Affordable Exotics: Lamborghini

The handsome body was built by Bertone, a noted Italian coachbuilder who would style most future Lamborghinis. In 1970 an improved Series II model (also called the GTE) was introduced with a new instrument panel and many technical improvements. In 1973 the Series III received a minor restyling and more detail upgrades.


The Espada was a commercial success, remaining in production until 1978, with 1,217 units built. They are one of the most common of early Lamborghinis and sell in the $15,000 to $30,000 range. Beware of rough examples that have not been properly maintained—these can be serious money pits.

Urraco
Lamborghinis have always been high-dollar cars, but in the late 1960s most Italian supercar builders developed lower-priced models to bridge the gap between the highly successful Porsche 911 and the company's mega-buck flagships. The Urraco P250 was introduced in 1972 with a mid-engined layout meant to counter the Ferrari Dino and the Maserati Merak.


Unfortunately, the Urraco P250 had an uninspiring 2.5-liter V-8 with a comparatively low 220-hp output. Mounted transversely behind the driver, the engine had belt-driven, single overhead cams.


The Bertone styling was graceful and clean, but the new model was riddled with problems that the cash-strapped Lamborghini factory was slow to deal with. In 1974 a much-improved Urraco P300 with a three-liter engine pumping out 250 horsepower was introduced. However, Lamborghini could not afford to have the new engine smog-approved, so it was not offered in the United States. Too bad, because it featured twin overhead cams with chain drives and was a big improvement over the old P250. There were 791 Urracos built from 1972 to 1979 and they can be had for $15,000 to $35,000. But be cautious as Urracos can be maintenance-intensive exotica.