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As was classically demonstrated on Top Gear, it used to be easy to find something mid-engined and Italian for not a lot of money—assuming you didn’t care too much about actually driving your purchase. Newer generations of Italian supercars are holding their value better, so finding something affordable requires more extreme measures.
Currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer, this 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo is probably one of the cheapest examples around, but that’s because it was rolled. According to the accompanying Carfax report, the rollover happened in January 2008, which explains why this car has just 2,900 miles on its odometer. It was subsequently issued salvage/junk titles in Florida and Kentucky, and still has the latter. It’s being sold with a number of removed and replacement parts accumulated over years of failed rebuild attempts.
Bring a Trailer
Bring a Trailer
Bring a Trailer
Bring a Trailer
According to the listing, the seller bought this Gallardo in 2011 and attempted to put its (non-running) 5.0-liter V10 into a formula race car. That never happened, and subsequent rebuild work stalled. It’s time for somebody to step up.
The Gallardo succeeded where the Urraco, Silhouette, and Jalpa failed by giving Lamborghini an “entry-level” model that people really cared about. Launched in 2003, it was one of the projects that built the reputation of designer Luc Donckerwolke, and rightfully so. Its faceted surfaces epitomize early 2000s car design, but still look good today. This car has the 19-inch Cassiopeia wheels used in a lot of press materials for the Gallardo’s launch, which perfectly complement the styling.
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The mid-mounted V10 ensured the Gallardo wouldn’t steal the spotlight from the V12-powered Murcielago, while giving the baby Lambo a distinctive character of its own. It’s rated at 512 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque in this pre-facelift car, which also has the E-Gear six-speed automated transmission. A six-speed manual with a gated shifter was also available, and while most cars had all-wheel drive, Lamborghini did build a few limited-edition rear-wheel drive models, such as the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, named after a Lambo test driver.
This Gallardo coupe needs bodywork, interior reassembly, and engine and chassis repairs to run again, according to the listing. It would be great to see someone take up that challenge, or maybe turn the Gallardo into something fun. This thing would make an awesome drift car. (Ed. Note: Or a Gallardo Sterrato, eh? -CJ)
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Stephen has always been passionate about cars, and managed to turn that passion into a career as a freelance automotive journalist. When he’s not handling weekend coverage for The Drive, you can find him looking for a new book to read.
