Rare Gandini-Designed Lamborghini P140 Prototype: The V10 That Never Was
Forgotten Brilliance - In the world of automotive legends, few names spark curiosity and admiration quite like Lamborghini. Known for its aggressive styling and roaring engines, the Italian marque has always balanced on the edge of insanity and genius. But behind every showroom model, there are hidden chapters—cars that never made it to production, prototypes that teased the future before fading into the shadows. One of these rare chapters belongs to the Lamborghini P140, a prototype that dared to chart a new path for the raging bull, only to be quietly tucked away before it could truly roar.
The 1990 Lamborghini P140, the third prototype, is currently on display at the Museo Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. (Picture from: Otoblitz)
Back in the late 1980s, Lamborghini found itself at a crossroads. The iconic Countachwas approaching the twilight of its reign, and the Jalpa—its V8-powered, entry-level sibling—was falling behind the competition. The company needed something new, something bold, but still unmistakably Lamborghini. Enter Marcello Gandini, the man behind the wedge-shaped magic ofthe Miura, the Espada, and of course, the legendary Countach. Tasked once again with shaping the future, Gandini returned with a fresh vision—a sleek, sharp design that would become known under the internal codename P140.
The 1990 Lamborghini P140 recognized as a member of the Lamborghini family and powered by a completely new 4.0-liter V10 engine along with an ergonomic dashboard.(Picture from: Otoblitz)
From the very first glance, the P140 wore its heritage with pride. Low-slung and angular, its lines spoke the language of speed. But what truly set this car apart wasn’t just the shape—it was what sat beneath it. The P140 marked Lamborghini’s first foray into V10 territory, a bold move that would go on to shape models likethe Gallardo and Huracán decades later.
The 1990 Lamborghini P140 body is made of carbon fiber built on top of an aluminum monocoque chassis specifically made for the 2,800 lbs (around 1,270 kg) weighing supercar.(Picture from: Otoblitz)
At its heart was a newly developed 4.0-liter V10 engine, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, sending 365 horsepower to the rear wheels. Built on an aluminum monocoque chassis, dressed in lightweight carbon fiber, and riding on independent suspension, the P140weighed just around 1,270 kilograms—enough to shoot from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly five seconds.
The 1990 Lamborghini P140 attended the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2008 event for the first time after more than a decade on display inside the museum.(Picture from: Otoblitz)
More than just a design study or a showpiece, the P140 came remarkably close to becoming a reality. Only three prototypes were ever constructed, adding an almost mythical status to its name. The first, finished in a striking orange, was a fully operational car that hit a top speed of 295 km/h during testing at the Nardò Ring in Italy. The second, painted red, existed solely as a rolling chassis and was never fitted with an engine. The third and final prototype, built between 1991 and 1992 and finished in white, was damaged during testing but later restored. Today, that very car is proudly displayed at Lamborghini’s official museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese.
The 1988 Lamborghini P140, the first prototype finished in orange, stood proudly before a crowd that may never have even known it existed.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
Despite being so close to production-ready, the P140 was ultimately shelved. The early 1990s brought economic uncertainty, including the Gulf Oil Crisis, which cooled the market for high-performance cars. Buyers were shifting focus, and Lamborghini, already facing its own financial strain, had to reconsider its strategy.
The 1988 Lamborghini P140, the second prototype finished in red, remained a static rolling chassis, never fitted with an engine.(Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)
Years later, in 2008, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance became the unlikely stage for the P140’s brief return to the spotlight. After more than a decade confined to museum walls, the orange prototypestood proudly before a crowd that may have never even known it existed. It was a moment of rediscovery—not just of a car, but of an idea that once nearly redefined what a "junior" Lamborghini could be.
The Lamborghini P140 may never have reached production lines or adorned posters on teenage bedroom walls, but it left its mark in a quieter, more lasting way. As the first V10-powered Lamborghini, it set the foundation for future icons. And though it remains a prototype, its spirit lives on in every modern Lambo that echoes with the sharp howl of ten cylinders and the daring edge of Gandini’s design legacy. *** [EKA [06052020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS]
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Rare Gandini-Designed Lamborghini P140 Prototype: The V10 That Never Was
Years later, in 2008, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance became the unlikely stage for the P140’s brief return to the spotlight. After more than a decade confined to museum walls, the orange prototype stood proudly before a crowd that may have never even known it existed. It was a moment of rediscovery—not just of a car, but of an idea that once nearly redefined what a "junior" Lamborghini could be.
The Lamborghini P140 may never have reached production lines or adorned posters on teenage bedroom walls, but it left its mark in a quieter, more lasting way. As the first V10-powered Lamborghini, it set the foundation for future icons. And though it remains a prototype, its spirit lives on in every modern Lambo that echoes with the sharp howl of ten cylinders and the daring edge of Gandini’s design legacy. *** [EKA [06052020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS]
