For those who grew up in the 80s, the names Ferrari Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach conjure images of bedroom walls adorned with posters and shelves displaying 1/18 Bburago models. These mid-engine, twelve-cylinder marvels defined the very essence of a supercar. While later models and mid-engine V8s might be considered ‘sportscars,’ these V12 icons remain the true supercars in the hearts of many enthusiasts. Even in today’s world of hyper-fast, technologically advanced machines, there’s a unique charm to the raw power and visceral experience of these classic V12s. Fortunately, unlike some of its competitors who shifted away from the mid-engine V12 formula, Lamborghini stayed true to its roots, continuing a lineage that began with the groundbreaking Miura. The 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago, the focus of our review, stands as a testament to this dedication, particularly in its special 40th Anniversary Edition guise.
Lamborghini’s commitment to the mid-engine V12 layout is a legacy that stretches back to the late 1960s and the Miura, often hailed as the original supercar. The Murciélago, the third iteration in this lineage, was produced under Audi’s ownership, yet it retains the core Italian spirit that defines the brand. It’s a car that builds upon its predecessor, the Diablo 6.0, and crucially, it houses a V12 engine with DNA tracing back to Lamborghini’s very first model, the 350GT. This engine, originally conceived by the renowned Giotto Bizzarrini, a figure who contributed to the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO after his time at Alfa Romeo, is a cornerstone of Lamborghini’s identity. Hired by Ferruccio Lamborghini to create his first engine, Bizzarrini laid the foundation for the powerhouse that would propel generations of raging bulls, including the 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago.
While the engine in the 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago had evolved significantly from the 350GT’s original powerplant, growing to 6.2 liters and producing 580 horsepower, the fundamental architecture remained. Importantly, the Murciélago marks a pivotal point as the last Lamborghini to utilize this historic engine lineage. The Aventador, its successor, ushered in a completely new V12 design, making the Murciélago, and especially models like this 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago 40th Anniversary Edition, the final embodiment of the “Italian Lamborghini” in its purest form.
The particular car featured here is not just a standard Murciélago; it’s the coveted 40th Anniversary Edition. Created to commemorate Lamborghini’s 40th birthday, much like the 25th Anniversary Countach and 30th Anniversary Diablo, this special edition boasts unique features. The most striking is the Verde Artemis paint, a greenish-blue hue exclusively created for this anniversary model. Inside, the two-tone seats feature white central sections contrasted by different leather types on the driver and passenger sides – black leather for the passenger and a unique grey leather for the driver. Furthermore, a special carbon fiber-like material adorns the upper door trim and the area behind the rear windows, elements not found on regular models. Although performance upgrades were minimal for the 40th Anniversary, it did receive a distinctive exhaust system. With only 50 units produced worldwide, all equipped with a manual transmission, this 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago 40th Anniversary Edition, especially this example in Hong Kong, is a truly rare and special machine.
Stepping inside the 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago, the first impressions are surprisingly conventional. The seating position feels remarkably natural, requiring no adjustments for someone of average build. Uncharacteristically for a modern V12 Lamborghini, visibility is excellent. The expansive front windshield, long doors, and surprisingly effective rear view, facilitated by the engine cover’s four separate panels creating visual gaps, contribute to a sense of openness rarely found in cars of this caliber.
Setting off in the 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago reveals further unexpected traits. The clutch is remarkably light, lighter even than many everyday cars, and incredibly easy to engage. The gearshifts, despite the classic metal open-gated shifter reminiscent of Ferraris, are surprisingly smooth and fluid. While some might expect a heavier clutch and more mechanical gearshifts to match the car’s aggressive aesthetics, the current setup offers an unexpected level of refinement. However, the car’s width is immediately apparent. Navigating city streets requires constant awareness of lane markings, a characteristic typical of supercars of this era.
