2001 | Lamborghini Murciélago

• 5th Murciélago ever delivered to the public

• Iconic 6-speed manual transmission

• Factory first paint in Nero Metallic

Back in 2001, Lamborghini faced a monumental task: replacing the Diablo, one of the most outrageous supercars of its time. It wasn’t just about building something fast or beautiful—it had to redefine the brand for a new era. Audi had recently taken the reins, and this would be the first Lamborghini developed entirely under their ownership. All eyes were on Sant’Agata. Expectations were sky-high. The result? A car that would ignite the brand’s modern legacy: the Murciélago. Designed by Belgian visionary Luc Donckerwolke, the Murciélago wasn’t just a car—it was a rolling sculpture with fire in its belly. Sleek, aggressive, impossibly wide, and fitted with Lamborghini’s legendary V12, it had everything. But unlike its successor, the Aventador, the early Murciélago had something more—soul. It was still analogue. Still pure. Still dangerous. A wild animal with just enough refinement to be road-legal. And for those who knew, it became an instant icon. 

Which brings us to this car. Not just a Murciélago—this is one of the very first. The fifth example ever delivered to the public, and one of just 65 cars built in that magical first production year. A true collector’s gem. And yes, it’s equipped with the holy grail: a six-speed gated manual transmission. The last V12 Lamborghini to ever offer it. That alone makes it rare. That alone makes it special. But there’s more. Delivered new on December 12th, 2001, by Pole Position in Torino, this car was ordered by none other than Alberto Garnerone, the Italian supercar connoisseur known for his jaw-dropping collection of over 300 exotic cars. We're talking Enzo, F50, MC12-level collection. When he learned a new Lamborghini was coming, he made sure to have one of the first. His spec? As tasteful as it gets: Nero Metallic paint—still in first paint today—paired with a stunning two-tone Nero & Crema interior, and optioned with the rare lift system. Rumour has it he based the spec on the launch car presented at the Lamborghini Club, which now resides with GT racing mogul Stéphane Ratel. 

From day one, this car lived in good hands. And it shows. With only three owners from new, this Murciélago remains in exceptional condition. It drives as it should—loud, visceral, and gloriously alive. The naturally aspirated 6.2L V12 produces 572 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels through Lamborghini’s viscous traction system. It's aggressive when you want it to be, surprisingly composed when you need it to be. And the noise? A deep, metallic wail that climbs into a shriek as the revs rise—utterly addictive, completely unfiltered. The gear lever clicks into place with a satisfying clunk. The clutch talks back. The steering is heavy, honest, and brimming with feedback. Every drive becomes an event. It’s not just the way it drives—it’s the way it makes you feel. The way the doors swing up. The way strangers stop and stare. The way your heart pounds as the V12 fires up. You don’t just own this car. You wear it. You become it. It comes complete with all the right details: original Italian registration in Garnerone’s name, Lamborghini pouch with stamped service book and manuals, original tool kit, hand lamp, tire inflator, bulb kit, two spare keys, Certificate of Conformity. The full story. The full package. 

Early manual Murciélagos are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Values are rising, collectors are waking up, and the world is starting to understand just how special these cars really are. But this? This isn’t just a smart buy. It’s a declaration. A celebration of what Lamborghini once stood for—raw emotion, unapologetic design, and a driving experience that punches you straight in the gut. In a world of sterile supercars, dual-clutches, touchscreens and driver modes, this car is your rebellion. It’s loud, it’s rare, it’s pure. It’s everything driving used to be—and everything it should be again. A first-batch, manual, unrestored, untouched, totally original Murciélago. The kind of machine that simply doesn’t exist anymore. Unicorn-rare. Emotionally explosive. Viscerally unforgettable. It’s not just ready to be collected. It’s ready to be driven. Now available at Rock 'N Roll Classics.