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Jalpa Prototype - the STORY

The Jalpa was to become the successor to the Lamborghini Silhouette, again Bertone was contacted to design the bodywork, now using round wheel arch extensions completely molded into the bodywork, a different front spoiler and a redesigned engine hood were also trademark features for the Jalpa, while the air intakes to both sides of the engine were mildly modified. The 1981 Geneva Auto Show prototype even had a rear spoiler integrated into the rear luggage compartment cover, but this feature didn't make it into production.

Pirelli P7's were again used, now mounted on flat alloy wheels similar to those used on the Athon prototype.

The Jalpa prototype was presented on the 1981 Geneva Show and was finished in a brilliant metallic bronze, with all plastic body parts like bumpers and air intakes painted in a mustard-color while a beige-and-brown striped leather interior was used.

This interior was also completely different from the Silhouette, the dashboard used new instrumentation and the steering wheel was changed and the seats were replaced by more comfortable ones with adjustable backrests.

This specific show car used a 3.0-Liter Silhouette engine instead of the later 3.5-Liter production unit, in fact this Jalpa prototype was built on chassis number 40058, which used to be a Silhouette delivered to Achili Motors on 9/1/1978. This particular Silhouette remained unsold at the distributor and it was returned to the factory later to be converted into the Jalpa.

The 3.0-Liter engine received a 75mm stroke resulting in a 3485 cc displacement and 255 Bhp at 7000 rpm, the transmission ratio's were altered and the suspension was revised to use 16 inch diameter wheels.

The special paint show car was later repainted in a more normal white color with a black leather interior, this rare Jalpa is still owned by Automobili Lamborghini SpA.

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