5 Classic Lamborghini Models Rarer but Cheaper Than the Countach
The Lamborghini Countach is one of the most revered Italian supercars. With auction bids now topping $1,000,000, acquiring one will be harder, but do you really want to? Compared to other classic Lamborghini models, the Countach is about as rare as a Toyota Camry. For exclusivity’s sake, here are five far rarer models you can pick up for less than a Countach.
1. Lamborghini Islero
Designed to replace the outgoing 400 GT, the Lamborghini Islero featured the same V12 eventually placed in the Countach. With 325 horsepower, it could achieve a period-praised 7.5-second 0 to 60 mph time. The sportier Islero S 2+2 coupe punched the power up to 350 ponies, adding in a few other welcome luxuries, riding on classy Campagnolo alloys.
Only 225 Isleros were ever produced, roughly nine times less than the Countach. Given its rarity, the Islero is expectedly expensive, though not as much as you may think. Classic.com says the current market value for the standard Islero places it nearing the $300,000 mark. The range-topping S has decreased in value, now just south of $275,000, about half what a Countach typically goes for.
2. Lamborghini Espada
The Lamborghini Espada debuted at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show alongside the Islero. Powered by the same 4.0-liter V12, the four-seater could hit well over 150 mph but also provide sumptuous comfort. It was notable for its striking design, which featured a long, low hood and a distinctive side profile with a pronounced “shark nose.” Despite its popularity, only 1,200 were produced during its 10-year production run.
It’s quite easy to pick up an Espada for less than a Countach. In fact, you could probably pick up half a dozen for the cost of the famed supercar. Espadas have climbed to a rough average of $92,000 for the Series III, $139,000 for the Series II, and $155,000 for the inaugural Series I.
3. Lamborghini Jarama
Replacing the Islero in 1970, the Lamborghini Jarama was available in two models: the Jarama 400 GT and the Jarama S. The 400 GT was powered by that same L539 V12 produced from 1963 to 2022. GTs produced about 350 horsepower, while the Jarama S had a more robust 365 with different carburetors. The two-door grand touring car was on sale through 1976, but only 327 made it out of the factory in Bologna.
Although it’s one of the rarer classic Lamborghini models, it’s cheaper than the Countach. Not many have been put up on the auction block over the past few years, and the average value sits around $115,000.
4. Lamborghini Urraco
The Lamborghini Urraco was the company’s entry-level supercar. With a trio of V8s to choose from, it was designed to expand Lamborghini’s customer base. If potential owners are looking for a classic Lamborghini model to work on, this might be their car. Unfortunately, it was subject to a host of mechanical and electrical faults, and subsequently, it’s the cheapest of the bunch.
Approximately 800 Lamborghini Urracos were built between 1972 and 1979. Restored models rarely top $80,000, and the 1975-1979 Urracos are more abundant and less expensive. Moreover, right-hand drive variants are less costly compared to their left-hand drive counterparts, giving potential owners room to save for inevitable repairs.
5. Lamborghini Jalpa
Sold alongside the Countach, the Lamborghini Jalpa was the younger sibling to the company’s flagship supercar. The Bertone-designed targa-top coupe had a 3.5-liter V8 that could put down 255 horsepower to the rear wheels. And a 6.0-second 0-to-60 mph time was possible if you could shift the five-speed fast enough.
Despite only 410 units being produced, the Jalpa is one of the most affordable classic Lamborghini models. Few Jalpas have sold above the $100,000 mark, and those are carefully restored originals. Therefore, one could procure a baby Countach for about one-fifth of the initial investment.
How much are other classic Lamborghini models like the Countach?
The Lamborghini Countach debuted in 1972, and its production ran until 1991. Roughly 2,000 of the V12 supercars were built, including various special editions. Within the last five years, Classic.com reports that the average going amount of a Countach is $517,893, with a low of $189,750 and a high of $1,100,000. The earlier year LP400s are more expensive than the later year LP5000s, yet the values of classic cars will also reflect owner care and mileage.
On the other hand, the Miura is by far the most expensive classic Lamborghini model. On average, they go for three times the amount of a Countach, so one needs rockstar money to step into the classic supercar. Yet, any classic Lamborghini model carries within it passion and flair seldom seen on the road nowadays. Luckily, there are five cheaper but rarer alternatives that will still turn heads.