Chassis No. ZHWBU47S68LA03145

Volkswagen Auto Group was on somewhat of a spending spree in the late 1990s, snatching up legendary marques left and right including Bugatti, Bentley, and in June 1998, the House of the Raging Bull. Lamborghini, which had narrowly escaped bankruptcy following failed Formula One engine program and investing bundles of cash into powerboat V12s, approached Audi to negotiate a powertrain deal for a future model. Audi AG signed a $110 million dollar deal to absorb Lamborghini instead, and made it their first order of business to revive plans for the Diablo's successor which had been shelved under Chrysler ownership. As the first all-new flagship produced under Audi's stewardship, some questioned if the bloodline that had produced the sensational Miura, fabled Countach, and fire-breathing Diablo would lose its Italian flare.

Lamborghini fans could breathe a sigh of relief when in September 2001, the Lamborghini Murcielago was unveiled during an event at the factory in Sant'Agata. The design brief for technical director Massimo Ceccarani was to civilize the Diablo, which he began by carrying over many of its core ingredients. The Murcielago would be the last Lamborghini to use a V12 derived from the original Bizzarrini design of 1963, now in 6.2-liter form pumping out 572 horsepower, which was transmitted to the pavement via the Diablo VT's viscous four-wheel-drive system. The new Bull also shared its predecessor's tubular steel space frame construction, now cloaked in a stealth bomber-inspired carbon fiber and steel body featuring active air intakes on the rear wings. The impact of its new German owners was felt in the Murcielago's lighter steering, better ride quality, and additional headroom compared to its older brother.

A 2007 update saw the Murcielago revive the nomenclature of the legendary Countach – LP 640 standing for the engine's "Longitudinale Posteriore" orientation and its increased 640 horsepower output. Other indications of the LP 640's newness were its restyled bumpers and taillights, asymmetrical side air intakes, single outlet exhaust, and diamond-stitched leather trimming the updated interior. Like the original Murcielago which could be had in open-topped Roadster form beginning in 2004, Lamborghini announced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show that the Roadster would also receive the coupe's LP 640 specifications.

Finished in the striking stealth combination of Nero Aldebaran paintwork over matching Nero Perseus leather, this Murcielago LP 640 Roadster was highly optioned with full diamond-pattern Q-Citura stitching in contrasting white on the seat centers, door panels, and center armrest. Exposed carbon fiber trim is abundant on the instrument surround, center console, steering wheel, shift paddles, parking brake, and door sills, as well as on the optional carbon fiber engine brace. Completing the elegant and sporting presentation of this Roadster are a set of silver 18-inch staggered-width Hermera wheels.

One of approximately 183 Murcielago LP 640 Roadsters built in 2008, chassis number 03145 was completed in March of that year and imported to San Diego in May before selling to its first owner. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places the Lamborghini in Arizona for a brief period of time before being relocated to California in 2010 showing 2,354 miles. Clearly an object of admiration rather than a mode of transport, the car is said to have been on static display for a number of years prior to receiving a major service in March 2022 at Raging Bull Performance in Costa Mesa, California. Work included replacing the clutch, flywheel, e-gear sensor, fluids, and battery at a cost of over $12,500.

Approximately 427 Murcielago LP 640 Roadsters were produced in total over a four-year period, with even fewer destined for the United States. With its 640 horsepower LP 640 specification, elegant black-on-black finishes, generous carbon fiber accents, and remarkably low mileage, this Murcielago LP 640 Roadster is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire an investment-quality example of the breed.

Addendum & Administrative Notes

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.