Aventador S

Segment
Coupe

The Lamborghini Murcielago brought about a huge change for the Italian marque. Not only did it introduce all-wheel drive to Lamborghini's flagship V12 line, moving away from a decades-long rear-wheel-drive tradition, but was also the first new model developed under Audi's control. Lamborghini had become part of the Volkswagen Group not long before and it wasted no time instituting change.

Designed by Luc Donckerwolke, now chief creative officer at Genesis, the Murcielago launched in 2001 and remained in production for a decade. Its successor, the Lamborghini Aventador, is now approaching the end of its own lifecycle. All told, Lamborghini built just 4,099 Murcielagos, which pales in comparison to the Aventador. By 2016, Lamborghini built its 5,000th example. But there was one major thing the Murcielago retained from its Diablo predecessor that the Aventador lacks: a six-speed manual transmission.

By 2006, Lamborghini added the six-speed "e-Gear" automated manual with launch control as an option. This turned out to be the beginning of the end of the V12-manual combo from Lamborghini. Needless to say, manual-equipped Murcielagos have seriously increased in value over the years, especially low-mileage examples such as this one that just sold for $400,000 on Bring A Trailer.

A new Aventador doesn't cost much more, just to compare. With only 2,900 miles on its clock, this 2003 Lamborghini Murcielago has that coveted gated six-speed manual that routes power to all four wheels. The mid-mounted naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V12 produces 571 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque.

It appears the Lambo is all-original with no modifications. Some factory equipment includes automatic climate control, central-exit exhaust, rear intakes and a rear spoiler that deploy automatically, bi-xenon headlights, and staggered-width 18-inch alloy wheels. The exterior is a stunning Giallo Orion and the black leather interior with yellow stitching is flawless. The sale included some original factory literature and even a Lamborghini-branded trickle charger.

With no accidents or any other issues during its lifetime, this Murcielago is proof people are willing to pay nearly double for the manual. A quick online search for low-mileage e-Gear-equipped Murcielagos shows it's possible to snap one up for just under $200,000.