Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster (2006)

When the Volkswagen group took control of Lamborghini, they had a considerable task on their hands to create the successor to the formidable Diablo. The first car to be released under the new ownership would either make or break Lamborghini. Fortunately the Murcielago heralded a triumphant return for the Italian brand after many years of declining sales. The new ownership helped breathe new life into the struggling manufacturer and the Murcielago proved an instant success, a combination of flamboyance and excitement combined with the refinement and reliability one would expect from a modern supercar.

The Murcielago was fitted with a 6.2-litre 60 degree V12 developed from the Diablo 6.0 V12, immediately signing its name to an engine heritage that started in the 1960s. With all new variable valve timing and variable geometry intake systems, this V12 produced 572bhp at 7,500rpm and 650 Nm of torque at 5400 rpm fulfilling a top speed of 205mph and when combined with its four wheel drive system, it could accelerate from standing to 60mph in a shattering 3.8 seconds.

To reduce weight the Murcielago's body was constructed of carbon fibre over a steel tubular chassis, with a steel roof and doors to help aid rigidity. This resulted in a weight of just 1,650kg and a power to weight ratio of 350hp per tonne. Three years after its introduction, Lamborghini introduced the Roadster featuring a redesigned engine cover and exhaust. A manual canvas roof offered protection from inclement weather and its lightweight construction meant performance figures went unchanged.

This example was supplied new to its first custodian by Lamborghini Stuttgart on July 1, 2006, the same day it was collected for the 40th Anniversary Murciélago. Both cars underwent their pre-delivery tests on June 19th, ahead of delivery. The first owner was Mr Peter Kaus, owner of the Rosso Bianco Collection at Aschaffenburg near Frankfurt. The collection housed approximately 200 cars and was, at the time, the most extensive GT and classic race car collection in Europe.

Optioned in the desirable Giallo Orion, this example sees a Nero Perseus leather interior, with contrasting stitching in Giallo. In addition to the car’s well-suited colour combination, its specification included: E-Gear semi-automatic transmission, extended carbon package, wind protector, parktronic parking aid and the all-important carbon fibre X-frame brace in the engine compartment.

The interior further sees special order leather work to mimic that of the 40th Anniversary. The driver's seat and driving zone are trimmed in perforated leather, whilst the passenger side has smooth black leather.

Purchased by the current custodian in 2017 and imported to the UK at that time, this example presents superbly and is accompanied by its original book pack, original Murcielago launch book and a clean bill of health from marque specialists. This Murcielago Roadster presents as a rare opportunity with just 340 miles from new.

• Supplied new to Peter Kaus by Lamborghini Stuttgart on 1st July 2006
• LHD & UK Registration
• Resided within the significant Rosso Bianco Collection in Aschaffenburg
• Optioned in Giallo Orion over Nero Perseus with extended carbon fibre
• Purchased by its current keeper and imported into the UK in 2017
• Accompanied by its original service book and numbered Murcielago oversize launch book
• Just 340 miles from new