Citroen

Year of foundation 1919

The history of Lamborghini is a fascinating blend of passion, rivalry, and audacity that has led to the creation of some of the world's most iconic and desirable vehicles. It all began with one man, Ferruccio Lamborghini, and a dispute with another giant of motorsports.

Ferruccio Lamborghini: From Tractors to Supercars

Ferruccio Lamborghini (1916-1993) was a successful Italian entrepreneur. After World War II, he founded Lamborghini Trattori, a company that produced high-quality agricultural machinery. His engineering acumen and passion for motorsports led him to own several sports cars, including a Ferrari.

However, Ferruccio was not entirely satisfied with his Ferrari 250 GT. He complained in particular about clutch problems. He decided to address his grievances directly to Enzo Ferrari. According to legend, Enzo Ferrari's response was arrogant and contemptuous: "Lamborghini, you're a tractor driver. You don't understand sports cars. Go back to building your tractors and leave the cars to me."

This insult sparked Ferruccio's desire to show Enzo Ferrari what he was capable of. He decided to build a car that was better than the Ferrari, more refined, more powerful, and more reliable.

The Birth of Automobili Lamborghini

In 1963, in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.p.A. As the symbol for his new company, he chose the bull, Ferruccio's zodiac sign, but also a strong, aggressive, and elegant animal, which reflected the philosophy he wanted to instill in his cars.

The first creation was the 350 GTV, presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1963. Although only a prototype, it attracted attention and laid the foundation for the subsequent and more successful 350 GT (1964), the company's first production model.

The Legend of the Miura

The real turning point came in 1966 with the unveiling of the Miura. Designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, the Miura revolutionized the world of supercars. With its mid-mounted V12 engine and its sinuous, low profile, it was one of the fastest and most beautiful cars in the world. The Miura is considered by many to be the first true supercar in history and cemented Lamborghini's reputation as a manufacturer of extreme, cutting-edge cars.

The 1970s and the Crisis

The 1970s were a period of great successes but also of turmoil. In 1971, Lamborghini launched the Countach, another milestone in automotive design. With its angular lines, scissor doors, and rear-mounted engine, the Countach became an icon of the 1970s and 1980s. However, the 1973 oil crisis and less solid financial management brought the company to the brink of bankruptcy. Ferruccio Lamborghini, discouraged, sold his shares and retired.

Changes of Ownership and Rebirth

In the following years, Lamborghini changed hands several times. It had several owners, including the Chrysler Corporation, which led to the birth of the Diablo model (1990). The Diablo, with its aggressive design and exceptional performance, brought the company back to prominence.

The final turning point came in 1998, when Lamborghini was acquired by the Volkswagen Group, through its Audi AG division. Under German management, Lamborghini benefited from significant investments, cutting-edge technologies, and a solid corporate structure.

The Modern Era: Innovation and Success

The acquisition by Audi marked an era of great success. The company launched models that have shaped recent automotive history:

Murciélago (2001): the successor to the Diablo, with a more modern and powerful design.

Gallardo (2003): a more compact and accessible model, which allowed Lamborghini to significantly increase sales volumes.

Aventador (2011): the successor to the Murciélago, with extreme technological solutions and a futuristic design.

Huracán (2014): the successor to the Gallardo, which continued the tradition of success.

Urus (2018): Lamborghini's first luxury SUV, a model that doubled annual sales and opened a new chapter in the brand's history.

Today, Lamborghini is synonymous with extreme performance, bold design, and a legacy that continues to be built on that first act of rebellion and passion. From the challenge between two visionaries to the conquest of the global market, the story of Lamborghini is proof that sometimes the best thing to do is not just accept a challenge, but create it.