The Murciélago was a huge step forward for Lamborghini when it made its debut in 2001. It was the first all-new model built under Audi and its parent company Volkswagen Group, which had acquired the troubled Italian automaker in September 1998. Armed with the resources of a global automotive giant, Lamborghini created a supercar that finally could compete with Ferrari and Porsche on every level by combining the visceral performance and bold image the Italian supercar maker was famous for with the reliability and quality that wealthy customers expected.

Instantly recognisable as a Lamborghini, the Murciélago retained its predecessors’ signature “scissor” doors while offering a fresh take on the company’s audacious design ethos. Stylist Luc Donckerwolke designed bodywork that was impactful yet refined, made largely of carbon fibre, save for the aluminium doors and steel roof.

As the first Lamborghini supercar created from inception with all-wheel drive, the Murciélago benefitted from development of the technology in the preceding Diablo as well as from Audi’s considerable expertise in the area. The chassis layout remained unchanged from before: a V-12 positioned longitudinally ahead of the rear axle. An evolution of the company’s iconic 12-cylinder dating back to the 1960s, the engine displaced 6.2 litres and produced 572 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque at launch, with subsequent iterations adding more displacement and power. An improved six-speed manual was the only transmission offered initially.

A single-clutch automated-manual “e-Gear” transmission was offered from 2003 and a Murciélago Roadster variant arrived the following model year. Designed around a pure, open-top concept, its rudimentary canvas roof—manually folded and stored in the front boot—was intended as a last resort for inclement weather. Given the design, it was clear Lamborghini intended the Roadster to be driven with its roof down as much as possible to fully enjoy its sonorous V-12.

The Murciélago Roadster offered here, from the final year of the model’s first generation, is believed to be one of only 38 first-gen, US-market Roadsters equipped from the factory with the manual six-speed and one of 69 worldwide, making it the rarest version from the first run of 6.2-litre models. Finished in attractive Ibis White over Black leather, an unexpectedly elegant colour compared to the vivid greens, oranges, and yellows often seen on this model.

Following its initial registration in California, the car was later registered in Texas, Washington, Oregon, and Florida, according to a Carfax report on file. Acquired by the current owner in 2022, the Lamborghini was imported to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where it has remained ever since.

In 2023, Lap 57 Garage in Dubai performed a mechanical overhaul at a cost of more than AED 101,000, according to copies of invoices in the accompanying history file. This included removing the engine, replacing the clutch, plus refurbishing the braking system and various other mechanical and cosmetic components.

Showing 18,900 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, this Murciélago Roadster stands out from other examples as one of very few manual-equipped 6.2-litre models.