In accordance with their practice of naming their cars after Fighting Bulls, it was fitting that this new, junior, V8 Lamborghini was named ‘Urraco’ which translates as ‘little bull’.


Intended to compete with rivals such as Ferrari’s Dino and Porsche’s 911 in an important market sector, the Urraco was announced in 1970 adopting the Miura’s basic mechanical layout.

But in place of the former’s transversely mounted 4-litre V12 there was a 2.5-litre V8.

Despite its simpler specification, the new V8 produced a highly respectable 220bhp at 7,500rpm.

Styled by Bertone, the Urraco employed McPherson strut suspension all round and, despite a wheelbase 9cm shorter than the Miura’s, the car was roomy enough to accommodate a 2+2 cockpit.

Benefitting from a lighter engine as well as a smaller footprint Urracos were nimble, easy to drive and excellent road holders and with a top speed of 146mph they were not slow either.

Most importantly, it was quicker and more powerful than a Dino GT4.

Th...