�Tractor manufacturer Ferruccio Lamborghini built his first cars as a hobby, using modified Fiat parts�
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. was founded in 1963 in a small northern Italian village between Bologna and Modena, Italy, by Ferruccio Lamborghini. The first car the company produced was the 350 GTV in 1963. This became production under the title 350 GT the year after, this was followed by the Miura, Islero, Espada, Jarama and Countach, which took the company into the 1980�s.
In 1973, the company got into financial difficulties and Ferruccio Lamborghini sold 51 % of his shares to a Swiss investor, Georges-Henri Rossetti. One year later, he sold the remainder to a second Swiss investor, Ren� Leimer. Due to continued financial difficulties, the company was forced to enter into receivership in 1978. However, it was able to maintain the operation. Eventually in 1980 Lamborghini declared bankruptcy and went into liquidation. In July 1980, it was sold by the official receiver to the Mimran brothers, French tycoons.
Later the company had to look for solid investment and in 1987, Chrysler bought 100% of the company's shares. In May 1990. In January 1994, Chrysler sold Lamborghini to Megatech an Indonesian Group. In 1995, it changed hands again to a company owned by Tommy Suharto. The other 40% were bought by Mycom. At the beginning of 1998, AUDI AG entered into negotiations then on July 24, 1998, AUDI acquired 100% of Lamborghini�s shares.
V-12 60 degree,
light-alloy block, mid mounted (longitudal),
permantent four-wheel drive with viscous traction system
Max. power : 432 kW at 7500 rpm
Max. torque : 650 Nm at 5400 rpm
Gearbox: Lamborghini six-speed + reverse manual all-synchromesh
Clutch : Dry-single plate with reduced pedal load
Performance:
Top speed : + 330 Km/h (+205 Mph)
0 - 100 Km/h : 3.6 sec.
0 - 200 Km/h : 11.4 sec.
0 - 300 Km/h : 34.2 sec.
RRP: Approx. $472 000 (AUD)
