The Italian world-renowned automobile company, Lamborghini, turned 60 this May and their success has been applauded.
Since its establishment in May 1963, the luxury car manufacturing company, founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini, has only grown since. Ferruccio famously quoted: “It was the perfect moment when I finally decided to create the perfect car.”
The history of the company began with Ferruccio’s passion to create an automobile brand fueled by the idea of turning a dream into a reality. In a race to compete with brands such as Ferrari, concepts and models began to form in 1962. By November 1963, the first finished model was advertised at the Turin Auto Show, making its debut in the public eye.
In the coming two to three years, success was Lamborghini’s middle name – moving into a phase of high creativity and productivity, the company produced an abundance of new models. Come 1965, history was made as the Italian mogul displayed their new chassis design at the Turin Auto Show.
Lamborghini’s profits saw an influx come 1967, as the new IT car was exhibited at the Italian Auto Show. The Miura displayed something new – it was one of the first supercars to contain a rear mid-engine and two-seat layout. Not only did it attract many consumers – significantly aiding cash flow into the luxury business – but also has since (in essence) become the common layout for most supercars moving forward.
The rise in Lamborghini’s success was momentarily halted, as complications in production and the commercial sphere of the company meant it was falling towards liquidation and possible bankruptcy. 1972 saw Ferruccio leave the business, selling his stake to close friends. Most production of cars such as the iconic Espada, Urraco, and Silhouette concluded around 1978 and 1980. However, it was the continuation of production of the Countach version S, that held the company from sinking under.
The future looked bright again as lovers of sports cars, and wealthy brothers Jean-Claude and Patrick Mimran become the new owners, making qualitative changes within the company. New and technically advanced models were displayed at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show, where the design of the classic Lamborghini engine showed changes – a major shift from the last 22 years of trusted design. Here, the Countach was more powerful than ever and could again compete against its rivals in the luxury supercar market.
Years following marked many great achievements, even amidst changes in control and management. Lamborghini’s entrance into Formula 1 around circa 1987 pushed for innovation and intense activity. Moreover, 2005 saw the production of more drivable prototypes of some of Lamborghini’s most adored concepts, in an attempt to build their consumer base. Come more current years, the luxury company has tuned into its “elegance and sporty DNA” – Grange. Models such as the Huracán Avio, Centenario, and Aventador are of the peak Lamborghini ideal – “the perfect car.” (Ferruccio Lamborghini 1963).