PRICE
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DRIVE TRAIN
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ROAD TEST RESULTS
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| While the Espada engine was in the process of being rebuild it
was difficult to be without a driving Lamborghini so I was looking out
for another Espada and was close to buying a good looking Series 3, but
its engine was "tied" and one rebuild was enough. Instead I
then found a one-owner 1985 Jalpa for sale in Santa Monica, CA in
September 1994. The only real change I have made to the car is adding
sticky Yokohama 008RS (Z-rated) tires. The car has turned out to be a
pleasant surprise in many ways. After taking it to Willow Springs once
it proved to have very predictable go-cart like handling, including good
brakes. I also find it to be very good looking and judged by the number
of thumbs-ups, stares and positive comments that the car is getting in
the traffic, others appear to have the same view. The Targa top is big
plus in getting fresh air and being able to see the landscape. The only
drawbacks are lack of torsional and bending stiffness (Uracco chassis
without roof apparently with too little reinforcements), 15 year-old
paint and only moderate power, but delivered with true Italian sound and
a few other minor items such as a fuel gauge with a mind of its own.
Summer 2000. I am in the planning stage for power
improvements and the 9.0:1 compression ration should give a hint as to
how this will be done, but more on this at the next web-site update.
The car weighed in at 3200 +-20 pounds with the gas tank half full and
no spare wheel. |
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The Jalpa in its natural environment, Beverly Hills. |
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The Jalpa in its more natural environment, winding mountain road on a clear day, Ortega Highway. |
