1. The Rebel’s Origin (1948–1963)
Founder’s Rage: Ferruccio Lamborghini, a wealthy tractor manufacturer, was frustrated with his Ferrari’s clutch issues. When Enzo Ferrari dismissed him ("You’re just a tractor maker!"), Ferruccio vowed to build a better car.
Lamborghini Automobili (1963): Founded in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, with the motto: "Create the perfect GT car without compromise."
2. The First Masterpiece (1964–1966)
Lamborghini 350 GT (1964): Debuted with a V12 engine, luxurious interiors, and superior engineering—instantly rivalling Ferrari.
Miura (1966): The world’s first supercar, with a mid-engine V12 and 170+ mph top speed. It redefined automotive design.
3. Turbulent Times (1970s–1990s)
Countach (1974): Radical wedge design and scissor doors became a pop-culture icon (featured in Cannonball Run, posters worldwide).
Bankruptcy & Chaos: Oil crises, mismanagement, and ownership changes (even Chrysler owned it in the ’80s).
Diablo (1990): Saved the brand—first Lambo to hit 200+ mph.
4. The VW Group Revival (1998–Present)
Audi’s Takeover (1998): Volkswagen Group bought Lamborghini, injecting German engineering and reliability.
Modern Icons:
Murciélago (2001): Named after a bull that survived 24 sword strikes—fitting for its endurance.
Aventador (2011) & Huracán (2014): Fusion of cutting-edge tech and raw power.
Urus (2018): The world’s fastest SUV (190+ mph), doubling Lamborghini’s sales.
5. Lamborghini Today (2024 & Beyond)
Hybrid Future: Revuelto (2023), its first V12 hybrid (1,001 HP), and an all-electric model by 2028.
Record Sales: 10,000+ cars/year (vs. ~250 in the 1970s).
Brand Mythos: Synonymous with extreme design, exclusivity, and "Ferrari’s nightmare."
Key Success Factors
✔ Defiance: Born from a feud, it thrives on challenging Ferrari.
✔ Design Shock: From Miura to Sian, Lamborghinis are rolling art.
✔ German Backing: Audi’s quality control saved it from Italian volatility.
Ferruccio’s Legacy:
"I don’t care if people think my cars are too loud or impractical. I want them to be unforgettable."