Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 (2008)

When Audi group took control of Lamborghini, they had a considerable task on their hands to create the successor to the illustrious 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 1,650 Kgs and a power to weight ratio of 350hp per tonne. The ride was handled using 4 wheel independent suspension and 4 piston brake calipers were used front and rear to stop this raging bull.

2006 saw the introduction of the LP640. With capacity increased from 6.2 to 6.5-litres, a facelifted exterior aerodynamics package and uprated brakes, the LP640 could still be optioned with either a traditional manual or Lamborghini’s proprietary ‘E-Gear’ F1-style automated manual gearbox. The LP640’s 631bhp at 8000rpm represented a significant gain over the 572bhp at 7500rpm produced by the outgoing variant

Despite the open-gated manual gearbox arguably offering the purer driver experience, the vast majority of the LP640 built were optioned with the costly automated gearbox. Fewer than 90 of 1250 examples completed were optioned with the manual gearbox, of those just 9 RHD examples were supplied to the UK.

This example was ordered new in July 2008 by serial Lamborghini owner and ice cream magnate Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Colicci. Moving to the UK from his native Italy in 1982 with a singular vision, to sell ice cream! Each of Colicci’s Lamborghini’s would serially wear his private registration mark ‘4 ERN’, from Diablo, through Murcielago, to Aventador.

With the original new vehicle invoice remaining on file, we can see the LP640 was optioned in Out of Range Balloon White over an Ad Personam Colour Concept interior in Bianco with Nero Perseus inserts. Furthermore, this example received the desirable glass engine cover, interior carbon fibre package, front axle lifting system, Lamborghini embossed headrests and Hercules wheels.

Colicci would retain the car until 2011 when the car would be purchased by its second keeper, Mr McCrindle, proprietor of well-known marque specialists Top Gear Cars. The LP640 would pass to its most recent custodian after two years in late 2013.

For the past 12 years, this LP640 has resided with a single custodian. Using the car sparingly, it has covered just 8,500 miles since, today presenting with just 13,060 miles from new. Accompanied by its original book pack, history folio and spare key, this example has revcieved near annual servicing from new with 14 stamped services. An opportunity not to be missed, this example presents superbly as 1 of just 9 UK supplied manual examples, available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.

• Just 90 of 1250 LP640 were optioned with a manual gearbox
• 1 of 9 UK RHD manual examples
• MY09 facelift
• Extra range Balloon White with Ad Personam Bianco & Nero interior
• Interior carbon fibre, ceramic brakes, glass engine cover and front axle lifting system
• Offered from 12 years of single ownership
• Original bookpack including 14 stamped services
• Just 13,060 miles from new