Last Chance To Buy: Lamborghini Murcielago
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When is it going?
Sorry, but the last of the current Murcielagos roared off the production line a few months ago. The model has been superseded by the subtly improved Murcielago LP640. The roadster version, however, is still being made, but that will go within the year, to be replaced by the LP640 Roadster. It's sold out, but sources tell us that if you really, really want one they might be able to get the factory to "divert" one of the last left-hand-drive models.
What's good about it?
Just look at it. Just listen to it. Just sit in it. Awesome performance, image and charisma. All the supercar you'd ever want. The "scissor" doors can be very handy in the supermarket car park.
What's bad about it?
It's not cheap, and it tends to depreciate rather heavily. Insurance, servicing and repairs are all predictably costly. And make sure that your track sessions are carefully planned and that you are sensitive to the car's moods; you really wouldn't want to overheat it.
Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen Group these days (specifically by Audi), so you would expect quality control to have been improved. The optional paddle gears (e-gear) don't suit everyone, but they work well. The main problem out on the road is trying to tame this raging bull's 570 brake horsepower. If you can manage that, then you'll start to enjoy the Murcielago's manifest pleasures. Needless to say (and it's probably beside the point if you're seriously considering one), the boot isn't very big; it'll barely hold even an international playboy's weekend bag.
How much?
There are no new ones left, so the question becomes a little academic. However, we did find one lightly used example at the London dealers HR Owen, a 2006 model-year Murcielago e-gear in "grigio antares" (that's a nice dark metallic grey) and matching leather, with an upgraded stereo system. That's on the market for £174,950 on a "55" plate. It's quite a bargain when you consider that its successor is priced at £190,000 (without options). They also have a couple of minimal-mileage Murcielago Roadsters, at £204,950.
Any snags?
Mainly the colossal depreciation, which would make even a Premiership footballer wince. Still, if you're worried about running costs and reliability, you'd buy a Honda Civic. Or a Honda NSX, the recently departed supercar that does most of things a Murcielago does, but without the glamour. This Lamborghini is in insurance group 20, if you hadn't guessed.
Fact file
Launched: 2002
Engine: V12, 6.2-litre, 570bhp
Performance:
0-60mph in 3.8 seconds; top speed of
206mph (where legal)
Economy: 13.1mpg
NCAP: Not tested
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments