Ten years is a long time for an exotic car to stay mostly unchanged. But such was the case for the outgoing Lamborghini Gallardo as the last production car rolled off the assembly-line in the fall of 2014 at the factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. The final model built was a Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante in Rosso Mars (red) that was bought by a private collector. In total, 14,022 vehicles were built, making this the bestselling Lamborghini of all time and one of the most successful sports car brands ever.
As is the case with the Italian automaker, the name Gallardo was taken from the world of bullfighting. Dating back to the 18th Century, the Gallardo breed was renowned for great courage and a fearless spirit. A little over a decade ago, Lamborghini was content to sell 250 cars per year. But that soon changed. The Gallardo was so popular; it quickly increased yearly sales to approximately 2,000 cars sold on average, putting the company on the map as a serious and long-term player in the exotic car market.
2012 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
The last Lamborghini Gallardo
The last Lamborghini Gallardo
Equipped with a 10-cylinder engine, edgy design, e-gear transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, the Gallardo was unique in an industry of rear-wheel drive exotics. First came the coupe in 2003, this was followed by the Spyder in 2005 and the Gallardo Superleggera in 2007. The next generation Gallardo arrived in 2008 featuring new front and rear facia, plus added power for a total of 560 horsepower. Other models followed, with the most extravagant being the Super Trofeo Stradale and Gallardo Squadra Corse. Each model was exclusive, fast and sexy at every turn.
A powerful force, the Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse is capable of achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h. Carbon ceramic brakes were standard, bringing it to an equally impressive stop. Gallardo has been sold in over 45 countries, providing the stuff of dreams through the “Ad Personam” program to allow for maximum personalization. There are even a few purpose-built Gallardo Polizia Stradale on the road currently with the Italian State Police. It pays to have a fast car when chasing down other equally quick exotics.
Replacing the Gallardo was no easy task, but the Huracán has taken over and Lamborghini hasn’t missed a beat. It appears the success of one exotic sports car spawned the continued success of this much-loved Italian automaker and car aficionados around the world couldn’t be more pleased. Smiles everyone, smiles!
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