2008 Lamborghini Murciélago
Murciélago LP640 Roadster-
Year of manufacture2008
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Car typeOther
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Lot number359
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Reference numberMO24_r0174
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ConditionUsed
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
Description
- One of eight US-market examples factory-equipped with a gated manual gearbox; the only one in these colors
- Finished in striking Oro Adonis over Sand Bi-Color leather trim
- Displays just 6,276 miles at cataloguing
- Extensive optional carbon fiber including engine brace, interior package, and wind deflector
- Annual service by Lamborghini of Beverly Hills, California in July 2023
- Gloss black 18-inch Hermera rims shod in Pirelli P Zero tires
- 6.5-liter V-12 rated at 631 horsepower; capable of 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds
Replacing the legendary Lamborghini Diablo was not an easy brief. Since its launch in 1990, the supercar had become a bedroom wall pin-up and a true icon of the Sant’Agata marque. Tasked with bringing the next Raging Bull supercar to life, designer Luc Donckerwolke crafted a pure and angular design that intrinsically oozed the marque’s DNA. As the first all-new Lamborghini built under the tutelage of parent company Audi, the Murciélago was a huge step forward for the Italian supercar manufacturer. Finally able to compete on a level playing field with Ferrari and Porsche, the Murciélago showed that Lamborghini could produce cars that combined incredible performance and visual panache with the reliability its customers expected.
Roadster variants of the Murciélago soon followed and were designed around their open-top styling, equipped with a manually operated canvas roof to keep out the elements in the case of inclement weather, but only rated to withstand speeds of up to 100 mph. With official top speeds over 200 mph, this was a not-so-subtle suggestion that the roof should be removed as often as possible to increase the theatre of the drive, and to savor the car’s vocal V-12 soundtrack.
Lamborghini released the first major update to the Murciélago at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Murciélago LP640-4, for its output of 640 horsepower with four-wheel drive, the LP640 brought a welcome boost in performance to the already-fast Murciélago. The car received new front and rear bumpers along with restyled taillights, with the largest visual identifier being its massive singular central-mounted exhaust outlet. Similar to the first generation Murciélago and other contemporary supercars like the Ferrari 599 GTB, the majority of the Murciélago LP640s produced were fitted with paddle-shift transmissions, while only a handful of clients opted for the “standard” six-speed manual option.
Representing the end of an era for Lamborghini, Murciélagos fitted with six-speed manual transmissions continue to be the most sought-after versions of the model. Manual transmission-equipped LP640s are few and far between, and Roadsters are even rarer, with only eight examples produced for the US market. While any of these sacred eight Murciélagos is an exceptional find, this example, chassis 2880, is a true unicorn being the sole example finished in Oro Adonis over Sand Bi-Color leather trim.
Furthering its outstanding specification, this Roadster is furnished with an engine frame and bonnet underside in visible carbon fiber, a carbon fiber wind protector and deflector, interior carbon fiber package, 18-inch gloss black Hermera wheels, and embossed Lamborghini crests on both headrests. Now displaying just 6,276 miles at cataloguing, the car also features color-matched Oro Adonis brake calipers, Kenwood Double DIN Navigational Stereo System, and a protective paint film. In July 2023, the car received an annual service, including an oil change and clutch inspection, by Lamborghini of Beverly Hills, California. Accompanying invoices are available for review.
Stunning to behold both inside and out, with a livery simultaneously elegant and imposing, this truly one-of-a-kind Lamborghini is as certain to be appreciated in the years and decades ahead as it is to bring a smile to its next driver’s face.
Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo24/.