Lamborghini’s partner, Ferruccio Lamborghini, founded the company in 1963. He eventually sold his shares and left the company in the 1970s.
Ferruccio Lamborghini entered the automotive world after having success with his tractor company, Lamborghini Trattori. He founded Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in 1963 with the goal of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established marques like Ferrari. The company’s first models, such as the 350 GT, were well received.
However, by the late 1970s, Ferruccio Lamborghini had sold all of his shares in the company. The reasons for his departure included financial difficulties, which were partly due to the 1973 oil crisis that had a significant impact on high-performance car manufacturers. Additionally, Lamborghini wanted to focus on his other businesses and retire from the car industry.
After Ferruccio’s departure, the company went through a series of ownership changes, including bankruptcy in 1978. It was eventually sold to the Mimran brothers, then to Chrysler Corporation, and later to a Malaysian investment group Mycom Setdco and Indonesian group V’Power Corporation. In 1998, Lamborghini was sold to the Volkswagen Group, where it was placed under the Audi division.
Despite the changes in ownership and the challenges faced, Lamborghini has continued to produce iconic supercars like the Countach, Diablo, Murciélago, Aventador, and Huracán. The brand remains a symbol of luxury, performance, and Italian craftsmanship in the automotive industry.