If you followed our recent coverage of the Manual Murciélago Roadster, where we reported that fewer than 10 of these V12 Lamborghinis with a stick made it to the U.S., then you know just how rare these analog supercars truly are. Which is why, when this equally compelling and rare 2007 Lamorghini Murciélago LP640 gated manual coupe was listed for sale with Blue Chip, we couldn’t help but feature it. For some context, of the 179 Murciélagos equipped that were with the six-speed gated manual worldwide, only 26 were made available in the United States, making it one of the rarest factory manual Lamborghinis ever produced.
The LP640, of course, was a lot more than a mid-cycle refresh of the flagship V12 Murciélago, and was a defining moment for Lamborghini under Audi’s ownership in the 2000s. It proved that despite the German sensibilities, a bit of Italian madness was retained to satisfy the Lambo faithful.
Revealed at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, this model boosted the original Murciélago’s engine displacement from 6.2 to 6.5 liters and power to 640 horsepower, up from 580. Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual transmission and a viscous all-wheel-drive system, launching the supecar from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and topping out at 211 mph, which are still impressive numbers by modern standards.
The design changes were subtle but significant. Revised bumpers, larger air intakes, updated lighting, a single center-mounted exhaust unit, and an overall sharper, more aggressive form, without losing the Murciélago’s distinctive silhouette, originally penned by Luc Donckerwolke.
This particular ‘07 example sports the optional Nero Aldebaran paint, which perfectly complements the car’s angular design. Step inside, and you find one of the last analog cabins in the supercar world. The optional “Q-Citura” diamond-stitched Nero Perseus leather adds a layer of high-quality craftsmanship to this otherwise driver-focused cabin devoid of a modern-day screen overload. The exposed metal gated shifter is, without a doubt, the highlight of this sporty cockpit.
At the end of the day, how often do you find a car that combines modern performance with a genuine analog feel? This is precisely why we’re beginning to see a revival of the highly desirable and coveted manual V12 format for the modern age.
But if you want something a bit old-school, this LP640 with just 8,310 miles on the odometer and recent servicing presents the opportunity to acquire something that seldom comes up for sale. The manual Murciélago, after all, is one of the last great manual V12 Lamborghinis, which celebrates a nearly five-decade-long legacy that began with the Miura in the 1960s. Getting your hands on one means you’ll be part of a highly exclusive club of enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical engagement, above all else. Check the link below for pricing.
Images Source: Blue Chip