Lamborghini – Tractors to Sports Cars

No trip including the visits to the top sports car producers would be complete without Lamborghini. Located in Sant’Agata Bologna, about 25 minutes from Maserati and Ferrari, the Lamborghini factory is easily accessible. This top line producer has a very interesting history. It is the most recent of the top name producers; the first sports model was created in 1967 but the company was established just following WWII.

In 1948, Ferruccio Lamborghini began purchasing WWII surplus vehicles and parts. He would assemble the parts to create tractors badly needed during the post war rebuilding and expansion. The company was successful but his passion was motors. In 1963 he created his first automobile. The car was an immediate success but the true money machine was the tractor business. It also was his downfall. In the 70s with falling demand for the high-end cars in the US and a cancelled order for 5,000 tractors to Brazil the company was strapped for cash.

Lamborhini sold 51% to an investor who changed the focus of the company attempting to increase profit margins. More money was needed and Lamborghini sold his remaining shares, then came Chrysler and finally, in 1998, Audi bought the company outright, bringing sufficient financing and restructuring the company returning the company to quality products. The last 10 years have seen a great rebound in the fortunes of Lamborghini however Ferruccio never saw his company return to greatness. In 1994, just a few years before the entrance of Audi, Lamborghini died.

His legacy is a monument to Italian ingenuity and workmanship. I have never owned or driven a Lamborghini but it is a dream. One time on the track, take this beautiful vehicle out and let her go.

Tags: Lamborghini Race Cars Emilia Romagna Bologna Italy