GREAT MARQUES: LAMBORGHINI

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1967 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2

The Carrozzeria Touringdesigned 400GT 2+2 was introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. It continued the theme set by the original 350GT, but had a larger, 3929cc V12 and a different roofline, enabling the +2 rear seats. A total of 224 were built from 1966 to 1968.

This example was originally Alfa red with black trim. It’s one of five converted to RHD, and was registered in the UK in January 1968. The EMI-owned Star Group of Companies had the car for four years, during which time it’s believed to have been used by Paul McCartney. The 400GT is shown, guarded by security, outside a rooftop gig in London on the Beatles Anthology video. Between 2012 and 2015 the car was restored to concours spec, and it has been certified by Lamborghini Polo Storico.

2003 Lamborghini Murcielago

The owner of this stunning 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago waxes lyrical about his steed: “Grigio Avlon bodywork elegantly wraps the majestic V12 engine – symphonic in sound and mighty in power as it reverberates through the driver’s body. The centrepiece of the fully restored, sensual, black leather interior is the six-speed manual transmission. Each gearchange is both physical and momentous, with the onslaught of ever-increasing speed and power.

“The Murcielago’s intimidating presence demands absolute driver loyalty and concentration to tame this wild bull. The reward is a muscular and surgically precise drive. Beautiful, brutal and a true beast that takes no prisoners; this is my Lamborghini Murcielago.”

Now that’s true passion!

2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster

The ‘SVJ’ notation in Lamborghini’s current model line-up denotes a top-specification car. SVJ harks back to 1973, when a Miura was built to FIA Appendix J regulations and named the Jota. This inspired the factory to build four examples of the ultimate Miura, based on the Miura SV – hence SVJ.

Just 800 examples of the latest Aventador SVJ Roadster will be made. The bodywork is carbonfibre, with a rigid removable roof, and styling differs from the non-SVJ models thanks to larger air intakes and more extended side skirts. The engine is a 77obhp naturally aspirated V12. This car was built to its owner’s spec, finished in Arancio Atlas paint, and delivered in January 2020.

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1970 Lamborghini Espada

HPC 1K was first registered in the Channel Islands, before returning to the UK mainland in 1975. In 1979 it was sold to a John Taylor, who kept it for 30 years, covering 40,000 miles. He did a major restoration in the mid-1980s, after which the car was featured in several magazines. The current owner has enjoyed 14,000 miles in the Espada since he bought it in 2012. He took it to Italy in 2018 for Lamborghini’s Espada 50th Celebratory Tour, but when the head gasket failed he decided it was time for an engine rebuild, incorporating an upgrade to Miura SV spec. Only one other Espada has the car’s panoramic roof, an S1 delivered new to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1969. Other unusual items include the black trim on the bonnet and side profiles, and the black wheel spinners, which were finished like this in period.

MARK SHELDON LLOYD

2013 Lamborghini Aventador

Just why is this particular Aventador LP700-4 so special? Well, cosmetically it’s the only first-generation (2011-2016) Aventador to be produced in Grigio Telesto (pearlescent grey) that came to the UK. In fact, only four firstgeneration cars were specified in this colour from the marque’s Ad Personam customisation programme worldwide. This Aventador is also completely stock without modification. Both the appearance and the sound are exactly as they would have been coming off the production line. The model’s interior is beautifully appointed, with a mixture of grey Alcantara and black leather with contrasting yellow stitching. The car features black bonnet louvres, continuing the design language between the Miura and the Aventador. This is a car people love.

1977 Lamborghini Silhouette

The Silhouette is both the first open Lamborghini and the rarest classic model; only 54 were made between 1976-’79. Designed by Gandini of Bertone, it’s an evolution of the Urraco. The chassis was designed by Dallara around Pirelli’s then-brandnew P7. Dallara called the tyre: “The greatest single component breakthrough in the history of the car.” This Silhouette is the only one painted in oh-so-’70s Rame Colorado. In 2016 it celebrated the 40th anniversary of Mel Nichols’ famous ‘Convoy!’ drive story by repeating the trip from Italy in the company of a Countach, Urraco and Mel himself. The Silhouette was a worthy competitor to the 308, 911 and Pantera, but Lamborghini was bankrupt and buyers did not know if their car would be built – let alone the company still be around – so few were ordered.

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1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

This 455bhp Countach LP5000 QV is a stunning example of perhaps the definitive 1980s poster car. It is said to be one of only 18 right-hand-drive skirted editions. Acquired by its current owner in 1991, it’s used on a regular basis and has visited the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata several times. Over the past ten years it’s undergone a gradual and thorough restoration, with much research put into understanding how things were put together and what techniques were used by the factory and its supplier artisans. What became apparent was just how rich the UK is with dedicated and enthusiastic artisans restoring classic cars, who are willing to share their knowledge, expertise and experience.

1990 Lamborghini LM002

The 40th of 301 produced, this rugged supercarengined 4x4 was built in 1990 and delivered to Switzerland. In 1997 it was sourced for the Drambuie whisky family as part of their classic car collection. It was finished in Blu Acupulco Metallizzato LMB501 and trimmed in Light Grey leather.

Scottish Porsche dealer Glenvarigill sold it to the current owner in 2003, and in 2019 Bell Sport & Classic fully recommissioned it. It’s a formidable beast, with a shoulder-height bonnet, 2.0-metre width, 4.9-metre length and 2.7tonne weight. Its 5167cc Countach V12 produces 450bhp, while inside is pure leather and woodtrimmed luxury. Many LM002s have been customised, but this example is rare in being both highly original and showing just 13,690 genuine miles on the clock.

1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV

In 1995, Lamborghini launched its entry-level Diablo, the 510bhp SV – or Sport Veloce. Unlike some other Italian exotics, it was still a ‘driving’ car. At first the front wheels were only 17 inches, and grew to 18 when larger disc brakes arrived. At launch they had a black crest, but could be ordered in any colour.

The black rear spoiler incorporated an adjustable centrepiece, and could also be colour coded. Further styling highlights included a new black tail panel and repositioned reverse and fog lights, four oval-type exhausts, two big intakes and a new front bumper. Inside, leather became an option, the gauges were colour coded and ‘SV’ was embroidered on the seats. An ‘SV’ logo was also featured on the doors, although you could ask the factory to leave these side panels alone and deliver the decals unmounted.