In the 1970s, Lamborghini sought to expand their offerings beyond V12 beasts. Their answer: the Urraco, a smaller, more affordable model aimed directly at Ferrari’s Dino 308 and Porsche’s 911. While retaining the basic layout of the iconic Miura, the Urraco traded the massive V12 for a more manageable 2.5-liter V8, making it a four-seater GT.
Just a few years later, Lamborghini unveiled the Silhouette, a two-seater evolution of the Urraco. Designed by Bertone with a focus on aggression, the Silhouette kept the Urraco’s core structure but added a dramatic makeover. Think full chin spoiler, muscular flares, mysterious black intakes, and the pièce de résistance: a removable Targa top, a first for Lamborghini.
Power came from the Urraco P300’s 3.0-liter V8, but with a boost to 265 horsepower, making it slightly more potent than its predecessor. This put the Silhouette toe-to-toe with the Ferrari 308 GTB.
Not only did it handle superbly, but it also matched the Ferrari in a straight line, reaching speeds close to 160 mph (258 km/h). However, the Silhouette’s reign was short-lived, lasting just over a year. With only 52 units ever produced, it remains a rare and remarkable footnote in Lamborghini’s history.
Photo Source: Bring A Trailer
