This 2004 Lamborghini Murciélago is finished in green over beige leather with green stitching and is powered by a 6.2-liter V12 that drives all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Recently listed on Bring a Trailer as lot #198,876, this particular example represents everything enthusiasts love about Lamborghini’s flagship V12 supercar from the early 2000s.
The Murciélago marked a significant milestone for Lamborghini, serving as the successor to the legendary Diablo and representing the company’s first new design in eleven years. The car was first available in North America for the 2002 model year and was Lamborghini’s first new model under the ownership of German parent company Audi, which is owned by Volkswagen.
Performance Specifications and Engineering Excellence
Heart of the Beast: The V12 Powerplant
The first generation of the Murciélago was produced between 2001 and 2006 and was powered by a Lamborghini V12 that traces its roots back to the company’s beginnings in the 1960s. The naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V12 engine produces 572 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, delivering the kind of visceral performance that made Lamborghini famous.
According to EPA fuel economy ratings, the 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago offers up to 9 MPG in city driving and 13 MPG on the highway. While fuel efficiency was never the primary concern for supercar buyers, these figures reflect the uncompromising nature of the naturally aspirated V12.
Advanced All-Wheel Drive System
The rear differential is integrated with the engine itself, with a viscous coupling centre differential transferring power to the front wheels. The total power distribution is 70 percent at the rear and 30 percent at the front. This sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction and handling characteristics that set the Murciélago apart from its rear-wheel-drive competitors.
Design and Features of the BaT Example
Distinctive Styling Elements
Features include 18″ Speedline wheels, an aftermarket exhaust system, a front-axle lift system, a speed-activated rear spoiler, automatically deploying rear intakes, aftermarket carbon-fiber interior trim, and an Alpine Bluetooth stereo hooked to a Polk amplifier.
The design, penned by Luc Donckerwolke, draws inspiration from various sources. The designer used the B-2 stealth bomber, the Wally 118 WallyPower yacht, and architect Santiago Calatrava’s Ciutat de Les Arts i Les Ciències in Valencia, Spain as his inspiration.
Interior Appointments
The car has spent time in Oregon, Florida, and California and now has 35k miles. The green exterior perfectly complements the beige leather interior with matching green stitching, creating a sophisticated color combination that exemplifies Italian automotive luxury.
Market Performance and Collectibility
Investment Potential
Recent Bring a Trailer sales data shows strong market performance for manual transmission Murciélagos. Similar examples have achieved sale prices ranging from $199,999 to $515,000, depending on mileage, condition, and provenance. The six-speed manual transmission adds significant value, as many later examples came equipped with the automated E-gear transmission.
Historical Significance
The Murciélago was designed by Peruvian-born Belgian Luc Donckerwolke, Lamborghini’s head of design from 1998 to 2005. This model represents the bridge between Lamborghini’s traditional approach to supercar design and the more refined, Audi-influenced engineering that would characterize future models.
Technical Specifications Data Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L V12, naturally aspirated |
| Power Output | 572 hp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft @ 5,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (70% rear, 30% front) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 205 mph |
| Weight | 3,638 lbs |
| EPA City/Highway | 9/13 MPG |
For safety information and recalls, visit the NHTSA website for official government data on vehicle safety ratings and recall notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the six-speed manual transmission special?
A: The manual transmission offers pure mechanical connection and is increasingly rare, making these examples more valuable than E-gear automated versions.
Q: How reliable are 2004 Murciélagos?
A: With proper maintenance, these V12 engines are robust, though annual service costs can be substantial due to exotic car requirements.
Q: What should buyers look for when inspecting a Murciélago?
A: Check clutch condition, maintenance records, and accident history, as these factors significantly impact value and reliability.
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