The sky’s the limit for this one-off open-top Lamborghini

A unique hardcore Lamborghini convertible concept is expected to provoke hardcore bidding action when it comes up for auction in November in New York with initial estimates ranging between $2-$4 million.

The Gallardo is the best-selling Lamborghini in the company's history. Over 14,000 were built and sold over its 10-year lifespan. Yet, when it first launched in 2003, dedicated Lamborghini clients felt that it was too safe, too predictable, too 'German' and therefore lacking in Italian flair. The company had been taken over by Audi and many Audi parts were used in the car to ensure reliability.

The Concept S was a visual rebuke to these criticisms. A Lamborghini should make people smile when they see it. It should make an entrance like Brad Pitt at a movie premiere even when it's simply pulling up next to the dry cleaners. And when this Luc Donckerwolke-designed concept debuted at the Geneva motor show in 2005, it did just that.

An extreme interpretation of an open-top sportscar, it featured two cockpits, separated by a central dividing spine, and to ensure aerodynamics, the rearview mirror even disappeared into the body when not in use.

Though nothing more than a shell, reaction was such that the company attempted to put it into production, managing to build one working, completely road-legal model before the program was canceled due to the time and expense involved.

And it is this model, chassis number 001, that will be going under the hammer at the RM Sotheby's, Art Automobiles sale in Manhattan on November 18.

Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Sotheby's West Coast division, said of the car: "The Gallardo Concept S is downright wild and an absolutely perfect car to be featured within the 10th floor galleries at Sotheby's."

The Concept S is the first lot to be announced for the auction and its organizers claim it is the perfect model to offer a taste of what the entire catalogue of 30 lots will look like once it is revealed alter this summer.

"The Lamborghini's blend of avant-garde style and uniqueness sets the tone for what will be a theme carried throughout the entire catalogue," said Kelleher. "It will undoubtedly be another watershed event."

The Concept S only has 180km on the clock -- most of which were a result of testing -- and has been with the same owner since new. It has an initial estimate of $3 million but expect the price on the day to go much higher.

The last Art Automobiles sale in Manhattan in 2013 raised a total of $63 million in just two hours of bidding.

rmauctions.com/ny15/new-york
Source: Relaxnews