In 1963, Ferruccio Lamborghini incorporated his automobile company in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. It began as a way for him to prove to Ferrari that not only could he produce a beautiful and powerful sports car, he could create one better than theirs. As a matter of fact, plenty of people ask the question: “Where is Lamborghini made?” and the proud answer is that Lamborghini, to this day, still makes its cars in the place where it began doing so, in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. Today, his company stands as a benchmark for all other supercar manufacturers to aspire to, with unmistakable designs and undeniably beautiful engine notes.
After almost 60 years of creating incredible supercars, Lamborghini has amassed a roster big enough to create some debate on the best Lamborghini in the world. Whether it be in top speed, rarity, performance, popularity, cultural impact, or any other metric, there are plenty of candidates with plenty of reasons to be considered Lamborghini’s best model. In celebration of the automaker, we are giving our complicated answer to the question: “What is the best Lamborghini?” by listing our top 10 cars by the marque, not including the current lineup. These range from historical supercars to the most cutting-edge performance cars available today, and even to an off-road truck. So if you’re a Lamborghini lover, strap yourself in and get ready to relive some of the Fighting Bull’s top moments in automotive history.
1985 Countach 5000QV
Like we said, when it comes to answering the question, “What is the best Lamborghini?” it’s pretty much impossible to mention only one. Throughout the brand’s history, Lamborghini has made a lineup of consistently iconic, powerful, and admirable vehicles. That said, while you can’t mention only one, there is one Lamborghini best model you simply have to mention when you’re discussing the best Lamborghini of all time, and that’s the Countach. While Lamborghinis existed before it, the Countach is one of the most iconic Lamborghini ever, and undoubtedly a contender for the best Lamborghini ever, because it cemented Lamborghini’s legacy and defined the look and feel the brand still strives to achieve today, with its angular, wedge-shaped design, scissor doors, and radically bold look. In 1985, Chief Engineer Horacio Pagani brought the Lamborghini Countach into the modern era. For the first time, Lamborghini built a specific model for the US. Instantly identifiable are the federally mandated front bumpers, which were quickly removed by owners upon delivery. Feeding proper air to the six carburetors had always been an issue since the intakes are behind the cockpit. Bosch fuel injection solved the problem and bumped horsepower to 414.
MUST READ: Lamborghini Countach Specs, Price, Photos & Review
1996 Diablo SV
A decade later, horsepower was up to 510, so the Lamborghini Diablo needed larger cooling ducts and a giant rear spoiler. Big brakes were added and chrome trim was deleted for a sinister appearance. Without the all-wheel-drive of the more expensive Diablo VT, the SV is incredibly overpowered on the track or street.
MUST READ: Lamborghini Diablo Specs, Price, Review and Photos
1971 Miura SV
Considered by many to be the world’s first supercar, the Lamborghini Miura is definitely one to consider when determining the best Lamborghini car. In the early 1970s, American cars were losing horsepower across the board. Federal clean air laws forced domestic sports cars to be only shadows of their former glory. Unencumbered by such statutes, Lamborghini revised the valvetrain and intake to reach 380 hp. Styling for this special edition Lamborghini Miura was highlighted by new scoops along the rocker panels and flared rear quarter panels fitted over wider wheels.
1988 Jalpa
Gruppo Bertone was commissioned with designing a compact coupe around a rear transverse-mounted V8 as a more practical alternative to the Countach. The Jalpa was the result, and they can be found all over the early pages of the duPont REGISTRY. The members of our original sales staff have a fondness for this raging bull of the 1980s.
2010 Murcielago SV
Following the trend of introducing a Superveloce edition near the end of production, the Murcielago’s engine was pumped up to 661 hp and extensive use of carbon fiber lowered the car’s weight. With a V12 spinning to 8,000 rpm, the car was capable of 10-second quarter mile times with 60 mph from a standstill happening in only 3. The brakes are bigger than your car’s wheels, and the spoiler is large enough to double as a helipad. Like all the greats, the Lamborghini Murcielago went out on top.
MUST READ: Lamborghini Murcielago Specs, Price, Photos & Review
2008 Reventon
If the Murcielago was too mundane for your tastes, the Reventon was an all-carbon fiber body on top of the Murcielago’s chassis. Only 21 examples were built, and most of the wild features found their way onto the Aventador. A roadster version was also built in 2010 using the Murcielago SV engine; only 14 additional examples were built.
2014 Veneno Roadster
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the Aventador was skinned and crafted into an aerodynamicist’s dream. Only nine were built, each with a sticker price over $4 million. The Lamborghini Veneno is the coolest Lamborghini.
MUST READ: 2015 Lamborghini Veneno Specs, Prices, Photos & Review
2016 Aventador SV
We were at the unveiling on Amelia Island and witnessed the state of the art in supercars. The V12 engine in the Lamborghini Aventador SV has been stretched to 750 hp and exaggerated bodywork is required to keep it shiny-side-up at top speeds. Its magnetic suspension will tame the harsh ride and dynamic steering will offer more feedback for safe cruising at three times the posted speed limit, under professional supervision on a closed track, of course.
MUST READ: Lamborghini Aventador Specs, Price, & Photos
1993 LM002
It may not have been the most popular Lamborghini, but the LM002 is a very important vehicle in Lamborghini’s history. It was far ahead of its time, as its successor, the Urus, is Lamborghini’s most popular offering. The LM002 was an avant-garde effort when it came to the concept of a luxury performance off-roader with style and substance. The first SUV in their portfolio was also their first production vehicle to feature four-wheel drive, which is now a common fixture in Lamborghini’s supercars. With their V12 making more power than almost all other engines of the day, what better way to have fun than build a rugged all-terrain vehicle around it? Plush interiors loaded with leather and reference level audio gave the discerning off-roader the ability to arrive in style. We like it because it had no option for automatic transmission.
MUST READ: Lamborghini LM002 Price, Specs, Photos & Review
Sesto Elemento
The Sesto Elemento (meaning “sixth element” in Italian) is powered by a 5.2L V10 that generates 570 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The suspension, chassis, driveshaft, and body are all made of carbon fiber, bringing the total weight to 2,200 pounds. It is the lightest car Lamborghini has ever created.
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