Automobili Lamborghini SpA

Back on April 2nd, just moments before leaving for Europe, I told you about my 'career' as a Lamborghini enthusiast. I also mentioned (while in Italy) that there would be a new post with an update. Well, the time has come to finally tell that part of the story. How can I make it short?




Let's just say it took a lot of asking around and a ton of faith. The Lambo factory has been in the middle of the Italian farmlands of Santa 'Agata Bolognese since the inception of the company in 1963. It's known world-wide by car fanatics, but even the Italians have some trouble telling you how to get there. Long story short, we got up at the crack of dawn in our hosts' house in Bologna and just sort of made our way to that general region. Once we got off the train at the nearest station (a few miles away) we looked for any bus - or even a taxi - in this little rural town. Nothing.

We began to walk...and walk. Finally we came upon a sweet old lady waiting at a bus stop. To summarize a long and convoluted conversation we discovered that her son washed cars at the factory and she would be able to help us find it. We followed her onto the bus and apparently created a little bit of a stir with the locals who were along on the ride. At long last, we arrived as the bus driver pointed the distant building I had seen so many times before - in print and video . Now it was in front us as if to say, "I'd knew you'd make it someday."




I was speechless as Kellye shot video and narrated. It was a moment I won't soon forget. Given the countless obstacles and unknowns, It was miraculous that we were there - let alone on time. We were scheduled for a tour of the factory at 10:30 am, which gave us about 15 minutes to walk around the museum before heading in.





Once the tour began, though, we learned that most of the folks attending were German speakers - and pulled up in Ferraris (if you look at this image, you can see them in the background).




Neither myself, Kellye, nor the other 4 English speakers could understand what was being said, but it wasn't any less enjoyable. As we entered the secure doors of the factory, I couldn't take it in fast enough. There was this absolutely beautiful and surprisingly clean and modern factory before us. The cars are still hand-built, of course, but they've had quite a few upgrades and advancements since they were purchased (just funded, really) by Audi. It was....breathtaking. There were no photos allowed but when I returned, I noticed that my shutter must have just accidentally released somehow. I had absolutely no idea how that could possibly have happened. Well, it's blurry and vague so I have Lamborghini's blessing to share it with you here.




From the hand-stitched seats to the testing dynometer the entire facility was every bit as impressive and awe-inspiring as I'd imagined it. Even Kellye was impressed by it all. She says that even the people working there have a built-in cool. It's true - they do. Despite that, they were all very nice and accommodating. In fact, one guy called me over to let me see some parts up close and gave me a small piece of what he was working on. I believe it's part of the transmission assembly.




During the tour, we got to talking with the other Americans. Once couple flew out from the states and the other couple were cousins and came from Germany where they're stationed. Before concluding, they asked our tour guide if we could possibly have a second tour in English. She agreed! And she showed us areas of the factory that we didn't see the first time around. It was...the best visit I could've hoped for (minus the no photos allowed). In the factory, we also got to see a completed Gallardo Superleggera months before it was even released to the public. Unbelievable. On our way out to the museum and welcoming area, we passed through a lot that had 50+ brand-spanking new Lamborghinis. Uhm....wow.




Jumping ahead, we found ourselves heading to Modena in a 5-passenger rental with the other Americans. They were gracious enough to shove Kellye and I in the last seat (singular) and drive us 26 miles to the Ferrari factory, which I'd secretly hoped we would see while tooling around Italy. When I learned how hard it was to navigate around there, I gave up that hope. Then this opportunity presented itself and we couldn't be more grateful to our American friends.




Unlike Lamborghini, Ferrari is like an amusement park with busloads of teenagers and world-travelers walking around with Ferrari paraphernalia. That is not an exaggeration. And rather than one lot with a few joined buildings, Ferrari is like a small city with roads, buildings, statues, and even flowers giving homage to the car maker.




Ironically, we discovered that the factory was off limits to anyone who doesn't own one of their cars, and the museum cost about $13 each to visit. Truthfully, I just wanted to get a glimpse of the factory, which we did, so Kell and I decided to take a breather, eat a sandwich, take in the scene, and find a bus or train back to Bologna where were staying (the others had their own places to go). While we were still eating, our American friends walked up to the table, dropped two tickets on our table and said, "Enjoy the museum on us and make sure to get a shot of that Enzo for me." We were floored and humbled by such a kind gesture. It rivaled the hospitality we'd experienced from the Italians.




We took our time and for the next hour enjoyed the large, bright, flashy museum. Again, it was interesting to see how it contrasted with Lamborghini. It was quite impressive and I'm blown away that we got to see so much in one day.




Getting back to Bologna proved to be another challenge but we really enjoyed ourselves. Having a chance to experience it all with Kellye made it that much better, but I think her new-found appreciation will really come in handy down the road - when I want to build my exotic car collection.