2005 Lamborghini Gallardo SE

Our example proudly wears a polished alloy plaque declaring it as number 31 of 250 of the special SE model. This limited production run marked out the SE as a collectable and desirable model right from the get-go. This, in the context of well over 14,000 Gallardos built and sold between 2003 and 2013, makes for scarcity that few modern classics can rival.

This SE is a UK supplied and specified model that was first registered in October 2005. The first lucky owner kept the Gallardo for a shade under two years before the second keeper acquiring it in August 2007. The third owner took over stewardship in February 2010. Current owner acquired the car in February 2014 to become the Gallardo’s fourth keeper. At that time the Gallardo had covered around 62,000 miles. During his ownership he has added around 6,000 miles to that total, making this a lightly used example in recent times, with an average annual mileage of significantly under 1,000 miles a year. 

The observant amongst you will have noticed the well-chosen personalised number plate. The 31, of course, refers to the 31 of 250 edition number of this car. The GSE to the Gallardo SE edition which it represents. This highly apposite registration number is included in the sale.

The external differentiators of the desirable SE model include the stylish two-tone liveries which combine a Piano Black, high gloss roof section with the body colour of the specifier’s choice. This combines with the special “Callisto” alloy wheels and some other subtle design tweaks to create a car that is simultaneously compact, muscular and jaw-droppingly attractive.

Our example is finished in gleaming Grigio Proteus Metallic paintwork which contrasts perfectly with that Piano Black roof. High-shine black wing mirrors help to round off a livery that suits the dramatic exterior persona of this Gallardo so well. The five-forked spoked Callisto alloy wheels are finished in black, lending the Gallardo a sporty and stealth-fighter-esque monochrome look. Against this background the bright flashes provided by the vibrant yellow brake callipers and side indicator repeaters truly pop, making this a car that is genuinely hard to turn your back on.

At the rear a prominent, twin-mounted aerodynamic wing sits high above the rear deck. This combines with the dual plane rear light lenses, black mesh panels and big diameter twin exhausts to give all who follow a visual treat. The front of the Gallardo offers an intriguing, minimalist treatment with a pair of deep headlamps sitting above a pair of large mesh air intakes. A visceral visual triumph.

Paintwork and bodywork condition appears to be excellent throughout. Those sublime, special Callisto alloy wheels are split rimmed items and appear to be a fine, undamaged condition. These are shod in a matching set of quality Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. The open architecture of the wheels affords a tantalising glimpse of the Lamborghini inscribed yellow callipers.

The SE refinements aren’t limited to the Gallardo’s dramatic exterior, either. The SEs all featured two tone upholstery options, with accents of the car’s body colour always utilised for maximum effect. In our car the upholstery is a combination of sumptuous black leather, grey Alcantara and cream leather accents. The condition looks impressive throughout and results in a sporting ambiance almost the equal of the fighter jet exterior.

The seats are deeply sculpted and generously bolstered. The headrests are located via extravagantly shaped leather clad supports. The sense of theatre in here is palpable and very “Lamborghini appropriate.” The condition of the seats appears excellent with just some minor wear noted (and photographed) to the outer bolsters of the driver’s seat. Grey piping is present to the perimeter of the seats, so to match the exterior paintwork.

The Gallardo was launched under the ownership of Audi, so a number of the dashboard accoutrements are obviously shared with A6 and A8 models giving the car an intriguing Germanic-Latin appeal. No bad thing. Directly ahead of the driver is a tachometer redlined at 8,000 rpm and a 210mph speedometer, signalling a statement of intent like few others. These sit behind an Alcantara trimmed steering wheel with a huge, dominating boss. The centre console houses the multi-function screen and climate control head unit. Below this is a sublime polished alloy gear lever constrained by an open gate shift panel.

Behind the seats is a useful carpeted storage area with a netted pocket affixed to the bulkhead. This area is significantly augmented by a deep luggage compartment in the nose of the Gallardo. This is carpeted in black and also houses the CD changer, fitted tool bag (with Lamborghini protective gloves) and tyre-weld with protective bag.

This Gallardo is fitted with the esteemed type 07L1 4,961cc even firing V10 engine. This sits amidships and produces 513bhp at a screaming 8,000 rpm. This is accompanied by 376 Ib-ft of torque at a more moderate 4,250 rpm. In this car this is mated to the more desirable Graziano six speed manual gearbox. Power is laid down by all four wheels for optimum traction and usability in all conditions. This configuration endowed the Gallardo with a top speed close to 200mph and a 4-second 0-60mph time. The contemporary Autocar test summed it up more succinctly – “on the open road this car is an utterly spectacular machine, offering pace comparable to a Porsche 911 Turbo with a drama all of its own.”

The engine bay of this example offers an object lesson in supercar presentation. The yellow painted and Lamborghini embossed alloy intake covers dominate thanks to their immaculate, vibrant finish. Carbon fibre, polished alloy and other marque embossing are present giving this power packed engine bay a neat and highly professional look. Not too much of the underside of the car can be seen thanks to its fully faired in presentation, improving both protection and aerodynamic efficiency.

We need to defer to the vendor when it comes to the history and paperwork associated with the Gallardo. We understand the current V5 is on hand, in the owner’s name. The MoT records show that the Gallardo holds an advisory free certificate which is valid until September 2024. Online records give the MoT status back to 2009 with the vast majority of tests being advisory free passes.

The vendor notes that partial service history is on hand. During his tenure this amounts to a service in 2016 and another one in the last few weeks. These have been courtesy of Synergy Supercars in Sunbury-on-Thames.

The Gallardo carries its age impressively well and is considered by many to offer an impressively modern look and feel despite its launch a full twenty years ago. This impression is underscored by the purity of its design, free of superfluous details or fripperies. It is no wonder that over 14,000 went on to be built and sold, making it Lamborghini’s most successful car by the end of its production. Given that, limited production special edition cars are amongst the most desirable and sought after. 

This example is a great exemplar of the breed, too. Its low volume, special edition SE status offers buyers much more than may be expected with some truly meaningful engineering upgrades accompanying the more tangible improvements. This car comes in a great looking livery and its condition seems to defy its age impressively. As such this Lamborghini represents an exciting and compelling ownership opportunity for petrolheads everywhere. We estimate that it will sell for £55,000-£65,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Bournemouth, Dorset. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.