Lamborghini Gallardo L140 by ABT Tuning
The name
Since Ferrucio Lamborghini - born in the sign of the Taurus - founded Automobili Lamborghini forty years ago, the bull is the trade mark of the famous automobile manufacturer. The brand abided by this tradition. Also the latest scion from Sant' Agata carries the name of a bull race: the Gallardo.
Only few people know that these fighting bulls mainly descend from five major races: Cabrera, Navarra, Vasquena, Vistahermosa and Gallardo.
In the meantime ninety percent of fighting bull stem from the branch Vistahermosa. Exceptions are the Miura from Navarra, today the only pure-blooded breeding stock, and the breeding thoroughbred "Partido de Resina" (former "Pablo Romero", which stem from the Gallardos. Tradionally these bulls rightly were classed as the most beautiful representatives of their race.
The thoroughbred of the Gallardos developed in the XVIII. Century and owe their name to Francisco Gallardo and his brothers - stockbreeders from Santa Maria in the province of Cadiz. Their animals acquitted themselves so brilliantly in the arena that the brothers were highly respected in the most important Plazas de Toros.
Eventhough the family Gallardo is considered to be the creators of this important fighting bull race, it is said that their origin reaches further back in history until the Carthusian monks from Jerez (Cadiz). At those times stockbreeders and farmers had to pay the so-called Diezmos to the Catholic Church which meant that the Church received one out of ten calves from a herd.
Bernardo de Quiros, a priest from Navarro, who owned a farm in Rota (Cadiz), used his good connections with the Church and bought cows and calves from the Dominicans. Years later the brothers Gallardo bought a large part of their breed stock from him.
Through selecting Francisco Gallardo managed to create the typical features of the Gallardo-race: a nice face, a bulky build and mainly black or grey coat. In fighting the animals stood out because of their enormous bravery. They were especially liked by sympathisers of the bullfights because they remained powerful and aggressive until the last Tercio.
After Francisco Gallardos death, his heirs sold the breed stock in three parts. One part was sold to Juan Miura, an ancestor of todays owners of the legendary fighting bull breed.
Concept and development
As outstanding high performance sportscar the Gallardo will set new standards in its segment: A real sportscar but still suitable for everyday use.
It was top priority for the Lamborghini engineers to harmonize these two seemingly conflicting targets. Aim was to offer the necessary comfort without admitting compromises in the performance which is expected from a real Lamborghini. Also when selecting engine, drivetrain, space frame and body, as well as suspension, brake system and electronics this intent was followed.
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