Lamborghini’s past was celebrated at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, with nine of its most historically significant models showcased in a tribute to the Sant’Agata manufacturer and with an entire class dedicated to the supercar maker.

Lamborghini’s past was celebrated at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, with nine of its most historically significant models showcased in a tribute to the Sant’Agata manufacturer. With an entire class dedicated to the supercar maker, including the earliest known 350GT, the earliest known Miura, and several one-offs with special coachwork, there was stiff competition for the outright best-in-class prize, which was eventually awarded to Paul J. Roesler’s 1964 Lamborghini 350GT Touring Production Prototype.

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1962 and headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, rocked the world’s car scene with the introduction of the bull-badged Lamborghini 350GTV prototype at the 1963 Turin Auto Show, followed by the production 350GT. Then, in 1966, Lamborghini unveiled the P400 Miura, the world’s first supercar. The LP400 Countach debuted in 1971, cementing the marque’s reputation as a leading creator of extreme vehicles.  An example of the latter was amongst the assortment of Lamborghinis on display, courtesy of Richard Solomon of New York.

Casting his watchful eye over the stunning lineup of contenders last weekend was the legendary Valentino Balboni, a 40-year veteran of the company. Serving as a class judge at this year’s Concours, Balboni started out as an apprentice in 1968, rising to the rank of chief test driver, and has tested an estimated 80 per cent of all Lamborghinis. He also presently serves as the company’s head of restoration and customer service.

“I have great satisfaction that Lamborghini is being honoured at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance,” Balboni said prior to the event. “Pebble Beach is the biggest and most famous car show in the world – every enthusiast knows about it. It’s a very exclusive event and it’s important for us to be here. To see my company being honoured by Pebble Beach and to be a judge is very satisfying.”

J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr.’s 1967 Miura P400 Bertone Prototype took out the Polyphony Digital Trophy. “I bought (the car) in Rome in 1967,” said Marriott, chairman and CEO of Marriott International. Like Balboni, Marriott was delighted at Lamborghini’s past being highlighted at the Concours. “Pebble Beach is amazing and an absolute must-event for all car lovers,” he said.  “Lamborghini has become an iconic brand. Being a featured marque at Pebble Beach is well deserved as the cars are truly unique.”

Adam Gordon’s unique 1968 Miura Bertone Roadster picked up second place in class, whilst third went to the 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Bertone Prototype, owned by Joseph M. Barone of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Other one-offs included Al and Henia Burtoni’s 1965 350GTS Touring Spyder, Bill Pope’s 3500GTZ Zagato Coupe, Chris Clarke’s rarely-seen 1996 Lamborghini Raptor Zagato Coupe, and a P140 Gandini Prototype from 1990, pointing the way towards an abandoned ‘baby’ supercar, entered by the factory.

by Shant Fabricatorian