Lamborghini Spyder history: from the Silhouette to the 2005 Gallardo
Lamborghini published a heritage feature on November 9, 2026 tracing the origins of its open-top cars, from a targa-roofed model shown in 1976 to the Gallardo Spyder of 2005. The company describes that Gallardo as its first series-production Spyder and the car that gave Lamborghini a commercially successful open-top segment.
The Gallardo Spyder was also the first time a compact Lamborghini super sports car came with a fully automatic fabric roof in series production, according to the company. The story that leads to it runs through Sant’Agata Bolognese’s design studio and a concept car that pointed the way.
How the Spyder story began
Lamborghini’s earliest open-top milestone is the Silhouette, presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1976. The company describes it as the first Lamborghini with a targa-style removable roof.
The next step came from the Lamborghini Centro Stile, working under Luc Donckerwolke. It produced the Concept S, which had a split cockpit and aerodynamic deflectors. Lamborghini credits the concept with anticipating an open-top version of the Gallardo.
What the Gallardo Spyder changed
The Gallardo Spyder arrived in 2005 with a 5.0-litre (4,961 cc) V10 making 520 CV at 8,000 rpm. Lamborghini quotes a top speed of 314 km/h with the roof closed and 307 km/h with it open, and 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Buyers could choose a six-speed manual or the six-speed automated e-gear transmission.
Lamborghini lists several changes over earlier Gallardos. The steering is 20 per cent more direct by the company’s measure, and the suspension was recalibrated with stiffer springs. The exhaust gained a bypass system that brings out more V10 sound at high rpm. Gear ratios are shorter than in the first Gallardo coupé, and updated e-gear software shifts faster and more smoothly, with a new calibration for Thrust Mode.
Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, is credited with describing the Spyder as a car that widened the Gallardo family and added an emotional, open-top dimension to driving.
The car also brought the Privilegio programme, which let customers order special colours and dedicated equipment for bespoke cars.
Later Gallardo Spyders
The Gallardo Spyder evolved through three further steps, summarized below with Lamborghini’s figures.
| Model | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder | 2008 | 5.2-litre direct-stratified-injection engine, 560 CV |
| Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante | 2010 | 570 CV, top speed 324 km/h, extensive carbon fibre |
| Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante Edizione Tecnica | 2012 | Final evolution, with further refined aerodynamics and chassis setup |
The carbon fibre on the 2010 Performante cut weight by approximately 65 kg compared with the standard Spyder, bringing it to 1,485 kg.
The Spyder format did not end with the Gallardo. Lamborghini says it carried on in other model families, naming the Huracán, and became a recurring way for the brand to interpret open-top driving.
Featured image: Lamborghini press image
