Iconic automakers including Automobili Lamborghini attained their revered stature solely due to the diligent effort and exceptional brilliance of the visionaries behind the curtain. Valentino Balboni was such an ingenious talent who Lamborghini ennobled by naming a limited-edition supercar after him. Balboni was initially hired as a mechanic apprentice by the masterful captain of the Italian ship Ferruccio Lamborghini himself in 1967. Later on, in 1973, he was entrusted with the task of test-driving new and upcoming Lamborghini models. Since then for the next four illustrious decades, he test-drove essentially all of the Lamborghini prototypes belonging to the said period. Valentino Balboni has reportedly driven around 80% of all Lamborghinis ever manufactured. The mighty Italian brand dedicated a special edition of their then-best-selling supercar, the Lamborghini Gallardo, to pay tribute to their legendary test driver. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is a limited edition rear-wheel-drive supercar introduced in 2009. Among the numerous iterations of the Gallardo, the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni holds a rarefied reputation for delivering a more visceral driving experience. Exotic Car Trader has formulated this extensive guide comprising everything you need to know about the one-of-a-kind Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.
The Lamborghini Gallardo was manufactured for around a decade spanning from 2003 through 2013 before being supplanted by the Lamborghini Huracan. During this period, several variants and special editions of the Gallardo were created in both mass and limited numbers. The Lamborghini Gallardo was launched as a spiritual successor to the Lamborghini Jalpa, 15 years after its discontinuation. Pre-facelift models of the Gallardo were propelled by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter even-firing 90-degree V10 motor. Two transmission options were offered - a conventional 6-speed manual and a 6-speed electro-hydraulically actuated single-clutch automated manual dubbed E-gear. Five years after its inception, Lamborghini gave the Gallardo a major facelift. The powertrain was upgraded to a more puissant and advanced 5.2-liter odd-firing V10 motor. While both of these Lamborghini Gallardo iterations were originally conceived as all-wheel-drive cars, later on, the facelifted cars were offered in a rear-wheel-drive configuration. This is exactly why the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni wields paramount veneration. Because this particular model was not only the initial Gallardo model to gain a rear-wheel-drivetrain but also the first modern rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini. While a total of around 14,022 Lamborghini Gallardo cars were manufactured, only 250 of those were adorned with the Valentino Balboni plaque.
As mentioned earlier, facelifted 2008-2013 Lamborghini Gallardo models are powered by a howling, longitudinally rear-mid-positioned 5.2-liter naturally aspirated engine. However, what made the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni truly special was its rear-wheel-drivetrain which separated it from the then-contemporary AWD Gallardo lineup. The brand had stated that this move was in alignment with Balboni’s inclination towards the exhilaration of cornering a rear–wheel–drive machine. The Gallardo Balboni cranks out a maximum output of 542 hp and 398 lb-ft and comes mated to either a standard 6-speed manual or an optional E-gear automated transmission. Power is channeled to the rear wheels via a 45% limited-slip differential. This peak power output is 10 horses less than what the all-wheel-driven Gallardo models of the time produced. However, the removal of half the powertrain from the AWD car resulted in a significant weight loss of 66 lbs. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni has a curb weight of 3,241 lbs and a top speed of 199 mph. Hence, this lithe and lethal Gallardo more than makes up for the negligible power loss with its added agility and more dexterous driving dynamics. According to Car and Driver, the manual version of the Gallardo Balboni takes 3.6 seconds to dash from 0-60 mph. Braking is handled by steel discs which convey a better brake feel to the driver instead of the top-spec carbon ceramic ones which were still offered as an option.
The interior of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is distinguished by an assortment of unique touches; the first one being its center console shrouded in Polar White leather. The seats are wrapped in full-leather black upholstery accentuated with a white center stripe. Below the left-side window, you can see a badge that bears the production number of the car and the signature of Valentino Balboni himself. The rest of the cabin is pretty much identical to the facelifted Gallardo models, featuring aircon controls and several interior components borrowed from Audis of the early 2000s. As for storage areas, Lamborghini has provided a decent amount of space behind the seats along with the 3.88 cu. ft. trunk up front. Two nano-sized compartments, one on the dashboard and the other at the tail-end of the center console can also be utilized for storing small items.
A white and gold longitudinal line around the body of the car is the most salient trait that variegates the Valentino Balboni Lambo from its lesser Gallardo kin. This characteristic stripe running from the front hood, over the roof, and parts of the engine cover to the rear spoiler takes inspiration from sports cars of the 1970s. Apart from this, a transparent engine cover was also included as a standard feature in the Balboni Gallardo. The inherently aggressive, angular, and unmistakably exotic core design language of the Gallardo stays evident in the Balboni too. The Lamborghini Gallardo is distinguished by its design language which is an exceptional harmony of razor-sharp lines, jagged edges, and muscular proportions. The side profile of Gallardo Valentino Balboni is emphasized by its 19-inch multi-spoke Scorpius rims finished in dark gray. Eight exterior shades were originally offered by Lamborghini, including Bianco Monocerus, Verde Ithaca, Arancio Borealis, and Nero Noctis. Depending on the exterior color, the brake calipers came finished in black, orange, or yellow.
Tech features inside the cabin of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni are fairly simple and limited to navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The audio system along with the air-con console is borrowed from Audis of the time. However, the auditory experience Lamborghini intended to deliver is not from the speakers inside, but from its prodigiously tuned naturally aspirated motor. A notable electronic feature that differentiates the rear-wheel-driven Gallardo Balboni from its AWD counterparts is its recalibrated, less restrictive ESP program that allows for a more zestful driving experience.
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni when it was introduced in 2009, commanded a base price tag of $219,800. Extras obviously drove the price up even higher. Opting for the E-Drive automatic transmission added another $10,000 to this base MSRP. The optional carbon-ceramic brakes were priced at $15,600 while the heated, electric seats levied an extra charge of $3,630. To bedazzle the engine bay with a sportier carbon fiber trim, Lambo charged another $4,235 whereas a transparent engine cover was included as standard. As for the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni’s current market value, it would almost absolutely depend on the car’s mileage, condition, and specification. As mentioned earlier, only 250 examples of the Gallardo Valentino Balboni were ever manufactured which makes it a priced possession for car collectors around the globe. Classic.com values the 2010-2014 regular, rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 models at $123,894. You can expect to pay quite a lot higher than this to get your hands on a Valentino Balboni edition. However, getting your hands on a rare and exotic machine now isn’t as complex as one would envision. Exotic Car Trader has simplified and streamlined the exotic trade process to a groundbreaking level of efficiency and ease.
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is a gem of a Lambo named after an even more precious talent. Although its rarity is palpably the pre-eminent factor making the Gallardo Balboni veritably remarkable, this Lambo’s glory isn’t just limited to its collectability. The Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was the first modern Lamborghini to be outfitted with a rear-wheel-drivetrain. This mechanical configuration intrinsically makes it a more raw and engaging driver’s car compared to the all-wheel-drive Gallardo variants. The exterior attire of the Gallardo Valentino Balboni is discerned by a white and golden characteristic line, longitudinally running across its body. On the inside, it boasts several differentiating touches, separating it from the rest of the Gallardo family including an insignia engraved with Balboni’s signature. Amidst all the Lamborghinis listed for sale on Exotic Car Trader, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is an extraordinary machine that holds an unparalleled cachet. Navigate to Exotic Car Trader now to effortlessly fulfill the pursuit of your dream car as we have facilitated the exotic trade process to an unprecedented level of convenience. Named after a legend, motivated by a roaring naturally aspirated V10 motor, and limited to only 250 units. These multifaceted attributes empower the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni to stand tall as a crown jewel in the prestigious Italian automaker’s hall of fame.
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