A CLASSIC sports car that Mike Brewer once bought for a bargain price is now worth much, much more – some 11 years after it appeared in an episode of Wheeler Dealers.
The mythical Lamborghini Urraco, a supercar built by the Italian manufacturer in the 1970s, was picked up by the TV host for just £20,000 in 2013.
The Urraco, produced between 1972 and 1979, was seen as an affordable alternative to the Ferrari Dino and Maserati Merak, boasting a V8 motor and a top speed of 158 mph.
The example Mike picked up – one of just 791 made – was finished in green with a tan leather interior.
It was discovered in a garage in Poland and, after Mike parted with his cash, it was transported back to his workshop in the UK.
It was then fixed up by Mike’s co-host and spanner man Edd China for a classic episode of the motoring show.
The mechanic had his work cut out to refurbish the engine, while the retro motor also needed a new timing belt, distributor cap, HT leads, spark plugs, and air filter.
Naturally the duo also changed the Urraco’s oil, installed a new clutch, clutch plate, clutch disc, clutch slave cylinder, and clutch release bearing.
They even needed to bring in an expert to adjust the downdraft carburettors – using a special mechanic known by TV and radio Chris Evans.
Remarkably, the bodywork was in great condition and simply needed a polish.
In 2021, in a feature for Hagerty, Mike reflected on the car’s restoration process.
He said: “When the Lamborghini came into our own space, into a nice warm workshop with heaters, I just stared at it.
“I thought, this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen and I must keep it, somehow.
“Unfortunately, my Wheeler Dealers contract didn’t allow for that.”
He added: “I spent around £7,000 refurbishing the Lamborghini and it took about 13 days from start to finish.
“It’s my job, that’s what I’m good at, but during that period, both of us fell in love with the car, it was a wonderful thing to have around.”
Sadly, as is the nature of the show, the motor had to be sold after it was fixed up – something Mike regrets.
He said: “I didn’t actually cry when we sold it, reluctantly, to one of Edd’s close friends for £37,000.
“I didn’t want to say goodbye and I never got to see it again.
“To this day I’m kicking myself.”
Today, the Urraco is worth six figures – with a 1973 example currently being offered at £110,000 – while some models sell for as much as £150k.
This comes as another rare Lambo – dubbed the first supercar – that once belonged to a 1990s music legend goes up for sale for £2.75million – 20 years after a famous Top Gear appearance.
And a classic Ferrari once bought for just £3,750 by Mike Brewer on Wheeler Dealers is now worth five times as much.
