One to Buy: ex-Geoffrey Edelsten 1 of 10 RHD 1978 Lamborghini Silhouette P300
As a consequence of a recessionary mood and some extremely poor management, the 1970s proved Automobili Lamborghini’s nadir.
For much of the decade the company seemed to lurch from one crisis to the next which inevitably put customers off buying a car from Sant’Agata owing to the expectation the firm may not be around to supply parts much longer.
Arguably the poster child for this tumultuous period in Lamborghini’s history was the Silhouette.
Born from the troubled Urraco project which gobbled up a huge investment but delivered little in terms of sales, the Silhouette was essentially a two-seat Targa-topped Urraco suitably restyled by Bertone. However, only 52 Silhouettes were built between 1976 and 1978, at which point production was discontinued as Lamborghini filed for bankruptcy.
Because of this great rarity, the Silhoutte remains one of the most infrequently seen Lamborghinis to come on to the open market. However, currently on offer with Oldtimer Australia in Hamilton, Queensland, is one of the ten right-hand drive examples produced: chassis 40090.
Signed off on January 19th 1978, chassis 40090 was dispatched to Lamborghini’s Australian distributor, Tony de Fina in Victoria.
Configured in Rosso with Nero upholstery, it is believed to have originally been delivered to flamboyant medical entrepreneur, Geoffrey Edelsten of Sydney.
Although the car currently displays a number of incorrect features with regard to the interior fixtures and upholstery, Silhouettes are so rarely seen we just had to feature it.
Having covered a believed genuine 21,600km from new, chassis 40090 represents a rare opportunity to buy and restore on of the rarest amborghinis ever built.
Reprinted below is Oldtimer Australia’s description:
One of the rarest Lamborghinis and one of only ten factory right hand drive examples.
Australian delivered.
Finished in its stunning and original colour combination of ‘rosso’ (red) with a ‘nero’ (black) interior.
Ready to use and enjoy.
Price $349,950.
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale one of the ten factory right hand drive Lamborghini Silhouettes. Of these ten cars, six were delivered to Australia, three were delivered to the UK and one to Cyprus.
According to the factory records, this car was completed on the 19th January 1978. It is an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example that was delivered through Tony De Fina, the importer at the time. The car was delivered new in ‘rosso’ (red) with a ‘nero’ (black) interior.
The early history of this car is not definitively known, however, its first or second owner was then Sydney based medical entrepreneur and socialite Dr Geoffrey Edelsten. In the late 1970’s and 1980’s Edelsten owned a fleet of exotic cars including Porsches, Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, De Tomasos (who can forget his ‘hot pink’ De Tomaso Pantera GT5 with a mink interior!) and a number of Lamborghinis. The Lamborghinis included a gold (later red) Countach LP400 ‘periscopio’, a green later black Countach LP400S and this Silhouette.
Edelsten owned this Silhouette for a few years. When the car had an engine failure he decided to sell it. Its next owner rebuilt the engine and repainted the car ‘wine red metallic’. Unfortunately, the car was damaged shortly thereafter and subsequently sold to the prior to current owner circa 35 years ago. He intended to return it to its original colour and gave it to Henry Nehrybecki who at the time was the Lamborghini service agent in Sydney, NSW.
Unfortunately, life got in the way and progress was extremely slow. The car sat around for many years. Nehrybecki later closed his business and the car was moved to another restoration shop who did very little with the car. In 2015 the car was sent to All Classic Car Restorations in Brookvale (Sydney) and the restoration was finally underway. The car was painted by McCreath Prestige Panel & Paint in Brookvale.
This car has been ‘missing’ for many years and in Lamborghini circles it was thought it had either been written off, gone overseas, or was squirrelled away in someone’s garage. Thankfully it was the latter!
The current owner acquired this car through Oldtimer Australia in 2019. At that time the odometer read 18,947km.
The car had been sparingly used prior to his purchase and he had Lamborghini specialist Imaant go through the car and complete a number of miscellaneous repairs, including suspension, steering, electrical and regas the air conditioning.
Generally the paint on the car is still in good condition and from say a metre, it presents exceptionally well. On closer inspection there are some imperfections visible, most noticeably on the right front guard, the right rear guard and around the right front headlight. The unique targa roof is in very good condition and it fits very well. All the external trim, including the badges, bumpers, lights, lenses and the glass and are in good condition.
A feature on the Lamborghini Silhouette is the Bravo style Campagnolo wheels which were also used on the first 50 Lamborghini Countach LP400S’. The magnesium wheels are extremely porous and as a result they are prone to blistering. On this car they are in excellent condition having been completely refurbished in September 2019. The car is currently running the correct Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres, 205/50 R15 at the front and 285/40/R15 at the rear. These tyres were fitted when the wheels were refurbished and are still in excellent condition, they are date stamped 4219 (week 42, 2019).
Inside the cabin everything has been refurbished and presents really well. Purists will note the steering wheel and pedals are not original. Also, the dash and centre console have been refurbished in leather rather than alcantara. When the current owner acquired the car, it was fitted with Silhouette reproduction seats built by Henry Nehrybecki. He found them uncomfortable and has fitted modern brand new Recaro seats. The Silhouette reproduction seats will accompany the car.
Lamborghini’s 3.0 litre V8 engine makes one of the best noises you will ever hear. This Silhouette is no exception. Like all Lamborghinis the Weber carburettors require plenty of fuel to start the engine. One tends to get a little impatient waiting for the fuel pumps to do their thing... then ‘bang’ the engine bursts into life with a growl! It is best to allow a little time for the engine to warm up and then you’re away. Similarly, the gearbox gets better mile after mile as everything warms up.
The engine has loads of power on tap and it pulls like a train. The gearbox is also good and it changes up and down smoothly. This car is a real pleasure to drive and we have to say the Recaro seats are super comfortable. The car handles, steers and stops as you would expect.
Accompanying the car is an original owner’s manual, parts manual (copy), engine workshop manual (copy) and a thick file of receipts dating back to 2004.
The Lamborghini Urraco/Silhouette is one of Bertone’s finest designs and we think one of the best-looking cars ever built. And oh did we mention ‘the noise’... the little V8 is in our opinion one of the best sounding engines ever... what a great combination!
These cars are extremely rare and have been a well kept secret for many years, but no more! Today the Lamborghini Silhouette is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Truly a unique opportunity.
Today the odometer reads 21,621 km which is sure to be genuine.
