Nobody Is Willing to Pay the Price for the Most Impressive Lamborghini Gallardo Ever Produced | Carscoops

      When it was released, the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni had a starting price exceeding $225,000.

      Only 250 units of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni were produced, making this rear-wheel-drive model quite rare.

      The car is showcased in a striking Giallo Midas yellow with black-and-white stripes accentuating its design.

      The e-gear transmission reduces its value in comparison to models with a manual transmission.

      The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni is far from an ordinary Italian supercar. It is among the few that directs power to the rear wheels instead of all four, reminiscent of the Diablo era. While Lamborghini released numerous special editions of the Gallardo throughout its decade-long production run, the LP550-2 is arguably the most distinguished.

      This model pays homage to the legendary Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini’s chief test driver, whose name it bears. However, despite its heritage and rarity, a Giallo Midas version recently underperformed at auction, failing to achieve its reserve price and stopping at a mere $119,452.

      Only 250 of these special edition Gallardos exist, each celebrating Balboni’s contributions. The standout feature? A 5.2-liter V10 engine that powers only the rear wheels, making it the first rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini since the Diablo.

      It was also offered with a six-speed manual transmission, which is what most enthusiasts desire. Unfortunately, this particular yellow unit features the e-gear automated manual, likely diminishing both its appeal and resale value.

      The Background of This Gallardo

      The specific LP550-2 was listed on Cars & Bids with approximately 22,500 miles (36,210 km) logged and a clean Carfax report. The current owner has had the car since August 2017 and even managed to get Valentino Balboni himself to sign the dashboard and engine cover.

      The bright yellow exterior is complemented by black and white stripes that run down the center of the vehicle. This color scheme extends into the interior, where multi-colored leather covers most surfaces. While the cabin appears somewhat outdated compared to the Huracan and the new Temerario, it still provides a pleasant environment.

      Upon its launch in the United States, the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was priced just above $225,000. All 250 units sold out rapidly, prompting Lamborghini to introduce a similar model called simply the LP550-2. Had it not been for this model, the Balboni editions might have maintained their value better as the only rear-wheel-drive Gallardo.

      Nonetheless, despite its peculiarities, this Balboni edition remains one of the most sought-after versions of the Gallardo. If you have the funds and a desire for a rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini with a rich history, this could be the right choice for you. Just keep in mind that it may not command the same premium as a manual-shift model.