1972 Lamborghini Jarama

$197,500. Hyman Ltd, St Louis, USA

DESIGNED TO REPLACE the ageing Islero as the sportier GT of the range, the Jarama was a Bertone-styled coupé based on a shortened Espada platform. It weighed almost as much despite being almost ten inches shorter, while the 3.9-litre V12 developed no more power. Sound good so far?

Of course, 350bhp was more than enough to give the Jarama 160mph performance, and Paolo Stanzani managed to engineer a very well-balanced chassis. As this US-market example currently offered by Hyman Ltd suggests, it was a model aimed squarely at capturing sales in the States.

The Jarama, styled by Marcello Gandini, can’t compete with the Espada for drama, but it’s an interesting shape and features many great details. The NACA ducts and partially covered headlights define the low front end, while the Miura-style Campagnolo wheels are beautiful.

Take a look inside, and its relationship to the Espada is clear. The huge glasshouse gives the cabin a spacious feel – aided further by this example’s light-coloured carpets and leather seats. It has a pair of rear seats despite the abbreviated wheelbase, although they look far less inviting than those of its larger brother. There’s a big boot, and that rear bench can be folded if you need extra luggage space.

As a US car, this 400GT features extras such as side marker lamps, but it also gets air-con and electric windows. It’s very rare, too: with a run of 177 400GTs (and a further 150 GTSs), the Jarama was yet another victim of the early-1970s fuel crisis.

Delivered new to Modena Sports Cars of New York in March 1972, this Jarama has covered around 45,000 miles and is, according to Hyman, in largely original and unrestored condition. It has had a high-quality repaint, along with a bit of light refreshment inside. At $197,500 it’s an interesting and slightly under-the-radar proposition if you’re looking for a V12-powered Italian GT.