Galleria di Tom Automobili

History : A Bridge Between Eras

The Lamborghini Silhouette (1976–1979) is often considered one of Lamborghini’s most underrated models. With a design that bridged the gap between
the Urraco and the Jalpa, the Silhouette was a rare gem that offered high-performance driving in a compact, targa-top package. Designed by Marcello
Gandini for Bertone, the Silhouette showcased Lamborghini’s bold approach to sports car design in the 1970s. With only 54 units produced, it remains
one of the rarest Lamborghinis, and one that’s hard to find today, making it a true collector’s item.
The 3.0L V8 engine, which produced around 265 horsepower, gave the Silhouette a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph), making it a formidable rival in its day.
While it may have been overshadowed by the Countach’s rise to fame, the Silhouette holds its own as a finely-tuned sports car with an unmistakable
Lamborghini pedigree.

Design : The Angular Charm of the Silhouette

The Lamborghini Silhouette stands out as one of the most distinctive and angular designs of the 1970s, marking a bold evolution in Lamborghini’s styling
direction. Created by the legendary designer Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Silhouette was introduced in 1976 as a targa-top sports car based on the
Urraco platform. It was the first open-top Lamborghini produced in series, featuring a removable roof panel that stored behind the seats—a novelty for
the brand at the time.

Gandini applied his signature wedge-shaped design language to the Silhouette, with sharp edges, dramatic proportions, and a purposeful stance. The low and
wide body gave the car a planted look, while features such as the bold wheel arches, integrated rear buttresses, and the uniquely shaped engine cover with
black slats added visual drama. The use of Campagnolo five-spoke alloy wheels enhanced the aggressive profile, and the car sat noticeably lower than its
predecessor, the Urraco.

Inside, the Silhouette retained Lamborghini’s tradition of driver-focused interiors, with a minimalist dashboard, deeply set instruments, and bucket seats
trimmed in leather. The cabin was both sporty and functional, although headroom was slightly compromised with the roof in place. The targa configuration,
however, offered a more visceral connection to the car’s V8 soundtrack and open-air driving.

The Silhouette’s design foreshadowed the more angular, high-performance aesthetics that would later define the Countach and Jalpa. Though produced in very
limited numbers—only 54 units were made—it remains a highly collectible and influential piece of Lamborghini’s design heritage.

Driving Experience : Agile and Engaging

The driving experience of the Lamborghini Silhouette was one of lightweight agility and pure exhilaration. Its rear-wheel drive setup and 5-speed manual
transmission made it a car that demanded a passionate, engaged driver. The targa roof added an extra layer of excitement, allowing drivers to enjoy the
open road with the wind in their hair, while the V8 engine’s growl never failed to announce the car’s presence.
Weighing in at just 1,240 kg, the Silhouette was nimble and responsive, with a short wheelbase that made it an absolute joy to handle through tight corners
and curves. Although it may not have had the sheer power of the Countach, its balanced chassis and compact dimensions made it one of the most fun Lamborghini's
to drive from the 1970s.

Fun Facts

The Silhouette was Lamborghini’s first-ever production targa-top sports car, a precursor to the open-top cars like the Jalpa and later Gallardo Spyder.
Only 54 units of the Silhouette were built, making it one of the rarest production models in Lamborghini’s history.
Unlike its predecessor, the Urraco, the Silhouette had wider wheel arches and a more aggressive look, hinting at the design language used in the Jalpa.
Its 3.0L V8 engine was derived from the Urraco P300 but offered more refined tuning, making the Silhouette more powerful and more exciting to drive.
Despite its limited production run, the Silhouette’s design was influential, paving the way for Lamborghini’s later models.

Legacy : The Forgotten Lamborghini

The Lamborghini Silhouette may not have achieved the fame of other models like the Countach or Miura, but it remains one of the most special Lamborghinis
ever made. Its sharp design, performance, and rarity ensure that the Silhouette still holds a place in Lamborghini enthusiasts’ hearts. If it had been more
widely produced, it could have become a mainstay in Lamborghini’s lineup, competing directly with Ferrari’s Dino and other European sports cars of the era.
Today, the Silhouette stands as a forgotten masterpiece, a true driver’s car for those lucky enough to experience it. It may not have enjoyed the same fame
as its counterparts, but its legacy lives on as an example of Lamborghini’s commitment to innovation and performance in the late 1970s.