1981 Lamborghini Jalpa 3500

The Lamborghini Jalpa 3500 was introduced in 1981 as the final evolution of Lamborghini’s V8 mid-engine line, and it made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show that same year. It was designed by Marc Deschamps at Bertone, with input under Giulio Alfieri’s direction at Lamborghini, and served as the successor to the Silhouette.

Mechanically, it used a 3.5-liter V8 derived from the earlier Urraco and Silhouette engines, producing around 255 horsepower, making it the most powerful production V8 Lamborghini of its time. The focus was on making the car more usable and less extreme than the Countach, while still retaining the sharp mid-engine character of the earlier V8 models.

Visually, the Jalpa kept the overall silhouette of the Silhouette but introduced a cleaner, more modernized design. It featured revised bumpers (initially black plastic in early cars), integrated air intakes, updated rear lighting, a redesigned front and rear fascia for better airflow, and a targa roof that stored behind the seats. Later production cars (from 1984 onward) also received body-colored bumpers and revised rear lights for a more cohesive look.

Produced until 1988 with around 410–420 examples built, the Jalpa marked the end of Lamborghini’s classic V8 era before the brand shifted fully toward V12 flagships and, much later, the Gallardo.