by Launched during the final years of the V12-powered Countach, the Lamborghini Jalpa never quite drew the same crowds, but it carved out a meaningful role in the lineup. Smaller, lighter, and far more approachable than its stablemate, it offered a more attainable route into Lamborghini ownership.
While not nearly as famous, well-preserved Jalpas are now rare finds, and this example here is about as clean as they come.
Read: Lamborghini Boss Promises That This Time It Really Is Done Building Retro Models
Nothing screams Lamborghini like a bright splash of paint, and this one doesn’t hold back. Finished in a vivid shade called Giallo Fly, the yellow paint covers not just the bodywork but the wheels as well.
For those who prefer something a little more understated, it might be overkill. But there’s no denying it grabs attention. If you’re trying not to be noticed, best to keep looking.
BaT
Currently listed for sale on Bring a Trailer, this 1988 Jalpa is one of roughly 100 U.S.-spec cars and just one of seven painted in this color. With only 5,900 kilometers, or about 3,700 miles, on the odometer, it’s barely broken in. It also comes with the original tool kit and spare wheel, along with a clean Carfax report and a clear New York title.
Whereas the Countach was the quintessential supercar with its raging V12 at the time, the Jalpa used a smaller 3.5-liter V8 with four two-barrel Weber carburetors. However, this example has since been upgraded with fuel injection. Originally rated at 255 horsepower, the V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
The interior of this Jalpa is a little less overt than the outside, but that’s not to say it’s subtle. The seats are finished in black leather with yellow piping, which also accents the door panels, transmission tunnel, and even the floor mats. The finishing touch is a yellow Momo gear knob, rounding out the interior with a bit of 1980s flair.
BaT
Fast-forward to today, and Lamborghini’s entry-level model, the new Temerario, starts at nearly $390,000 in the States, putting it well out of reach for most. For buyers with smaller budgets but the same desire to own a piece of Sant’Agata history, a car like the Jalpa presents a very different kind of opportunity.
Not everyone wants a V12 or half a million in debt. For those with taste, restraint, and a tolerance for yellow, the listing’s right here.
