When Lamborghini introduces a new V12 supercar, it’s usually a momentous event worthy of scientific naming. The launch of the Murcielago as the replacement for the Diablo was like the end of the Cretaceous period, putting Lamborghini’s boutique independence fully in the rearview mirror and marking the completion of its transformation into a Volkswagen Group brand. But the Murcielago was still a true Lambo, and this is among the best of the breed.
Set to be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s, this 2010 model isn’t just any Murcielago. It’s an LP 670-4 Superveloce, and it’s one of only five of those sportier models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission that, like the standard Murcielago gearbox, had a gated shifter. It’s thought to be the last manual Murcielago of any kind built, according to the auction listing. That would also make it the last V12 Lamborghini, period, as the subsequent Aventador and Revuelto ditched stick shifts entirely. It’s also got unique paint and interior trim from Lamborghini’s Ad Personam personalization program.
Launched in 2002, the Murcielago dramatically updated Lamborghini styling with an angular theme highlighted by winglet-like engine air intakes that opened and closed as needed. The first Lamborghini developed from the ground up under the supervision of Audi (and with the money of parent VW), it used a version of the 6.2-liter V12 from the Diablo, Countach, and Miura, initially making 571 horsepower. That was later boosted to 6.5 liters and 631 hp in the LP 640-4 refresh. The number represents output in metric horsepower, “LP” stands for “Longitudinale Posteriore,” referencing the engine’s longitudinal orientation behind the driver, and “4” denotes all-wheel drive, which all Murcielago road cars had.
The Superveloce was the Murcielago’s swan song. Introduced just before the end of production in 2010, it got an additional 30 hp via new exhaust and ignition systems, and the addition of variable valve timing. It was also claimed to be 220 pounds lighter than a non-SV model, and had suspension tuned for track work. More elaborate aero elements were also fitted, including a large rear wing that this car doesn’t have. It’s one of the few specced with the little-known low-drag wing, which purportedly raised the top speed from 209 mph to 212 mph.
That’s not the only unusual thing about this car. It’s the only Murcielago painted in Marrone Eklipsis, a metallic brown that was previously used on the Diablo VT 6.0 SE, the run-out version of the Diablo. It goes great with this car’s gold wheels and Marrone Janus/Avorio Lilium two-tone interior.
The Murcielago certainly did its job, updating the bedroom-wall-poster Lamborghini supercar for the 2000s. It was also the last production car with Lamborghini’s original V12, as the automaker introduced a clean-sheet design with the Aventador. In addition to doing away with the manual transmission, that supercar introduced more technology, while the Revuelto went even further in that direction with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. So, this Murcielago truly represents the end of an era.
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