system designed to minimize manual labor from the outset. This approach aligned with the vision of Ferruccio Lamborghini, who aimed to enhance production capabilities and make Lamborghini cars more affordable for a broader consumer base. 

This cutaway illustration of the Lamborghini Urraco P250 reveals its transverse rear-mounted engine with the transmission on the driver's side, making it mid-engined and leaving space for a 10 cubic foot trunk. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Furthermore, the Urraco's cabin showcased a harmonious integration of the dashboard, instrument panel, and steering wheel in a distinctive and proportionate manner. The raging bull logoed automotive manufacturer initially introduced the Lamborghini Urraco P250, where the "P" denoted the posterior engine placement, and the "250" indicated the 2.5-liter engine capacity. 

Rear side view of the Lamborghini Urraco. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Production of this model spanned from 1970 to 1976. Subsequently, Lamborghini unveiled the Lamborghini Urraco P300 with a 1,994 cc engine generating 182 horsepower, making its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show and hitting the Italian market in 1975-1977. 

The Italian company produced the Urraco model during the period of 1972 to 1979 with only 791 units having been produced. Today, the Lamborghini Urraco is sat among the scarce, exorbitant priced sports cars, and one of the most sought after by the collectors and fans of classic Italian sports cars. *** [EKA [17032020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBORGHINI | CARSTYLING.RU | TOP SPEED | SILODROME | WIKIPEDIA ]

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