Lamborghini Silhouette Prototype, 1976
Chassis No.: URRAC0P11840002 • Exterior: White • Interior: Black • 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 • Must be sold to an out of state resident or licensed dealer 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. https://www.mecum.com/lots/244494/1976-lamborghini-silhouette-prototype/
