Lamborghini have produced some of the most hardcore cars ever to grace the streets. The overt machismo of the designs aren’t to everyone’s taste. But you can’t help but admire the definition of automotive exotic. Here are a few of our fave Lambos, from concepts to classics.
The Black Bull: Ankonian Concept
The rarified world of academic car design throws up some interesting concepts every now and then. Many are worthy responses to real-life briefs from within the car industry and offer constructive solutions. Others take future scenarios and offer outlandish strategies for practical or aesthetic problems that haven’t arisen yet. Other just look evil. Firmly in the latter category is designer Slavche Tanevsky’s ‘Ankonian’ concept for Lamborghini from 2009. This concept was, apparently, named after a breed of bull famous for its black bristly hair – and basically pushed the real-life Reventon design signatures to their ultimate conclusion. The designer had a healthy amount of practical help from the inhouse team at Lamborghini/Audi, so as you can see, the model he produced looks good enough to develop. Give the man a job.
The Psycho Banker: Murcielago LP640
Year of manufacture: 2006 – 2010
Engine: V 12 – 6.4-litre displacement
Power: 640 HP
Max. speed: 330 km/h
Number produced: Approx 4000
This is the car that raised new Lamborghini to new levels. Incorporating the sort of technology, like e-gears, cutting edge aerodynamics and lightweight construction crossed with stratospheric power, the Murcielago defined the obsession with extremes in super car aspiration in the noughties. And for all its various manifestations, the original LP 640 in fighter-plane grey and black alloys is the Lamborghini for which we would most willingly sell a kidney.
The 70s Porn Superstar: Miura SV
Year of manufacture: 1971 – 1972
Engine: V 12 – 4-litre displacement
Power: 385 HP
Max. speed: 300 km/h
Number produced: 150
Having become a legend with the Miura and Miura S models since their production began in 1966, in the spring of 1971 Ferruccio Lamborghini surprised the world with the new Countach LP 400. Because the demand for the Miura was still high and preparations were still underway for the mass production of the Countach LP 400, the company decided to present the evolution of the Miura, the SV model, with its wider mud guard and greatly revamped 385 HP engine with separate lubricating systems for engine and gearbox. The last Miura SV was delivered on 15th January 1973 to the son of the car manufacturer Ferdinando Innocenti.
The rakish family man: Espada
Year of manufacture: 1968 – 1978
Engine: V 12 – 4-litre displacement
Power: 325⁄350 HP
Max. speed: 245⁄260 km/h
Number produced: 1227 (all three series)
Espada became Lamborghini’s best seller from 1968 to 1978. The 4-seater was designed and built by Carrozzeria Bertone. Depending on the version, the 4-litre 12-cylinder engine developed between 325 and 350 HP. With 1,227 models produced – and from 1974 also available with a Chrysler automatic 3-gear gearbox – the Espada was the backbone of the company in financial terms, for eleven years.
The Devil: Diablo GT
Year of manufacture: 1999 – 2000
Engine: V 12 – 6-litre displacement
Power: 575 HP
Max. speed: 338 km/h
Number produced: 83
The Diablo was the ultimate transitional Lambo. It’s chunky, brutal design wasn’t for everyone, but the aesthetic was moving toward the new look of the Murcielago and the Gallardo that were heralded by Audi’s involvement in the brand. In September 1999 Lamborghini presented Diablo GT at the frankfurt show as the world’s fastest production cars. To reach the promised 338 km/h the GT had a 6-litre V12 engine, plus a completely revamped body and chassis. Only 83 were ever built. Brutal beauty.
