Lamborghini: Taking the Road by a Storm
Starting at the Tracks
Ferruccio Lamborghini envisioned a world with luxury automobiles. Originally a successful manufacturer of gas heaters, air conditioning units, and agricultural equipment; he shifted into manufacturing automobiles after his Ferrari’s clutch was broken. When he asked for a better replacement, Ferrari responded that he had no idea how to make a sports car; he was, after all, only a tractor maker.
Inspired to create better luxury cars, Lamborghini ventured into the business of car manufacturing. In 1963, Automobili Lamborghini was established. From there and onwards, Lamborghini and his company earned worldwide acclaim for manufacturing some of the most sought after luxury sports cars and even SUVs.
Launching of the First Lamborghini Cars
The first Lamborghini was designed and created by the Italian engineer Gian Paolo Dallara, who is also credited for designing some of the best Ferrari and Maserati models. Prior to the designing of this first model, Lamborghini commissioned the engineering firm, Societa Autostar, to design a V12 engine patterned after Ferrari’s, but this time, Lamborghini instructed that the engine be designed purely for road use. However, the resulting engine was very much similar to that of the Ferrari, led to the commissioning of Dallara and his team.
In 1963, the first model of the Lamborghini cars, Lamborghini 350GTV, was released at the Turin Motor Show. Despite the favorable reviews on the 350GTV, Ferruccio decided to remodel the car for production. The new model, Lamborghini 350 GT, was designed Carrozzeria Touring. A new 280hp engine was designed from the original 360hp that Autostar created. This new model received favorable reviews from the press and the customers. After two years in production, this model sold about 120 Lamborghini cars.
In 1965, a new model, Lamborghini P400, was released. It became the base model for two other versions of Lamborghini cars, 400GT and Miura. Its engine was upgraded into a 3.9 liter engine, with Miura being designed as the first of the Lamborghini cars to have a mid-engine two-seater.
New versions such as the Miura P400 S and Miura P400 Roadster were released as upgraded versions of the original Miura. Lamborghini, then, ventured into manufacturing four-seater cars for the company.
Financial Troubles
In 1970, the company started to experience financial troubles. His tractor companies, which exported half of the company’s production run into financial crisis after a South African exporter cancelled its orders.
By 1972, Ferruccio decided to sell his company to potential buyers. The company’s production had slowed down that a Lamborghini model, the LP 500, missed the Geneva Show. He sold 51% of the company to Rossetti and renounced control over the company. Even though he was no longer in charge, he still continued to work for the company.
From 1973 to 2007, the company experienced further financial difficulties, to the extent of declaring bankruptcy in 1978 and transferring of control from one company to another. However, these financial troubles did not stop Lamborghini from manufacturing the luxury sports car it became famous for.
In 2007, reorganization took place and Lamborghini once again secured the top position in the rankings of car makers.
Present Time
Today, Lamborghini is still one of the world’ leading manufacturer of luxury sports car. Strengthened from its previous hardships and financial problems, the company sought to create a better image along with new Lamborghini cars that would carry its legacy through generations.
At present, there are six Lamborghini models designed to perfection, the LP 610-4, LP 700-4, LP 700-4 Roadster, LP 370-4 Squadra Corse, LP 720-4 50* Anniversario and Veneno Roadster. These new models combined cutting edge technology and high quality materials to create and manufacture Lamborghini cars that would set it above other luxury sports car brands.
