Tag: Exotic cars

A RENAISSANCE OF THE GENTLEMEN’S EXOTIC. Lamborghini. To some, the mere mention of its name evokes an image of fierce independence, etched from the beginning by its founder, Ferrucio Lamborghini. The story goes that in the late ’50s, the man who built tractors approached Enzo Ferrari about building a more refined grand touring car. When the racing-obsessed Ferrari refused, Lamborghini built his own and the captivating 350GT was born. Shortly thereafter, the rear-mid engine Miura changed the way we think of exotics to this day. To others, Lamborghini represents the ostentation of wealth and notoriety; a bedroom-poster ideal of success. In a world where imitation is the highest form of flattery, no other car has spawned as many replicas, poseurs and scissor-doored econoboxes as the Lamborghini supercar. When the Murciélago was introduced in 2002, the bar was raised once again. Road & Track called it “a mesmerizingly modern supercar” while Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, reflected on it as “truly extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian.”

The Murciélago presented here (N^o 292) is unique even amongst Murciélagos, where standing out is a considerable part of their appeal. Its Titanium Metallic finish is a refined, stately exception to the more common oranges, yellows, and lime greens that have become nearly synonymous with Lamborghinis of the past two decades (i.e., “Lambo Yellow,” “Lambo Green,” etc.). This early Murcie also has several factory updates from the later-model LP640 including:

• Hermera wheels
• Transparent bonnet (original bonnet included)
• Carbon fiber trim
• Y-Pattern LED taillights

In addition to the factory updates, it includes the following distinguishing touches:

• Custom Larini-Nortech exhaust
• Custom diamond-stitched Alcantara upholstery
• Blue Monterey calipers
• Blue theater lighting in engine bay

Furthermore, its ownership by only two meticulous stewards over just 6,200 miles is a testament to N^o 292 being treated as more than just an object of desire, more than a revered machine. It is a piece of finessed mechanical art.

Exterior Condition
The first thing we notice is the paint. Its Titanium Metallic finish is refined and understated, yet picks up subtle tones of its surroundings such that it can look dramatically different in varying light. Furthermore, aside from one front bumper respray, it is completely original with no other paint or bodywork. What few blemishes there are have been highlighted in the photos. There is one small rock chip on the leading face of the front bumper and there is what appears to be a drip in the clearcoat on the driver’s side rear brake duct. The paint and finish are other wise flawless. No dings, scratches or touch-up of any kind. The undercarriage is equally spotless as is all the glass. The wheels are Hermera rims from the LP640 (2006 – ). There is one small spot of rash located on the front drivers side rim. Otherwise they are flawless.

Interior Condition
Inside, it is literally like new. The leather is perfect with no signs of wear. The lower dash and armrest have been covered in a custom diamond-stiched Alcantara (blue thread to accent the Blue Monterey calipers) that recalls some of the éclat of the 350GT, further enhancing the car’s overall sophistication. Carpets are fresh. Carbon fiber trim completes the interior aesthetic. Climate control works very well. Windows operate normally. All controls and instruments work properly. A custom Kenwood sound system with navigation is also there for when its occupants opt not to listen to the symphony of a glorious V12 just behind them.

Mechanical Condition
Freshly serviced 200 miles ago, the drivetrain is as strong and smooth as the day it left the showroom. No leaks, no smoke, no noises. No warning lights, no overheating, no electrical issues. It is turnkey for the next several thousand miles. It is everything one might expect from a 6,200-mile pampered car. All hydraulics, including the finicky nose lift, work perfectly. Braking is superb with no shimmy or lag in the ABS. Steering is precise. Suspension is firm and tight. It was shod with fresh Pirelli P Zeros at its last service (at 6,000 miles), with very restrained driving since. This Murciélago is ready to go.

Driving Impressions
And go it does. The 6.0 liter motor roars to life through a custom Larini-Nortech exhaust (replacing the early Murcie’s awkward exaust ports). The system brings out the full range of the V12’s notes, from a menacing basso at low RPMs to a fiendish soprano at its limits. As we pull out into the city’s mid-day traffic, we’re struck by the supercar’s decorum. It is perfectly civilized—dare we say comfortable—at moderate speeds, as well as the rigors of stop-and-go traffic. Leaving town, out to the B roads, there’s a sense that something is about to change. Like the tenacious fighting bull for which it is named, the car starts to buffet with anticipation. This is where N^o 292 leaves behind all of its gentlemanly nature (“gentlemen” used here in the non-gender sense, by the way). A quick (practiced) downshift from its manual gearbox, a gradual depressing of the accelerator and the performance is literally breathtaking. As free-revving a motor as you’ll likely come across, up to about 4000 RPM there’s a relaxed joy that sweeps through the entire body. Not a rush. Not exactly. More of a whoosh. Like a child on a swing. Around here, however, is when the engine comes to life and there is a NASA-like thrust that is just on the cusp of sanity. That “jump to lightspeed” scene in the first Star Wars? It’s like that. The exhilaration is unparalleled. For what is unmistakably a large vehicle (with a 2665 mm/105 in. wheelbase and weighing over two tons) it is surprisingly adept in hairpins, high speed corners and sweeping turns. Its all-wheel-drive and steamroller-sized rubber instill confidence. Having said that, this isn’t a car for the casual participant. It is very firm. It is big. It understeers. It requires attentiveness. It takes practice. Shifting, while quite silky for an Italian exotic, takes precise throws and clutch operation. Braking, while outstanding, takes the right touch. There’s some effort involved, but too much and the ABS introduces itself with a firm shake. They squeal when cold (all Murcies do) but after the pads warm up, the car is relatively free of any complaining. The tires are noisy but not annoyingly so—more of a hum. As we make our way back into town and turn up the spectacular Kenwood audio system, the V12, the Pirellis, the music all blend together in perfect harmony. We and the Murciélago, as one, return to civility and, perhaps, to what Ferrucio had in mind with “the gentlemen’s exotic.”