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Published: March 18th 2008
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Lamborghini in the Flesh
Someone happened to park this Murcielago here, convenient As you know, I left off last time right in the middle of what we in the trade call "a good bit".
Having seen a few Ferraris's in a museum, I was happy, but there was something missing. There was a large, supercar-shaped hole within me, and Ferrari unfortunately failed to fill it. I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but I needed more. Please welcome Number 12 Via Modena, Sant'Agata:
Lamborghini.
We turned up, hoping to see something special in the carpark, but it was full of Audis. We made our way to the museum, housed in the same massive building as the factory. Now, I had emailed Lamboghini a few days before to try to arrange a tour, but hadn't received anything in return - I retained a tiny margin of hope. And hope came in the guise of the museum curator (whose name, I'm horrified to admit, escapes me). She offered to take myself, dad, and another couple on a tour in both English and Italian. And when I say tour, that includes the factory...I was grinning from ear to ear.
It. Was. Amazing! We started in the carpark out the back which was lined with Murcielagos down the
Sure is Purdy
The car, not Dad. The bugs on the front mean it's being put to good use left, Gallardos down the right, in almost every colour available. We had a few minutes to gawk, drool and make various Tim "The Toolman" Taylor noises. Then we hit the factory. This stuff is all hand-built and customisable to an astonishing level. They have 2 production lines, one for each type of car. They only complete 3 Murcielagos a day! We walked amongst all the bits and pieces, viewing the cars in various stages of assembly. Next we went to see the interiors being made (seats, door trims, etc.). They can use any colour/material you want, and match it with whatever colour threading (black leather and orange threading is NICE!). We were even given pieces of scrap leather with the Lamborghini logo pressed into it (I sleep with it tucked under my pillow ;-)).
We were then guided through the museum and given a detailed history of the company. The cars ranged from creations back in the 1940's & 50's, through to concept cars designed over the last few years. It was fantastic.
Based almot purely on this experience, they've made me a Fan for Life. Before this I wasn't sure - they seem like a young company, not
Concept S
Split cabin looks insane, would make talking difficult though much history or experience - this tour proved me wrong. They seem to care more about people and fans and less about exclusivity (yes, they are still exclusive, but they just seem friendlier). Props to Lamborghini.
Oh, and did I mention they had a sale? We went back there specially the next day because they had just started a sale on merchandise! (Yes: we asked. No: it didn't include the cars). I was as happy as a man in a supercar store that was having a sale...wait...
I was deliriously happy.
From there we stayed in Florence - another return visit, you might say. I got to see more of it this time, but we still did the Ponte Vecchio (gold and silversmith's bridge) and the lookout at Michelangelos Plaza. Very nice place, Florence - just be sure to check prices
before buying ice-cream from certain stores...19E is a bit much to pay for two ice-creams (thats almost 30 bucks!), but that's what tourist traps are all about *sigh*.
Anyway, early Sunday morning I dropped Dad off at the train station to catch his flight from Rome. We had a truly fantastic time together - even if he
Miura Concept
A remake of the old supercar. Jaws dropped everywhere. didn't like my new Italian driving style (it scared me often enough).
I'd like to take a moment now to address the heading of this post. Until you have driven through 5 different countries, on the wrong side of the road, where you can't read the street signs; you will not know how useful this bit of kit is. It tells me where to go, where to stop and what the speed limit is (useful in Italy, they have NO speed signs, anywhere) and all in English. I couldn't live without it.
Back on track. I left Florence for Ancona to meet a sister - Tiffany - who Mum had met two years ago whilst touring Europe. Upon getting in contact with her, Tiffany tells me that they have a spare room, but it's currently occupied by two Dutch brothers, and they will be leaving the next day. Hmm. I fire up the Sat-Nav and poke around in the surrounding villages (Ancona is a port town like Marseille, and just as boring). I settled on Senigallia which is just up the coast, a small resort town. Not a bad room for 35E, and I found their little shopping strip,
The Hills Surrounding Jesi
Much exploring to be done. I love this kind of scenery which was packed for a Sunday night. Lots of fun exploring, great atmosphere, its like a mini-mini Gold Coast with more elderly.
Next day, dropped around to Jesi - the small town where Tiffany lives, just west of Ancona - and met her and her cousin Margaret, who share the place. They have been kind enough to put me up until the 22nd, so I have heaps of time to explore the surrounds.
I'll leave it there for the moment. Dad, I hope you got home safely, and everyone else: I'll see you in about 2 weeks.
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Dad
non-member comment
Quality time.
GiantSteve, You were a great traveling partner for 10 memorable days. For both of us, the visit to Lamborghini was special. Much and all as I love my Porsche, I've put an Espada onto my "collection" list. We agreed, the Miura Concept car has got to be one of the most beautiful and desirable ever. Steve, great trip, great fun and great son. Memories for a lifetime. Papa.