Wirral Life October 2016 | Page 88

LAMBORGHINI FROM TRACTORS TO SUPERCARS Jarama Automobili Lamborghini Lamborghini’s history is one of challenges and uncontested records, set by the ambitious talent of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, who decided to create the world’s most beautiful - and powerful super sports cars at Sant’ Agata Bolognese in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. The legend varies slightly but certainly it seems Lamborghini, a successful engineer with a fortune made from tractors, was upset by the quality and build of his Ferrari and the disinterest, in his opinion, of his-soon-to-be manufacturer neighbour. So, he decided to build his own super sports car. And that, was the start of history. Ferruccio Lamborghini established Automobili Lamborghini in May 1963, with an eye on the future, a desire to achieve the impossible and to make innovative design and technology his company’s signature Lamborghini’s tradition of naming its cars comes from Ferruccio’ s admiration for the strength, power and determination of fighting bulls. Starting with the 350 GT, cars such as the V12 Miura, Countach – the subject of many posters on schoolboys’ walls - Diablo, Murciélago and today’s Lamborghini Aventador and Huracán models have become the perfect embodiment of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s future vision. Audi acquired the marque in 1998. The factory continues to expand, with a new production facility currently in build for its third model line, an SUV. It leads in Italy for technological and ecological ‘firsts’. It has tripled the number of dealers worldwide to over 130, will increase this further with its forthcoming SUV’s arrival expected in 2018, and last year achieved record sales of 3,245 cars, with the UK a top three 88 wirrallife.com market worldwide. In 2013 Lamborghini celebrated its 50th anniversary, aptly themed ‘100 years of innovation in half the time’. Production of the V10 Gallardo, the most successful Lamborghini ever, concluded after delivery worldwide of more than 14,000 units to be replaced by the Huracán: now available in both four and two wheel-drive coupe versions plus the Spyder convertible, with further models expected next year in both the naturally aspirated V10 and V12 Aventador lines, ensuring the subjects of schoolboy posters for another decade to come. In 2016, the Lamborghini Miura celebrated 50 years alongside the 100th anniversary of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth, which was recognised with the limited edition Lamborghini Centenario coupe and roadster. Only 20 units of each will be made and, starting at 1.2 million euro without taxes, are all sold. For more information or to test drive any of the current models - contact David Gidman at Lamborghini Manchester on 0161 669 8909