New and Pre-owned Lamborghini Jalpa for Sale

The Lamborghini Jalpa for sale is one of the rare 411 sports cars produced by Lamborghini from 1981-1988. It featured a 3.5-liter V-8 transverse mid-engine platform in a 2-door Targa body in a wedge style designed by Bertone (who also designed the Countach) using a 5-speed synchromesh manual transmission. In what would become the Lamborghini tradition, the Jalpa is named after a famous breed of fighting bulls.

The Jalpa was marketed as an affordable alternative to the polarizing and conspicuous Countach that was produced alongside it. Though they shared hard angles and fender flares courtesy of Bertone’s origami envelope design aesthetic, the Jalpa was comparatively easier to drive, having much better visibility and performing well in heavy traffic or at slower speeds than the Countach. 

The Jalpa offers excellent road-worthy performance, but there were several complaints of heavy steering and many lament the (lack of) acceleration speed. Handling, however, is a different story, especially when it comes to older vehicles. The Jalpa takes corners surprisingly well for such an old car. And also, the Jalpa is just a cool car.

The Jalpa weighed 3,329 lbs and was capable of reaching tops speeds of 155 mph. It could climb to 62mph in 5.8 seconds and ably held its own against its Ferrari counterparts at the time.

Earlier versions from 1981 to the 1984 Jalpa were made with black plastic components. The 1985 Jalpa onward were outfitted with body-color bumpers, air intakes and engine covers instead. That year, Lamborghini updated the rectangular headlights that had been carried over from the Silhouette to new round taillights. Owners could opt to add a Countach-like rear wing for added flair and some quintessentially 80s style. 

The Jalpa is the last Lamborghini vehicle to run on a V-8 engine until the Urus was released, and it used the engine developed in the preceding Silhouette line of cars. European models were capable of 255 hp, and the 100 or so US models of the Lamborghini Jalpa were given power outputs of 250 hp. By the time production on the Jalpa line was discontinued by Chrysler in 1988, it was Lamborghini’s second most successful V-8 engine car. 

The 1986 Lamborghini Jalpa is a very user-friendly car with all of the panache and head-turning capability of its big brother, yet continually overshadowed by the Countach. Owing to its rarity, the Jalpa is highly collectible. Clean, well-preserved models with sporty leather-laced interiors and clear, easy-to-read dash control often fetch at least six figures at the occasional auction. The Jalpa is a unique vehicle that is a prime example of classic Lamborghini craftsmanship and style. 

This affordable, entry-level Targa-topped Lambo has more than stood the test of time and is still presented favorably throughout Lamborghini history. Though it may not have been as big or brawny as the Countach that everyone seems to remember from the 80s, the Jalpa delivered consistent performance thanks to a well-crafted engine and thoughtful design. Consequently, this distinctive vintage car would be an asset to any collection. 

Lamborghini Models For Sale