Quite a Lot of Bull

There are always certain owner stereotypes associated with certain brands of automobiles.  Some of these stereotypes have evolved over the years as their respective brands have done the same.  The typical Porsche owner of the 1980s is a far cry from today's school-running soccer moms (and dads) in their Cayennes and Panameras.  Ferrari owners have lost their gold chains in favor of oversized timepieces, and Range Rover owners are more likely to be wearing haute couture than a Barbour coat.

I spent last weekend with a group that seems to defy any stereotypes, bonding through their shared enthusiasm for one particular flavor of sports car.  When the vehicles present for the event range from an iconic '60s sex-symbol to an ultra-modern hypercar, the variety of owners comes as no surprise.  The presence of a man who has been an integral part of the brand for over 40 of its 50 years in business only added to the mix.

Valentino Balboni is Mr. Lamborghini.  Semi-retired from the company after over 40 years, he is still a consultant and brand ambassador, and seemingly just as active.  As the honored guest at the Lamborghini Festival in Houston, TX on a sunny weekend in April of this year, he embodied patience, passion, and graciousness for three days running.  The festival, a charity event benefitting Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, included a visit to the hospital including a personal car show for some of the patients, a track event, and an exhibition of over 40 cars.

I've been around exotic cars for the better part of the last ten years through my work and my friends.  The cars on display in Houston were all cars I've seen before, and will always appreciate.  But what was more captivating than the cars was the diversity of the owners and enthusiasts who attended the event.  The men ranged from bright green linen suits to Brooks Brothers navy blazers, the women from scantily clad arm-candy to suburban moms.  Every base was covered.  While predominantly male, there were a handful of female owners, including one young lady who racked up more track miles on her white Gallardo than almost any other attendee at the track event.

A very nice pair

Everyone I met was friendly, owners and enthusiasts alike.  Passion and excitement were a continuous theme throughout the event.  I don't consider myself a real Lamborghini enthusiast (although my drooling over a certain bronze Espada was borderline obscene) but I have always appreciated the nature of the raging bulls.  After the event, though, my regard for the brand was at a new level.  Not because the cars performed so well on the track, not because their designs are so stunning, but because of the passion these cars ignite in so many people.  Other brands capture the same feelings, but Lamborghini has taken that enthusiasm and run with it for 50 years.  From the 350GT to the Aventador, almost every car that has rolled out of Sant'Agata has been a wild creation, thrilling not only the driver and passenger, but also those watching on.

Sorry about the drool.

So far, it seems that the continued evolution of the brand has not diluted that ethos, and I for one hope that it never does.  Here's hoping for another 50 years of Lamborghini.