Miguel Sánchez
PHOTOS LAMBO JALPA: LAMBORGHINI / CHARLES S. CRAIL AUTOMOBILES
We'll never tire of saying it: even the most radical car needs financial consistency. Whether we like it or not this is so. And is that there is no company that sustains itself solely by manufacturing dream models. In Porsche they know it, and for that reason they endure criticism of the most purists from the presentation of the 928 in 1977. But what difference does it make? After all, it is models like this that make the evolution of new 911s possible.
However, combining designs faithful to the spirit of the brand with other more heterodox is not the only way to keep the accounts afloat. There is also the possibility of launching an access model. What do we mean? Well, a vehicle that does represent the most sporting values of the brand, but designed for a mass audience. Continuing with Porsche, good examples of this would be the Boxster or the Cayman. Cars to which no one questions their identity, but which at the same time sell a lot better than 911.
The funny thing is that some historic brands have tried both plans at the same time. One of them is Lamborghini. And it is that during the 80s he tried both diversification and the concept of access model. Regarding the first, it continued with the manufacture of tractors and tried to be a supplier of armies with the LM001 and LM002 SUVs. Regarding the second the experiment was called Lamborghini Jalpa (1981-1988). A kind of Countach for the masses of which, unfortunately, only little more than 400 units were sold.
LAMBORGHINI JALPA: ACCESS TO LIVESTOCK
Continuing the bullfighting lineage of the Lamborghini, the Jalpa took its name in 1981 from a breed of bulls. And boy, as if it were a premonition, the truth is that nobody remembers the Jalpa too much. In the absence of looking for the entry in one of the six volumes of The Cossío, we have not found any noteworthy mention of this breed. Something that goes along with what happens with this Lambo, being one of the least remembered models in historyFurthermore, we do refer to its predecessor the Silhuette, of which only around 50 units were also made based on the Urraco. But why?
We have two reasons in mind. The first is that the Lamborghini Jalpa is not exactly what you would expect from a Lamborghini. Let's see, it is not that it does not have a rough and aggressive character covered in a voluptuous aesthetic, but it is true that its benefits are not of the Countach, whose shadow continues to crush the Jalpa today.
Some of you will say that something similar happened to the Dinos as access models to Ferrari. And it is true, but the 246 has withstood the passage of time much better, let alone the 308/328. In fact, both the Maranello 2 + 2 and the Jalpa were designed by Bertone, and although they share very similar rear ends, the truth is that the lines of our protagonist are more visceral. But beware, this is not bad at all. And it is that, Isn't it a pinpoint of excess the hallmark of Lamborghini's aesthetics?
A V8 FOR PERFORMANCE ABOVE THAN EXPECTED
If you have not seen the previous video we recommend that you do so. In it you can hear the Jalpa's V8 installed in the center-rear position, from which a harsh roar emanates. Identification signs of a Lamborghini that he intended put the radicalism of the Countach within the reach of a wider audience, presenting itself as a vehicle that you could drive without having to be a pilot. Its aluminum block increased the displacement to 3 liters, just one above the one mounted in versions of the Urraco.
Something that was achieved by increasing the diameter and stroke of the piston, thus raising the engine power to 255CV. Something that perhaps fell a bit short for a model weighing 1.500 kilos, even more so if you finish off the driving experience with a targa body to feel the sound at the same time as the wind. Charms that could not convince a sufficient number of buyers, ceasing production of the Lamborghini Jalpa in 1988 well below initial expectations.
Finally, the fact that it was derived from a platform from the early '70s, and that it had nice but somewhat dated lines, were things that did not help it much in sales either. However, over time all this history has made Jalpa gain charm. In fact, many fans see him as a strange and curious model in the story of a Lamborghini that during the 80s was looking for its commercial niche.
In addition, several tests of the time place its performance above those declared in Sant'Agata Bolognese. In the middle of 2020 the Lamborghini Jalpa is a rarity of which it is difficult to find a unit for sale. Yes, in the United States We found this one for sale at Charles S. Craig Automobiles, in the USA.. You have to know how to see it, but it has charm. After all ... It's a Lamborghini.
