A truly exceptional piece of automotive history: the 5th Lamborghini Murciélago ever produced, finished in its original first-application paint of Nero Metallic and retained with the factory 6-speed manual gearbox. Among the very earliest examples of what would become one of the most celebrated supercar lineages of the 21st century.

The Murciélago was the first car launched by Lamborghini under Audi stewardship, unveiled dramatically at the foot of Mount Etna in Sicily in 2001. Its mid-mounted 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V12 — an evolution of the legendary Diablo 6.0 unit — produces 572 bhp at 7,500 rpm with a spine-tingling exhaust note that remains unmatched in the modern era.

Being both the 5th unit off the production line and retaining its original Nero Metallic paint — the first colour applied to the model — gives this example extraordinary provenance. Early build slot cars, particularly those with the manual gearbox rather than the later e-Gear automated unit, are the most desirable of all Murciélagos among serious collectors. The viscous coupling AWD system delivers power with 70% rear bias for a driving character more engaging than the numbers suggest.

The Murciélago's carbon fibre bodywork, scissor doors, adjustable side air scoops, and low 1.135-metre roofline made it the definitive supercar of its generation. As one of the earliest surviving examples in what is believed to be first-paint condition, this car represents an irreplaceable chapter in Lamborghini's history.