The Italian connoisseurs keeping Lamborghinis purebred

Telegraph

2 days ago

Chassis number 12085 may be the best-known example of the world's most famous supercar, but what if something about that pristine Gallardo, Espada or 400 GT you're about to buy doesn't quite add up?
Whether it's Donald Trump 's Diablo VT Roadster, the Miura from the opening scene of The Italian Job or that final Countach, the hand-written build sheet for every Lamborghini is neatly filed by model and VIN number in an air-conditioned room at Polo Storico in Sant'Agata, 40km north-west of Bologna, where the factory stands.
The heavyweight glass door is usually firmly locked, but today it's open to guests celebrating the department's 10th anniversary. File boxes cover both walls from floor to ceiling, spanning the very first 350 GT launched in 1964 through the entire Lamborghini repertoire. That includes lesser-loved models such as the Jamara, Jalpa and Urraco, right up to the Murcielago launched in 2001.
Authenticity
The guardian angel of the Lamborghini marque, Polo Storico is divided into three divisions: a restoration section, the heritage and spare parts centre, and the specialist unit I'm visiting today that can painstakingly certify the authenticity of every Lamborghini ever built.
Lamborghini's aftersales director, Alessandro Farmeschi, is in charge of Polo Storico, whose name translates as 'historical hub.' It is overseen by a Comitato dei Saggi, or Committee of Wise Men. If that sounds a bit mafioso, it isn't.
The committee was created in memory of the late Paolo Stanzani, an engineer who worked with Marcello Gandini and Giampaolo Dallara to create the iconic Lamborghini Miura of 1966, often regarded as the world's first supercar and one of its most beautiful.
'Every month we meet, look at the cars we hope to certify, examine the documentation and even the legal aspects of our decision,' says Farmeschi. 'It is a detailed process because the job is very important. Guaranteeing authenticity matters both to us and to the owner.'
Forensic scrutiny
The certification of authenticity department is run by a highly knowledgeable team of eight, with access to that hallowed file room as well as a dedicated workshop next door. I say workshop, but it's more of a forensic laboratory where cars are examined to confirm whether they match the original paperwork.
I've spent the morning peering into the deepest recesses of the final Countach, checking that the vehicle identification number (VIN), engine and paint numbers all correspond. For such a celebrated car, this might feel like an undignified process. Yet for those hoping to sell a classic Lamborghini, a Polo Storico certificate is a guarantee of authenticity that can only add value.
Everything from the light grey leather to the make of radio is inspected. Polo Storico even employs former staff to offer their expert insight, including Walter Rinaldi, who knows the Countach's chassis number would have been hand stamped in 1990, so the digits may not line up perfectly.
'There was one very strong man who wielded the hammer and embossing tool, so sometimes it wasn't completely straight,' he recalls. Rinaldi began at the Sant'Agata factory on 1 October 1966 and only retired in 2010. 'I was more interested in motorbikes when I started, but the beauty of the brand got into my soul.'
Increasing demand
Some 30,000 documents have now been digitised for future reference, and with more Lamborghinis being built than ever before, demand for Polo Storico's services is only set to grow.
Over the past decade, 200 cars have been certified, with owners paying between £7,000 and £10,000 for the service, depending on the model. Many are likely hoping to boost the value of their car, but the historic team is also helping to preserve the bloodline of Lamborghini's colourful history.
According to Farmeschi, around 20 other Lamborghinis have not been approved because of 'certain issues.' It's a blow for those owners, but the department only charges for cars that are successfully certified.
'That is a difficult conversation for us to have with the owner because they have bought a Lamborghini and they love it. When I have to phone them and explain there is a problem and we cannot provide certification, it can be hard to accept.'
Obviously inauthentic
Among the most obvious rejects was a naturally aspirated V12 Countach that had been fitted with a turbocharger. 'We received a request to look at this nice car, but as soon as you add a modification like that, it's not a Lamborghini any more.
'Sometimes the chassis, gearbox and body are original, but of course the engine has to be too. Sure, we could restore the car back to its original, authentic state, but perhaps in this case it is not the correct thing to do.'
Farmeschi explains that over the decades, many Lamborghinis have received factory-fitted replacement engines or been resprayed. However, they remain authentic because the work was carried out by Lamborghini using genuine parts.
Detective work
Unlike a turbocharger, other modifications are less obvious and require more detective work. 'Recently we had a car with an engine that matched the vehicle,' says Farmeschi.
'However, because of records from years ago, we knew that engine had later been fitted in another car, so the V12 we were looking at had been stamped with a false number. It was a puzzle we were able to solve.'
Perhaps the most famous Lamborghini was an orange Miura P400 driven up the Great St Bernard Pass at the start of The Italian Job. Two identical cars were used for the film's opening sequence; the example unceremoniously shoved off a cliff by a bulldozer was actually a pre-damaged car.
'The surviving pristine car disappeared soon after filming but later resurfaced and was eventually presented to us. Thanks to our documentation, we knew there were some secret numbers on the chassis that confirmed it was the car driven by actor Rossano Brazzi.'
Lamborghini may have expanded into the world of ubiquitous SUVs in recent years with the Urus, but the Raging Bull's back catalogue of wild scissor doors and outrageous engines remains in safe hands.
For Sale – 1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary. Last off the production line, £56,500 new. Optional extras include CD player, sports seats and special order Argento Metalizzato paintwork. One careful owner.