Lamborghini Gallardo Archives

It’s been two decades since Lamborghini introduced its first production car with a V10 engine, the Lamborghini Gallardo. It was a very successful car with 14,022 units produced by 2013. But it’s story begins many years earlier.

Company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini was thinking about a smaller Lamborghini with a lower price and maintenance costs back in the 70s. The concept ultimately led to the development of a project that became a 2+2 sports car called the Lamborghini Urraco. In the 1980s, the project evolved into the Jalpa model, Lamborghini’s everyday supercar. However, in 1987, a new project called the L140 began with the aim of producing more compact Lamborghinis. Several prototypes were built, all of which had different technical solutions and potential powertrains, including a V8 engine initially, and later a V10 engine which was the final choice.

The first LAmborghini Gallardo was powered by a 5.0-liter 10-cylinder DOHC engine with 493 hp (368 kW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. It was offered with a conventional (H-pattern) six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed electro-hydraulically actuated single-clutch automated manual transmission. A 90-degree angle was used to optimize the layout of the vehicle, improve rear visibility and lower the center of gravity for better dynamics.

The all-aluminum structural chassis is welded to cast fasteners creating a strong yet lightweight foundation for this supercar. Unlike many super sports cars, the Gallardo offered both reliability and everyday usability without compromising on exciting performance.

During production the Gallardo was offered in several different versions such as Coupe, Spyder, Superleggera, LP 570-4 Superleggera, LP 560-4, LP 560-4 Spyder, LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, LP 550-2 Coupé, LP 550 –2 AD, LP 550-2 Spyder, each of which introduced unique features and technological advancements.

The Gallardo is one of the most successful sports cars in the history of the Sant’Agata Bolognese-based company. It pioneered Lamborghini’s commitment to pushing boundaries, but also laid the foundation for its successor, the Lamborghini Huracan.

Source: Lamborghini

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Two decades since the Lamborghini Gallardo hit the market

In 2007, Lamborghini presented the first of the lighter versions of the Gallardo that appeared on the market, the Gallardo Superleggera. The intention of the Italian manufacturer was to pay tribute to its first model, the 350 GT. Only 618 cars were produced, of which 172 with American specifications and one of them was put up for sale.

This 2008 model is painted in Giallo Midas and is in good condition with a few surface scratches. It only has 22,068 miles on the odometer. It is equipped with carbon parts such as rear diffuser, rear decklid, mirror housings, and side skirts, while a carbon rear spoiler is optional. It’s 100kg lighter than the standard Gallardo thanks to a thinner windshield and polycarbonate instead of the standard glass panels.

Inside, the seats are covered in black Alcantara with yellow details and stitching. Alcantara covers the dashboard and ceiling, while the door panels are made of carbon fiber. There is a Superleggera inscription on the door sills, and the car has dual-zone climate control, electric windows, an infotainment system, a reversing camera and navigation.

Gallardo Superleggera is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 engine with 523 hp (385 kW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a six-speed E-Gear automated transmission.

The car comes with complete documentation and a clean Carfax report. The auction ends on August 28 and the current bid is $95,000.