1976 Lamborghini Silhouette prototype
One of two Silhouette prototypes built on a P300 Urraco chassis
Designed by Carrozzeria Bertone styling house
Silhouette prototype starred at the 1976 Turin Motor Show
First Lamborghini with a Targa roof
3.0/250 HP DOHC transverse, mid-mounted V-8 engine
Four twin-throat Weber 40 DCNF carburetors
Oil cooler
5-speed gated shifter
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch
Integral chassis with steel body
Independent coil springs
Telescopic shock absorbers
Girling ventilated disc brakes
Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels
Reverse indent around the Silhouette badge (unique to the two prototypes)
2,728-pound curb weight
Factory-rated 0-60 MPH time of 6.5 seconds
Factory-rated top speed of 161 MPH
The 1970s were a time of turmoil at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., but they also saw the production of a number of important models that kept the Italian automaker in business. In 1974, De Tomaso’s Luigi Capellini was appointed to the company board. With his experience introducing the Pantera to the United States, he knew the importance of the American market, and to that end immediately launched the development of an Urraco-derived mid-engine design named Silhouette. Designed by Italy’s Carrozzeria Bertone styling house, this prototype, chassis number 40002, body number 01, is one of two built to purportedly demonstrate and productionize the Silhouette, the first Lamborghini with a Targa roof. Its significance in Lamborghini history can hardly be overstated, as it is one of the cars that helped the Sant’Agata manufacturer navigate the difficult years between the success of the Miura and the arrival of the earthshattering Countach. Starring at the 1976 Turin Motor Show, this prototype demonstrated Bertone’s studied adaptation, which included flared wheel arches, a deep front spoiler with ducting for an oil cooler and ventilated Girling disc brakes and a unique rear window treatment to hide an integrated roll bar. The Silhouette’s muscular form hid the P300 Urraco’s underpinnings, including the mid-mounted transverse 3.0L DOHC V-8 that used 4 twin-throat Weber 40 DCNF carburetors for a factory-rating of 250 HP. Both prototypes bear several features distinguishing them from production cars. They feature unique body numbers along with the original Urraco body numbers and use the P300 electrical system. In addition to the P300’s console-mounted window switches, prototype number 40002 has the clock in front of the driver, the heater controls in the radio panel, Alfa-style chrome-bezeled warning lights and red switch labels. Only 54 Silhouettes, including the two prototypes, were produced from 1976 through 1979 making this offering a marvelous opportunity to acquire one of the rarest automobiles of Lamborghini’s fascinating history.
The Silhouette is serial number 40002 and body number 01. It was displayed at the Turin Motor Show in 1976 to first introduce the new Silhouette to Italy. The Silhouette was the first Lamborghini to ever be fitted with a targa roof and has numerous features that were carried on into the fully developed Countach model. Only 54 Silhouettes were ever produced and 40002 is the only Prototype known to be remaining. It is a one-off car with several features that cannot be seen on any other production Silhouette. 27k original kms, largely original and complete no-stories car…
Sold
