A 'small' Lamborghini intended to compete with rivals such as Ferrari's Dino 308 and Porsche's 911 in an important market sector, the Paolo Stanzani designed Urraco was announced in 1970, with deliveries commencing in 1972. Its Miura predecessor had been named after a breed of fighting bull so the name Urraco (young bull) was an understandable appellation for its junior sibling. The Miura's basic mechanical layout was adopted for the Urraco but in place of the former's transversely mounted 4.0-litre V12 there was a 2.5-litre V8, Lamborghini's first such engine. The latter was unusual at the time in employing toothed rubber belts to drive its single overhead camshafts, but despite its simpler specification produced a highly respectable 220bhp at 7,500rpm. Styled by Marcello Gandini at Carrozzeria Bertone, the unitary construction Urraco employed McPherson strut suspension all round and despite a wheelbase 9cm shorter than the Miura's was roomy enough to accommodate a 2+2 cockpit. Brisk acceleration and a top speed of 143mph (230km/h) were complemented by remarkable roadholding and a comfortable ride. The more expensive P250S version featured a full leather interior, power windows, air conditioning, and larger Weber 40DCNF carburettors.
According to factory records, this car was completed on 02/05/1974, finished in Giallo (2469019) with a Nero (black) interior, in right-hand drive, fitted with factory air conditioning and delivered new to the UK.
The early history of this car is not known although it is understood to have arrived in Australia early in its life. A long-term owner in Sydney, John Calamos, felt that the Urraco looked less exciting than his wife's Lotus Esprit and keen to enhance the car’s appearance, he commissioned Lamborghini specialist, Henry Nehrybecki, to give the car a more aggressive look, similar to a Lamborghini Silhouette. The template for the wheel arches was taken from a Silhouette and made from sheet metal with the work completed by Graham Watson from Ralt Australia. Nehrybecki fabricated the front spoiler, custom alloy grille, front and rear bumpers, the three-piece wheels and modified the front suspension. It was repainted in Midnight Blue metallic by Con Papoulis from Hi Tech Paintshop and after 9 months in 1997 the car’s refresh was complete. The car, and the thinking behind it, were featured in an article in Lamborghini Australia's house magazine, The Bull's Roar in June 1988 and a copy is in the car's history file.
The history file itself is very impressive in terms of presentation and content and appears fairly comprehensive from about 1997. Since then, the car appears to have had three long-term owners up until it was sold to its current owner on 10/06/2025 and there are lots of well detailed invoices for all three displayed in the file. Acquired by its previous owner in July 2017 @ 81,982 miles, there are invoices from Sports and Classic Car Services of Braeside, Victoria over the next few years totalling $37,253 Aus including a new clutch, gearbox rebuild, suspension rebuild, head gaskets and other sundry works.
The Urraco was purchased on 10/06/2025 by its new UK-based owner (Bill of Sale in the file) and the sale was handled by the well regarded team at Hamilton-based, OLDTIMER AUSTRALIA. Prior to being despatched, OLDTIMER commissioned Red Ant Kustoms to ensure the car was totally ready for its trip to the UK and the associated account ($10,998) is also in the file. The work included; engine and gearbox out, cylinder heads machined, cam belt, front strut mounts, oil leaks and misfire addressed, air-con re-gassed etc. The mileage noted on the invoice was 84,013 and the indicated mileage when we photographed the car was 84,017.
The aforementioned history file contains the NOVA confirming VAT and Duty have been paid (prior to UK registration), invoices, insurance details, taxation details, an excellent history of the car by OLDTIMER, owners manual, wiring diagrams, the often missing Lamborghini libretto di assistenza e garanzia (service and warranty booklet and more.
The Lamborghini Urraco P250S is a delightful 'junior' supercar and a great alternative to the ubiquitous 308 GT/4, Merak and 911.This example has been cleverly re-imagined by an early owner and consequently is unique. It has received a substantial amount of mechanical attention in the last 2,000 miles which should inspire confidence. It's a good-looking car and we welcome your viewing at our Race Retro Sale.
