The Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT, though often overshadowed by its flamboyant siblings, is a captivating 2+2 grand tourer. Produced between 1970 and 1973, it belongs to the class of rare Lamborghinis of the past. The Jarama's curvy lines, penned by design maestro Marcello Gandini, exude a timeless elegance. Its low stance, pop-up headlights, and iconic hexagonal taillights are instantly recognizable. Under the hood lies a roaring 3.9-liter V12 engine derived from the Lamborghini 400 GT. It unleashes a thrilling 350 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Jarama from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.9 seconds and to a top speed of 155 mph. As a rare and desirable classic, owning a Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT is an investment in automotive heritage. However, be prepared for a hefty price tag since prices typically range from $190,000 to $370,000, depending on condition, mileage, and provenance. So, is the Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT for you? If you crave a unique and exhilarating driving experience and can maintain this rare gem, then the Jarama might be your dream grand tourer.
Designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Jarama boasts sleek, low-slung lines contrasting with the angular Islero. Inspired by a region in Spain renowned for bullfighting, its name hints at the car's possible performance heritage. The chassis is derived from the Espada but shortened for a sportier feel. The Jarama's production began in 1970, with a few units rolling off the line for the first year. There wasn't a warm enough reception for the Jarama 400 GT as some of its siblings from Lamborghini affected sales. In 1972, the Jarama S (also known as Jarama GTS) emerged, boasting increased power. Lamborghini boosted its power to 365 horsepower thanks to upgraded exhaust, heads, and carburetors. Minor body modifications, including a hood scoop, exhaust vents, and relocated turn signals, further distinguished the S variant. Both versions offered the option of either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Jarama 400 GT production remained limited, with only 177 units rolling off the line before its discontinuation in 1973. This scarcity adds to its mystique and collector value today. Today, the Jarama 400 GT remains a rare sight on the roads.
Under the hood of the Jarama 400 GT lies an efficient 3.9-liter V12 engine. This magnificent beast, crafted from aluminum, isn't fuel efficient, so don't expect stellar MPG. This engine configuration churns out an impressive 350 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, propelling the Jarama from 0 to 60 mph in a thrilling 6.9 seconds. Hold on tight as the top speed reaches a heart-pounding 155 mph. It's important to note that these figures are for the original Jarama 400 GT; the later Jarama 400 GTS boasts a slightly higher output of 365 horsepower. With a displacement of 3,929 cc, this V12 is a true powerhouse, delivering 298 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. This hefty torque translates to incredible pulling power and instant acceleration. The Jarama 400 GT's engine utilizes twin overhead camshafts (DOHC) with two valves per cylinder and feeds on six Weber 40 DCOE carburetors. This setup was trendy on sports cars of the 70s, especially Lamborghinis. While generally reliable for a classic car, the Jarama's V12, like any high-performance engine, demands meticulous maintenance. Parts can be scarce and expensive, so owning a Jarama requires dedication and financial resources. The driving experience in the Jarama is unlike any other. The raw power of the V12 translates to immediate response and exhilarating acceleration. The engine's growl at high revs is pure music to any petrolhead's ears. However, the Jarama's ride can be firm compared to modern cars, and the steering is heavy. The later Jarama 400 GTS offers a slightly more refined and powerful experience with its 365-horsepower engine. However, the core driving characteristics remain similar across both models. Compared to its contemporaries in the 1970s grand tourer category, the Jarama's V12 stands out for its pure power and exhilarating performance. While rivals like the Ferrari Daytona offered smoother engines and more comfortable rides, the Jarama delivers an unapologetically thrilling driving experience.
The Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT's interior, while not boasting modern bells and whistles, is driver-focused. The first thing you notice is the wooden steering wheel, its thin rim promising a direct and communicative connection to the road. The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel features large, easy-to-read gauges like a speedometer, tachometer, and fuel level indicator. The bucket seats, upholstered in leather, offer surprisingly good comfort for a 2+2 grand tourer. They provide adequate bolstering, but long journeys might require frequent stretch breaks. Adjustability is limited since its design is mainly confined to fore and aft movement. While technically accommodating two passengers, the rear seats are best suited for occasional use or smaller individuals. Legroom is limited, but most rear-seat occupants will have decent headroom. While the Jarama 400 GT's interior might not match the plush comfort of modern luxury cars, it offers a unique blend of luxury and sportiness. The dashboard, crafted from top-quality materials, adds a touch of luxury to the driver's experience. Switches and controls are grouped logically, most of them between the steering wheel and the gauge cluster. Leather dominates the interior, covering not just the seats but also the door panels and parts of the center console. This, combined with the aluminum accents, creates a luxurious and sporty ambiance. However, expect some plastic components that reflect the era's manufacturing techniques. The center console, running almost the entire cabin length, houses secondary controls like the climate controls and radio. It's not as cluttered as modern consoles and offers essential functionality without compromising the driver's focus. One of the things you'll dislike about the interior of this car is the radio. It's mounted awkwardly, making tuning the radio difficult in transit.
The Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT's exterior is less elegantly designed than one would expect of a car that came out around the same time as the Lamborghini Islero and Miura. That notwithstanding, it has a front characterized by its iconic look with unique pop-up headlights. These headlights, hidden when not in use, are revealed dramatically when needed. Going over to the side, you'll see clean lines flow from the pointed nose to the muscular rear haunches, accentuated by flared wheel arches. The Jarama sits proudly on classic alloy wheels, typically 14 to 15 inches in diameter. These wheels are wrapped in wide tires, and they do a great job of providing the necessary grip for the car's performance potential. The Jarama 400 GT's rear design is similar to the Espada, but unlike the Espada, which has a liftable hatch, the Jarama 400 GT doesn't have the same design. The taillights blend well with the rear design and illuminate the rear at night. The trunk, accessible by unlocking with the trunk-specific key or the trunk lever by the B-pillar in the driver's side of the car, offers enough space to store your items. It's generous space-wise. The Jarama 400 GT's exterior is undeniably beautiful and functional. The design elements, from the low stance to the flared arches, contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency and stability at high speeds.
While the Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT exudes timeless charm and undeniable driving appeal, it's important to remember that it debuted in 1970. Compared to modern cars overflowing with tech features, the Jarama 400 GT lags behind. You'll find manual controls for essential functions like climate control and a basic radio, devoid of modern features like Bluetooth connectivity or navigation. Instrumentation focuses on analog gauges displaying speed, RPM, fuel level, and other essential information. power windows and electric locks were options, but they were far from standard equipment.
Owning a Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT is a dream for many car enthusiasts, but be prepared for a hefty price tag to match its timeless design and thrilling performance. As a rare and desirable classic, used models typically range from $190,000 to $370,000 or more, depending on factors like mileage, condition, provenance, etc.
Many enthusiasts often regard the Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT as a time machine that transports you to an era in the Italian automotive scene. While it lacks the tech-laden features of modern cars, it offers an exhilarating driving experience. If you want a Jarama 400 GT or any other classic Lamborghini, you should check out Exotic Car Trader, your one-stop shop for buying and selling exotic cars. Their platform makes the process simple and secure, whether you're a seasoned buyer or a first-time seller. Browse their extensive inventory of meticulously curated Jaramas and other exotic cars, or list your vehicle quickly. In conclusion, the Lamborghini Jarama 400 GT is a collector classic car you shouldn't miss if you're looking for a safe automotive investment.
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