Hi everyone. This is my first post here. In fact I don't even own a Lambo.

But,.......I have been looking at one for about 2 years, a red Urraco, that is just sitting there rotting away on someone's property (along with a few other interesting cars), and it just bugging me. I am pretty sure he will never do anything with it, and I would like to rescue it.

I have been donig a bit of research on these cars, but have not found a lot of info....untill I found this site last night.

The questions I have is; are these cars outrageously expensive to restore? Will it be worth it in the end (not for resale, but more for fun)?

What am I getting myself into?

Thanks....John..

Restoring these types are cars can be very expensive. Parts are difficult, but not impossible to source and can be very expensive. I just went through a 7 month engine and mechanical restoration for my 84 Jalpa which cost over $25K. I did nothing with my interior as it was in excellent condition being only a one car owner. My exterior is another matter. Their is no rust anywhere, but the paint is faded in certain areas ( primarliy front hood,roof and trunk area).
I have investigated two options: One is to not do a full paint restoration, which would involve sanding to the metal and taping all bumpers, windows etc... Cost $7K.
The other option is to do a full paint restoration by again sanding to bare metal, but removing all parts, bumpers,lenses, windsheild etc... I was told by the restoration company to go ahead and order a new windshield as they could not guarantee it's breakage during it's removal. Cost $14K.

Based on your descriped condition of this Urracco, the fact that it has been "sitting there rotting away" is a tell tale sign that you will need deep pockets to get this restored.
My advise is you have to be passionate about these kinds of cars, otherwise the time and cost could make you regret it.

__________________
Lambotsavy
Jalpa #ELA12100

Hey Lambotsavy,

Thanks for your honest and frank response.

I have seen a lot of exotic sports cars, and there are few from various time periods that illicit an emotional response from me....and that darn Urraco is one of them. Now, since finding this forum, I at least have some resources to go to if I decide to go forward with it.

Have a Super Day!

I say, you only live once, I would do it. I hate looking back at stuff saying "I wish I would have..." We are here to help you out from the beginning to the end of the project.

__________________
1986 Jalpa Twin Turbo

The main thing to look for (on any old car) is rust. There is 0 body parts available for the most part, you will have to make them if they are gone. On the other hand I have bought several cars that have sat for a decade or more. The gas tank always is full of crud, all brake lines are collapsed, and fuel lines shot. If you can buy it right, you should do it. If you get into it & change your mind, you can always sell it, just don't dismantle it unless your 100% sure you will put it back together.

this might sound silly because i think it would be hard to find but you could try and look for a car that is almost restored. what i mean is a car that someone was restoring and ran out of money. i know it takes away from the project but if your straped for cash it might help

Hey Guys,

Thanks for your feedback. Detour Racing...you are right about living only once. In fact, I have just started my mid life crisis, and am picking up a mustang convertible on Tuesday. With that said, I have always loved the 70's style of sports cars, and am looking forward to a project like this.

Early Cat...good advice...if I end up getting the car I have been looking at, I will certainly do a "state of the union" when I get it. In the worst case, if it is too much trouble, I can always sell it. (but I don't usually give up that easily).

Demetri...I live in Montreal, and quite frankly, there are not too many of these kicking around here...in fact this is the only one I have ever seen...but...seeing as I am not in a hurry, I will take the next little while to look around to see if I can find an almost restored one.

Thanks to all for your great input.

Have a Super Day!

Before you buy that Urraco inspect the entire bodywork and chassis for rust, those cars had no rust protection and can ruin your budget in short time.

If you are not fixed on the Urraco consider more the Jalpa, more torque but heavier, but a very good rust protection and a reliable engine.
About 60-70% of the parts are identical to the Urraco P300.

__________________
RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.

Rather than try to guess what you might get into, I will share my experience with my Jalpa and you can get an idea of what it is like to work with one of these cars.

I paid 33K for a Jalpa. Thought it was in good shape and needed only a few minor things. Here is what it needed and what it cost.

Ignition switch was bad. Not available. rebuild 500
Brake booster not working due to old fluid. rebuild 500
Labor for removing and installing above. 500
Ignition wires need to be replaced. 250
Time spent at shop making the old ignition stuff function. 500
Found a broken mount point for the alternator. Weld 125
Fabricate new alternator tension arm. 200
Carberators were a mess. rebuild 1620
Re-key the ignition. 300
purchase hoses for smog re-connect. 30
New weather stripping for big leaks. 600
Stainless braided lines to prevent fires. 300

Next steps
Tune up ?
Install weather stripping ?
New paint ?
stainless steel oil lines ?
MSD with rev limiter 300
New belly tunnel cover 800
Fix door locks ?

I bought this car 8 months ago and have not driven it more than back and forth to the shop and that stopped 5 months ago. Most of my issues are not that serious or expensive indidually, but things add up fast. I will probably find more when I start driving it. Take people seriously when they say it will be expensive to fix up. Do-able and noble, but be prepared.

Thanks Ohlgren,

I realize that this will not be cheap, and I am weighing the thrill of owning and driving a lovely Italian sports car with the costs.

So far, I am not scared off, although I have kept my eyes open for a car in better condition.

Thanks for your input....

This is F1 weekend here in Montreal, and I have been getting an eyeful of Lambos, Ferraris and some of the accessories that go with them, in the downtown area.....I love being a guy!

Have a Super Day!