Lamborghini has made some iconic cars through its illustrious history. These include supercars like the gorgeous Lamborghini Miura, regarded among the most amazing cars ever made. However, when Lamborghini decided to make a more practical supercar than what was in their lineup, they came up with the Gallardo.
Updated February 2023: We've updated this article with current pricing on the Baby Lambo from the early 2000s, making it one of the most affordable Lamborghinis to buy used. Even if Gallardo prices aren't quite as low as you would have imagined for a 20-year-old supercar.
The Gallardo was unveiled in 2003, and many considered it as the younger sibling to the much more aggressive Murcielago, and it truly was. Though more practical, it was less powerful, and it has a less aggressive design.
The Gallardo was the first-ever supercar for many Lambo enthusiasts, and rightly so, as it was the entry-level point in the Lamborghini family. The Gallardo was made from 2003 to 2013, and it was offered in many trims, receiving minor facelifts throughout its production era. Finding a 2003 Gallardo in the used market is not a big deal, but the vehicle's value to date is truly remarkable.
The Lamborghini Gallardo Means Spanish Bull, From Italy
The car’s name is taken from the 18th-century Spanish bullfighting breeder Francisco Gallardo. The founder of the company, Ferruccio Lamborghini, was always a big fan of bullfighting, and all his vehicles are mostly named after fighter bulls. The Gallardo was deemed a successor to the V12 powered cars, with an all-new V10 engine. Lamborghini claimed that the car was more economical and a lot tamer. Also, the Italian company believed that the the Gallardo is a supercar suitable for daily driving.
The design for the Gallardo is revolutionary, as it was much more clean-looking compared to all other vehicles in the company's lineup. The flared-out wheel arches had made way for some clean-looking ones, and the wild wings had also made way, for a much cleaner look. The biggest change on the Gallardo was the removal of the amazing-looking scissor doors that flicks out and upwards to open, replacing it with conventional doors, which served the purpose just right. The vehicle's proportions were spot on, looking something like a spaceship back in the days, and like a modern car today.
The design of a Lamborghini has always been one of the company's biggest USPs, and the Gallardo did not disappoint. The vertically long headlights with the two big air intakes for the radiator made up for a striking front-end, while the rear features brick-like taillights and two massive exhaust tips, with the rear-mounted engine receiving a carbon fiber cover. The 19-inch alloy wheels dominated the sides with a 5 circle unique design which has never been replicated in the auto industry.
First-Gen Gallardo Had A Special 5.0-Liter V10 Engine
The original Baby Lambo came with a 5.0-liter V10 engine from 2003-2008, later moving to a 5.2-liter V10. The Gallardo was one of the rare supercars which came with a manual transmission. There was an option between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic that Lamborghini called E-gear transmission.
On paper, the Gallardo produces 493 HP and 376 lb-ft of torque. These power figures were impressive for a vehicle that dates back two decades. It can probably take on some modern-day exotics with ease, too. The weight of the car is around 3,100 lbs, helping the Gallardo make the 0-60 MPH sprint in under 4.2 seconds; flat out, the car did a top speed of 192 mph. Notably, power is sent to all four wheels by a fantastic AWD system.
The interior of the Gallardo was fairly practical and minimalistic. There was good headroom, knee room, and legroom for an average-sized adult. There was a good use of leather all around, and just like any Lambo, the interior and the exterior could be heavily customized as per personal taste. The vehicle had no screen, as the technology did not exist back in those days. Still, it had electronically controlled seats, climate control, and even usable cup holders. A small trunk upfront could store two small bags at most.
We Wouldn't Exactly Call A Used Gallardo Cheap In 2023
When new, the Gallardo cost a fortune at $181,000 before custom options, and the price could easily go north of $200,000 for a heavily spiced version. Today, one can find some clean examples of the 2003 model at just under $100,000 on the used car market. The car has held its value well and looks just as fresh today as it did 20 years ago. The Gallardo is considered an icon in the world of automobiles and has kept everyone talking about its looks, power, and beauty. It is perhaps one of the best sports cars ever made, and certainly the one which got many people interested in the world of performance automobiles.