Lamborghini Polo Storico: A Decade of Excellence, A Legacy of Preservation and Innovation

For luxury automotive enthusiasts, few names evoke the same visceral excitement as Lamborghini. Synonymous with bold design, groundbreaking engineering, and unapologetic performance, the Italian marque has long been a symbol of automotive excellence. Yet, beyond the roar of its V12 engines and the sleek lines of its modern hypercars lies another, equally vital facet of Lamborghini’s identity: Its history.

By LF ITALY

June 2025

From the 350 GT—Lamborghini’s first production car—to the final iterations of the Diablo, Polo Storico’s mandate spans some of the most coveted automobiles in history. Its work is not merely about aesthetics; it is a meticulous, scholarly pursuit of historical accuracy. “For us, Lamborghini Polo Storico represents a cornerstone of the company's commitment to the world of heritage and tradition,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “Polo Storico is vital not only to the research carried out and the enrichment of our company archives, with the digitalization of over 30,000 historical documents, but also for its genuine commitment to the restoration and certification of the brand’s historic cars.” Since its inception, Polo Storico has completed over 40 restorations—each demanding thousands of hours of labor—and issued more than 200 certifications, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate authority on Lamborghini’s past.

Restoring a classic Lamborghini is not a task for the faint of heart. Every project begins with an exhaustive dive into the archives, where technical drawings, production sheets, and historical photographs provide the blueprint for authenticity. One of Polo Storico’s earliest triumphs was the Miura SV #4846, unveiled in 2016 at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance before claiming Best in Class at Salon Privé. The following year, the Miura SV #5030 underwent a 2,000-hour restoration, showcased at Techno-Classica Essen. Considered the most touching restoration to date was that of the Miura P400 #3165, delivered to Giampaolo Dallara—the legendary engineer behind the car’s development—for his 80th birthday.

“It was a deeply emotional moment,” recalls a Polo Storico technician. “Seeing Dallara reunited with a car he helped create was a reminder of why we do this.” But no project better exemplifies Polo Storico’s dedication than the resurrection of the 1971 Countach LP 500 prototype. Destroyed in crash tests over 50 years ago, the car was rebuilt from scratch using archival documents and firsthand accounts—a 25,000-hour labor of love that stands as a testament to Lamborghini’s unwavering respect for its history. Beyond restoration, Polo Storico offers a Certification of Authenticity service, a rigorous process that scrutinizes every nut, bolt, and stitch to ensure compliance with factory specifications. “We’ve encountered cars that couldn’t be certified due to discrepancies,” explains a Polo Storico specialist. “In those cases, we provide a full report detailing the issues—no hidden fees, just transparency.” This commitment to integrity has made Lamborghini’s certification one of the most trusted in the collector car world.

Preserving history requires more than just documents—it demands institutional memory. To this end, Polo Storico relies on the “Comitato dei Saggi” (Committee of the Wise), a group of retired Lamborghini employees whose firsthand experience is invaluable in resolving technical mysteries. “They remember details that aren’t in any archive,” says a Polo Storico archivist. “Things like why a certain bolt was used in a specific model year, or how a particular paint shade was mixed.” Polo Storico’s mission extends beyond workshops and archives. The department has orchestrated some of Lamborghini’s most memorable heritage events, including: The 2016 Miura 50th Anniversary tour from Madrid to Lora del Rio. The 2018 revival of the Marzal at the Monaco Grand Prix Historique, driven by Prince Albert II of Monaco. This year, Polo Storico’s 10th-anniversary celebrations include appearances at the Anantara Concorso d’Eleganza in Rome, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and Auto e Moto d’Epoca in Bologna.

Polo Storico’s role will only grow as Lamborghini accelerates into an electrified future. “Every Lamborghini falls within Polo Storico’s remit twenty years after the end of production,” notes Winkelmann. “With increasing production volumes and customization, our work in preserving authenticity will become even more critical.” For collectors, enthusiasts, and historians alike, Polo Storico is more than a restoration department—it is the living memory of Lamborghini, ensuring that the legends of the past continue to inspire generations to come. As the Countach LP 500 prototype’s rebirth proves, some icons are truly timeless.