Bob Wallace (test driver)

Bob Wallace (4 October 1938 – 19 September 2013) was a New Zealand test driver, automotive engineer and mechanic, best known for his role in developing early Lamborghini road cars.

[3] During his time with Camoradi, Wallace worked on the team's Maserati Tipo 61 "Birdcage" and Chevrolet Corvette, including at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans.

[3] He was soon recognised at the factory as talented in vehicle evaluation and subsequently became the chief test driver for Lamborghini, a position which included duties as a road development engineer.

[7][8] He also participated in development of the 400 GT, Islero, Urraco, Jarama, Espada, and most extensively, the Countach, including road-testing of the LP500 prototype.

He performed many racing-oriented modifications to this car including a stiffened chassis, lighter body panels, modified aerodynamics, upgraded suspension, Miura wheels, and a reworked engine producing an estimated 380 bhp.

The car was lightened, stiffened, and provided with aerodynamic enhancements, a roll cage, six-speed transaxle and a special "quattrovalvole" 3.0 litre V8 engine producing 310 bhp.

A young Bob Wallace working on a Maserati Birdcage, early 1960s
A young Bob Wallace working on a Maserati Birdcage , early 1960s
Bob Wallace standing next to a Lamborghini Urraco in 1975
Wallace with a Lamborghini Urraco in 1975
Two Bob Wallace-modified Lamborghinis: the Miura P400 Jota (left, replica of original) and the Jarama "Bob" (right)