Lamborghini History: Ignite Your Passion for Lamborghini
1963 – 1970 – The myth was born
In 1963, and tired of suffering successive problems with his Ferraris –although they say that also out of pure ego and self-love in his particular rivalry with the ‘Commendatore’-, Ferrucio Lamborghini, in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Bologna, Italy).
They decided to find his own sports car company: Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SpA, derived from Lamborghini Trattori SpA.
The first model to see the light is the 350 GTV, designed by Franco Scaglione and built by Giorgio Neri and Luciano Bonancini. Touring Bodywork modified its series production and was equipped with the 360 hp V12 engine (from 240 to 280 km / h depending on the variants) and a five-speed gearbox.
Its presentation takes place at the Turin Hall. Later they are followed by the 350 GT and the 400 GT. The latter is a symbolic 2 + 2 equipped with 320 hp V12 mechanics. Its design is the work of Carrozeria Touring; it mounts a five-speed gearbox with Porsche-type synchro, reaches 270 km / h, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.8 seconds. In total, 220 units are manufactured.
The presentation of the 3500 GTZ prototypes, developed by Zagato in 1965. Two years later, the Miura was born, the first model recognized mainly by the public as a super sports car. Its central transverse V12 mechanics yield 370 hp, and its focus is on the then coveted Ford GT40. That year the essay Marzal was also unveiled. In 1968 the Islero was launched, produced until 1970 as a replacement for the 400 GT.
It debuted at the Geneva Motor Show with the bull’s name that killed Manolete in 1947. It mounts a 4.0 V12 with 325 hp (the S version -225 units- reaches 350 hp) and a five-speed manual gearbox. Its maximum speed is 248 km / h. Based on the Marzal concept, the Espada also appears: 1,217 units are manufactured with a 325 hp V12 engine, some with a three-speed automatic transmission, and the Miura P400 Roadster prototype.
1971 – 1980 – And the Countach arrives
It was 1970 when the Jarama, a model designed by Marcelo Gandini, was launched. In total, 327 units are manufactured. The original GT version with a V12 engine produces 350 hp, while the GTS variant reaches 365 hp and presents slight changes to the chassis and bodywork. On these dates, the presentation of the Miura, Jota, and Urraco prototypes also takes place.
In 1971 the Countach LP500 prototype appeared. A year later, Georges-Henri Rosetti and Rene Lemier acquired the company until 1977, when it declared bankruptcy in the court of Bologna. There is also the launch of the Urraco P250, a 2 + 2 coupe manufactured until 1979. Designed by Marcelo Gandini, it has a V8 engine with 220 hp – 180 hp in the P111 variant for the United States – and reaches a total production of 791 units. The Urraco P250, P300, and P200 were later derived from it.
The replacement comes from the legendary Countach LP400 in 1973: wide, low, very fast, with scissor-opening doors … In the future, the versions LP400S (1978), LP500S (1983), Quattrovalvole (1985), and 25 will follow. Anniversary (1988). Still, that year, the Espada Series III, Jarama S, and Urraco P250 were marketed. The Silhouette appeared between 1976 and 1979, based on the Urraco: it has a 260 hp 3.0 V8 main engine and is the first Lamborghini with a Targa-type body. Only 52 vehicles were built, of which 31 survive today.
1981 – 1990 – A very active decade
Between 1982 and 1988, the Jalpa arose: designed by Bertone, it maintains the Targa roof of the Silhouette; It even featured a draft convertible or Spyder with a rear inspired by the 1980 Athon essay.
In 1986 the project of an SUV for the army was born: it is the LM002. It has a V12 engine and is nicknamed “Rambo-Lambo”: its bodywork is assembled in Irizar (Basque Country), and the chassis and engine in Italy.
Chrysler Group bought the Italian firm in 1987 (will sell it in 1994). Among others, one of the decisions taken is the entry of Lamborghini into Formula 1 with a V12 designed according to FIA 1989 regulation, under Daniele Audetto and the technical supervision of Mauro Forghieri.
In 1988, the brand announced that it would supply this engine to Team Larrousse-Camels: the beginnings were tough, although Philippe Alliot got the point at the Spanish Grand Prix and, a year later, the Lotus squad opted for its thrusters.
1991 – 2000 – New change of owner
The Diablo emerged as a replacement for the Countach in 1990. It was produced until 2001 and, although the original design is by Marcelo Gandini, the Chrysler Styling Center division is responsible for finalizing it: its 5.7 V12 48-valve 492 hp engine allows it to reach 325 km / h.
Meanwhile, Lamborghini supplied engines to the Larrouse and Minardi teams in 1992, although the new Chrysler leadership canceled the program the following year, after a failed attempt to equip McLaren cars.
After the Diablo, come to the Diablo VT and the Diablo VT Roadster with all-wheel drive, chassis, and differentiated aesthetics; SE 30 (1994), commemorating the brand’s 30 years; the SV (1996) or Spinto Veloce; the GT and GTR (1999); and finally the VT 6.0 SE (2001).
The ownership of the brand had passed into the hands of the Megatech company in 1994. Four years later, and on the verge of bankruptcy, Lamborghini was acquired by the Volkswagen Group, where it operates under the tutelage of Audi AG.
2001 – Act Rebirth
In 2002 comes the replacement for the Devil, the Bat. The new model, designed by Luc Donckerwolke, equips a 580 hp V12 mechanics, all-wheel drive, carbon fiber bodywork, six-speed gearbox (the first of the brand), and traction control. The evolution of this super sports car and its roadster variant is the LP640, presented for the first time at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show: its approximate price is 240,000 euros. It also has an alternative decorated by Versace.
In 2003, the Gallardo was launched with an aluminum frame and Spyder coupe, and convertible bodies. The 2005 SE (Special Edition) and the Nera are derived from it. The arrival of the Superleggera takes place in 2007: it is a lightened and optimized version of the Gallardo with 530 hp.
The Frankfurt Motor Show is chosen for the premiere of the Reventón: the extrapolation of the Murciélago LP640 with a design inspired by the American F-22 fighter-bomber has a price of one million euros (only 22 units have been manufactured). In 2008 the Gallardo LP560-4 landed an evolution of the Gallardo with 560 CV.
In 2011, the Italian brand presented the Lamborghini Aventador to replace the Murcielago at the Geneva Motor Show. The supercar takes its name from an outstanding fighting bull, who participated in the Feria del Pilar held in 1993 in which he won the “Trophy for the bravest bull of the Fair.” It is positioned at the top of the range, mounting a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12; its top speed is 350 km / h, reaching 100 km / h in 2.9 seconds.
In 2013 and to celebrate its 5 0 anniversary, Lamborghini presented the Veneno, which has 750 hp of power and a spectacular design. Only three have been built, with a price that exceeds 3 million euros.
