How do you know when you’re truly a car brand’s biggest fan? You might never learn it until after you pass. That could be the case with one epic collector whose life has just been celebrated by Lamborghini and the company’s CEO.
In fact, another even more exclusive automaker also bid farewell to this most notable enthusiast and collector.
A Lamborghini Collection To Rival Them All
Spiess Lamborghini CollectionLamborghini
Albert Spiess was a Swiss businessman who also had one of the most incredible collections of Lamborghini vehicles in the world. The collection started with just one car, a Countach he bought in 1979.
The Spiess collection was different – like, really different. It wasn’t just production cars, but all kinds of Lamborghini prototypes, first-offs, and one-offs that just didn’t exist anywhere else. He also had the ultimate collection of the brand’s ultra-limited few-off models, along with more limited-edition and ultra-special cars. The collection was so impressive that Lamborghini showed off parts of it in its own marketing campaigns.
When Lamborghini launched a new model by saying it had already sold out the run to its most important customers? Spiess was probably the first one on that list, or at least the first one Lamborghini called. Among other incredible projects he supported, Spiess was the customer who had Lamborghini rebuild the original Countach prototype. That was a project that took 25,000 hours to complete, and it resulted in an incredible piece of automotive history being brought back.
“Albert was much more than a customer. With his extraordinary passion and characteristic humility, he became not only the world’s most devoted Lamborghini collector, but also a true friend of the company and the people behind it,” said Lamborghini Chair and CEO Stephan Winkelmann in a post on LinkedIn. “He will never be forgotten in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where he earned the affection and respect of countless colleagues and became a beloved member of our family.”
In a statement on LinkedIn, Lamborghini officially acknowledged Spiess and his passion for the company:
“His relationship with Lamborghini went far beyond collecting our cars. Throughout the years, his trust, generosity and constant support accompanied our company through many significant moments. Albert leaves behind a lasting legacy and a unique place in Lamborghini’s history. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and loved ones. His extraordinary connection to Lamborghini will never be forgotten.”
Did Spiess Collect Other Cars?
1972 Maserati Boomerang Silver Front Angled ViewBonhams
Spiess wasn’t exclusive to Lamborghini. His collection held cars like a 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, the Maserati Boomerang show car, and countless more.
He was also a staple at Bugatti, with a Bolide that matched his Type 35. The company said “over the years, Albert built lasting relationships with the people behind the brand. His curiosity, generosity, and genuine interest in others made every encounter memorable. He took the time to understand not only the cars he loved, but also the individuals who brought them to life.”
“His support, enthusiasm, and trust accompanied some of Bugatti’s most ambitious projects. Above all, he will be remembered for the warmth, elegance, and kindness he brought to every interaction.”
1971 Lamborghini Countach LP500 RecreationLamborghini
Spiess made his fortune in the food industry, specifically a type of air-cured meat popular in Switzerland called bindenfleisch. He remained head of the company until his retirement in 2012.
Of his few-off Lamborghinis, Spiess said that the Sesto Elemento was his favorite. “Due to its extraordinary lightness and technical content including structural carbon fiber,” he said.
According to the Lamborghini Registry, Spiess passed away on September 21 after a “long and hard fought battle with a serious illness.”
Source: Lamborghini Registry
