Lamborghini Murciélago (2003)

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.

Revealed to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Setptember 2001, the Murciélago wowed the world from the offset. Seen by just a handful at the private reveal at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily previously, it would be the Giallo Orion specification that captured hearts around the world.

As such a small market for Lamborghini, fewer than 10 examples would be supplied to New Zealand, and this example arriving on May 3rd 2003, is understood to the last supplied new by Lamborghini Auckland of the Giltrap Group. Desirably optioned in the launch combination of Giallo Orion over Nero Perseus leather, this example received contrast Giallo contrast stitching, its first keeper would part exchange his Diablo VT for the opportunity. The car would remain with its first keeper for 10 years, residing just 15 minutes from the dealership and covering a mere 6,635 miles during this time.

Purchasing the car in April 2013, its second keeper would keep the car over the for eight months but cover 1,600 miles during his ownership. During this period and after and extended of storage, the car would visit Forza Works in Auckland on three occasions; for a service and for other works to be carried out. Purchased by its most recent custodian in December 2013, the Murciélago would return to the care of the Giltrap group for two further services before its remaining services with an independent marque specialist. The car remained in New Zealand for over two decades, where it became a regular centre piece at various car shows and concours.

In Spring of 2025, the car was imported into the United Kingdom alongside a great number of original accompaniments and records. Passing through our workshops, the car received a wheel refurbishment and the sticky switches in the cockpit were seen to. Extensive documentation on file outlines a history of servicing and maintenance, initially carried out by Lamborghini Auckland and later entrusted to respected marque specialists.

As early Murciélagos continue to rise in collectability and age superbly, this example represents an opportunity to acquire a desirable configuration remaining in its timeless original specification. This example is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately accompanied by its original bookpack and presenting with just 15,250 miles from new.

• Supplied new in 2003 to its first keeper who would retain the car for 10 years
• Optioned in Giallo Orion over Nero Perseus as per the Mt Etna VIP reveal and 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show
• Just 15,250 miles from new
• Sought after manual gearbox