Lamborghini needs no introduction in the automobile industry. The brand is popular for rolling off supercars featuring efficient engines and aerodynamic exteriors. However, this was not always the case. Since its inception in the 1960s, Lamborghini has come a long way in terms of vehicle manufacturing.
Let’s take a closer look at the Lamborghini car history and unfold the interesting events that took place during the journey of this brand.
Lamborghini History Timeline
Lamborghini is the brainchild of Ferruccio Lamborghini, a car enthusiast, mechanic and a veteran of the Italian Royal Air Force. After serving in the Air Force as a mechanic, Ferruccio returned to his homeland in Italy and started manufacturing tractors. However, a few years into the business, Ferruccio decided to form his own automobile brand with the aim to manufacture supercars.
Here is the complete timeline of the Lamborghini tractor’s history and its transition to one of the most famous Italian car brands.
Lamborghini Manufacture Tractors – 1948 to 1960s
It is one of the most intersting facts about Lamborghini that they started their journey as a tractor manufacturer. Ferruccio used the remaining spare parts of the war machinery and built tractors. The Lamborghini tractors were a huge hit; until the 1960s, the company only manufactured tractors. The company’s profit increased rapidly, making Ferrucio Lamborghini one of the most successful businessmen. During this time, Ferrucio drove many super and sports cars manufactured by top-tier automobile brands at that time. This was the time when Ferrucio decided to manufacture his own sports car with an aerodynamic exterior and efficient engine.
There are many underlying reasons for this, among them the most popularly believed is Lamborghini’s history with Ferrari. According to some sources, Ferrucio was not satisfied with the services of luxury sports cars at that time. However, a single reason or story is not specified by the brand.
Lamborghini Debuted in the Market – 1962 to 1966
Regardless of the reason, Ferrucio started working on Lamborghini cars in 1962, and the first model was unveiled at the Turin Auto Show in 1963. It was a Lamborghini 350 GTV, a two-seater car equipped with a V12 engine.
The initial models of the Lamborghini were a huge success; even the prototypes grabbed car enthusiasts’ attention across the globe. The Lamborghini logo is a bull, that was actually the zodiac sign of Ferrucio.
Early Success of Lamborghini Cars – 1967 to 1971
Lamborghini cars gained rapid popularity in the market soon after their debut. In the 1967 Italian Auto Show, Lamborghini showcased its iconic model lineup to the world. This lineup includes 400 GT Coupe and Miura. Later in 1969, the production of IIslero and Espada was also initiated.
The Global Crises – 1972 to 1977
The global crisis of the 1970s hit Lamborghini adversely. Due to the crisis, the oil prices were hiked, and the majority of the people switched to more fuel-efficient and economical cars. Whereas, Lamborghini was manufacturing supercars equipped with high-powered petrol and diesel engines.
In 1972, Ferrucio Lamborghini sold half of his company shares to Georges-Henri Rossetti to overcome the loss from crises. The company also collaborated with BMW in 1976, resulting in supercars with engines mounted behind the cockpit.
Liquidation of Lamborghini 1978 to 1983
Despite the collaboration with BMW, it was difficult for Lamborghini to survive in the market, the situation worsened when the company seized the production of Espada in 1978 and Urraco and the Silhouette in 1979. After that, the company has to survive only on one model series, the S version of Countach.
The company was finally liquidated and sold to new owners in 1981. After the takeover, Lamborghini reintroduced itself at the Geneva Motor Show.
Lamborghini Remove its Flaws – 1984 to 1986
For three years after the new owners acquired the company, Lamborghini worked on improving its model series. A number of flaws were identified in different models and a team of engineers started working on removing these errors. From engine redesign to technical updates, every part of the car was updated.
Lamborghini Manufactured Formula 1 Engine – 1987 to 1993
In 1987, a twist came in Lamborghini history when they collaborated with Mauro Forghieri to manufacture a Formula 1 engine for the French racing team Larrousse. It was a 3.5-litre V12 engine that performed exceptionally at the race.
Soon after the success of Larrousse, a number of other teams also approached Lamborghini and requested them to manufacture engines for their cars also. Lamborghini gradually moved from Formula 1 to the British Grand Prix and then to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Revival of the Lamborghini – 1994 to 1997
During this era, Lamborghini regained its popularity in the market by launching its iconic model series like Diablo. Followed by a number of special edition series including SE, Jota, Monterey and Alpine.
Lamborghini Celebrated its 40th Anniversary – 1998 to 2004
Before entering the new millennium, Lamborghini was in contact with all the top auto manufacturers who were interested in acquiring the company. Audi was the first one to collaborate with the organization and acquire all of its shares.
Later in 2004, at the time of Lamborghini’s 40th anniversary, a limited edition model was released. Only 50 pieces of Murciélago were available for sale in Europe, USA and Japan. This exclusive and limited model series was painted in Verde Artemis (jade green).
Lamborghini – A Leading Automobile Brand – 2005 to 2013
Lamborghini continued its journey towards the top-tier automobile brands in the world. In 2005, Lamborghini launched its Concept A which was a concept car. The brand also launched the Miura Concept car to attract a loyal fan base.
The brand makes its impression on the automobile world by unveiling its Sesto Elemento concept car. It was a concept car built from a carbon-fibre body powered by a V12 Aventador LP 700-4 engine.
Lamborghini Continued its Journey – 2014 to Present
In 2015, Lamborghini introduced the luxury sportscar series Huracan and Aventador. These model series are the ideal amalgamation of agility and luxury. Now, all the Lamborghini cars are considered a true example of perfection, innovation and performance. That said, there are many Hollywood movies featuring Lamborghinis as a symbol of luxury due to their impressive appearance.
This was all about Lamborghini’s history. Despite all the hurdles and hardships, the brand continues to provide the best for its customers. Therefore, even after all of these years, Lamborghini vehicles are known for their efficiency, durability and performance. If you are also interested in availing of all of this, browse through these used Lamborghini cars for sale in the UAE and purchase your own sports car.
Stay tuned to UAE’s leading auto blog for more information on Lamborghini model history.
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