A ‘small’ Lamborghini intended to compete with rivals such as Ferrari’s Dino 308 and Porsche’s 911 in an important market sector, the Urraco was announced in 1970, with deliveries commencing in 1972.

The Miura’s basic mechanical layout was adopted for the Urraco (the name means ‘young bull’) but in place of the former’s transversely mounted 4.0-litre V12 there was a 2.5-litre V8.

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 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 leech-like roadholding and a comfortable ride.

After 520 cars had been built, way below Lamborghini’s expectations, the Urraco P250 was superse...