Let’s start this new series of photo shoots by Car-Shooters discovering “sacred” place for all the car lovers. As those of you who usually follow us know very well, we do not deal only with car and photography, we also describe itineraries, places and people. Well, if you’re in Bologna or in its surroundings, a pop into the Lamborghini Museum is a must.
We are travelling via Modena, a long, straight flat road across the Pianura Padana, and we understand to be arrived thanks of a Huracán’s engine sound overtaking us in the other lane.
During the last few kilometres we see many bars with a “Super car here” sign and some sports cars in the parking, ready to entertain tourists in a short and expensive test drive. We finally arrived, and between sheds of various kinds, stands the giant “Lamborghini” sign.
Edoardo and Marco are preparing their equipment for the occasion and in a bit, we are going to enter into the “sanctuary” that since 2001 traces the crucial stages of the brand, through the Ferruccio’s creatures. The personal story of this brilliant man shows very well the rebellious and strong spirit of the Emilian people.
Lamborghini was a well-known entrepreneur in the area, producing tractors with a growing company established near Ferrara, and able to afford the cars of the Prancing Horse by Enzo Ferrari. Being such an expert of mechanics, he was disappointed by the malfunctioning of the clutch in his Ferrari 250GT and he was even more bothered by the behaviour of Enzo Ferrari, who, hothead like him, once received the complaints, replied to him to “think of tractors and not to the world of cars”.
Ferruccio, without much thought, replied that he would begin to think to cars himself and in 1963, along with technical experts such as Giotto Bizzarrini (former Ferrari), he created the first Lamborghini, the 350GT. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to admire this car inside the museum, as it is currently in China. The museum is spread over two floors and on the first floor, as you enter, it is impossible not to be fascinated by the two Miura, a golden S version, and a yellow SV version.
It’s this piece of art, one of the most desirable cars in the world. Firstly appeared in 1966, it brought new technological solutions, a chassis designed by Dallara, and for the first time a mid-engine car.
The frame is futuristic, a beautiful body designed by Marcello Gandini that has remained an icon of design since the ‘60s. It’s with it that Lamborghini starts its typical nomenclature recalling names of Spanish bulls. The Miura has been produced until 1973 with the latest version SV, with 385 HP, able to push it over 290 km/h. All the Lamborghini cars remained in production approximately for 10 years, only exception the Countach, which lasted 25 years.
In the museum we have the chance to admire the model number one of the production, a treasure of great value. About this model there is a very funny story. This number one model here was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971 in red, but, since it was not yet built a second model to show at the Frankfurt Motor Show then Ferruccio painted it completely in green, so it looked like a second exemplary product.
With the Cuntach, Lamborghini inaugurate its style which can be found on all central engine products such as Diablo, Murcelago, Gallardo, Huracán etc. The passenger compartment in the forward position, almost on the front wheels and a lot of space for the powerful engines.
Historical icons produced by the brand dominate the entire ground floor of the museum, but continuing our visit we find the Espada, the first four places of the house, extremely modern for its time, perhaps remained in the shadow of the best known models but according to me, a great beauty. Many will remain definitely intrigued by the strange vehicle that seems a tank in the middle of all these supercars, it is the Lamborghini LM002, car that inspired the Chrysler for the project of the famous Hummer.
Built mainly for the Arab market and for the armed forces it was an incredible vehicle, equipped with the engine of the Countach that could reach 200 km/ h on the sand. It was in the garage of many sheiks. With a Diablo on the end of the first floor it began the Volkswagen era.
Now 15 years since the company is owned by the German brand, which has introduced a number of improvements in the models, mainly on the Diablo that was lightened with use of carbon materials. Going upstairs you will be amazed by different works of art, mostly prototypes.
The scene is dominated by the next product of the house, that is, the Urus, expected on the market in 2018. It is a large SUV but with an extremely sporty line and cuneiform It should compete in the premium SUV market, alongside Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Mercedes.
All around, surrounded by bright windows are exposed various modern prototypes, including the new LPI 910-4 Asterion, LP means longitudinal engine rear, the I stands for hybrid, 910 is the impressive number of horses and 4 stands for the drive wheels. Of great impact is the Egoista, a concept by Walter De Silva, a single-seat evocating a jet, full of sharp and aggressive lines, with orange glasses that opens like in the airplanes to access the interior with the head-up display that is visible from the dashboard. It has the engine of the Gallardo and it is fully operative.
Among the prototypes, I discover much more about a concept of the Gallardo with interior in two separate locations in offshore style, that was initially produced in a single copy, then on request by an Arab sheik it was made a second for him, who has to pay a huge fortune.
The reason for this spending spree? He said it was his ideal car because he would have not to hear his wife! Through some models you can also admire the technical solutions on current Lamborghini, as carbon fibre components, push rod suspension and wheels of impressive dimensions.
On them it is possible to see a remarkable detail. All the Lamborghini are equipped with Pirelli tires, thanks to a close agreement with the well-known tire enterprise that, in addition to equip all cars, dedicate a production of tires ad hoc for Lamborghini, recognizable by the letter L printed on the side of the tread. We can also admire a revival of the Miura prototype.
Incredibly beautiful, presented in several Shows, it has enchanted the public that almost begged to start the production. Lamborghini never do it. It’s a brand that never looks back. New names and constant innovation are the fundamentals of the company’s philosophy. The “remake” effect that affects the “Fiat 500” is not suitable for those who focus on research and innovation at the highest levels.
Personally I’m happy to see the Miura in a modern way but I agree to not start the production. There is only one Queen and it is downstairs; it is impossible to repeat it. That concludes our visit to this interesting history and automotive innovation container.
An incredible experience comes to an end with the fantastic sounds of the V10 and V12 engines that roars on the streets near the Lamborghini Museum!
By: Leonardo Stefani
Photos: Edoardo Mascalchi, Marco Dellisanti
