2006 Lamborghini Concept S Roadster

The Lamborghini Concept S was first introduced as a non-running design study at Geneva in 2005. It was conceived of by then-head of design Luc Donckerwolke at Centro Stile Lamborghini, and introduced as an extreme interpretation of an open-top spyder version of the Gallardo. Mr. Donckerwolke gave the Concept S a modern rendition of the classic single-seater racing car, albeit with twin cockpits side-by-side.

After the Concept S received significant public interest at the Geneva Motor Show, the decision was made to build a functional version. The initial prototype model remains at the Lamborghini museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

This particular example is a fully operable Concept S, which was based on the Gallardo platform. It made its public debut at the Concorso Italiano. It had several different design elements including the re-designed so-called 'saute-vent' windscreens which were lowered for homologation reasons. These screens visually divide the cabin into two distinct compartments, along with providing the car with a futuristic and aggressive look. It also severed as an additional air inlet for the 520 horsepower V10 engine, which is positioned behind the occupants. The aerodynamics of the Concept S were further optimized by the use of front and rear spoilers and a large rear diffuser.

The Concept S was initially intended for production, then decided to produce a limited run of 100 examples for favored customers. However, the exceedingly high cost and time-consuming production of the Concept S ultimately ended with the first example also being the last.

Since that time, the one-off, production-ready Lamborghini was sold into private hands, then invited back by Lamborghini to be shown around the world. It has even been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on two occasions (in 2006 on the concept lawn and then, again at the behest of Lamborghini, it was invited back to the main lawn two years later in 2008.)

This fully operable and street-legal Concept S has only been driven 180 kilometers.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2017