Lamborghini Murcielago waves good-bye

It was a fitting farewell to one of the most audacious Lamborghinis ever built.

A group of the most iconic V12 cars ever to put rubber to asphalt gathered at the factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, for a special exhibition before escorting the last Murcielago, an LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, out of the Lamborghini Museum in a symbolic last ride.

The 350GT was in attendance at the event, as was the futuristic Miura, a Countach and the fire-breathing Diablo, among others.

A Swiss customer will take delivery of the last Murcielago, No. 4,099, wearing Arancio Atlas (bright orange) paintwork.

Almost 10 years have passed since the wedge-shaped, wildly colored supercar was introduced. The 2001 Murcielago's engine had 6.2 liters of displacement and 580 hp. The doors opened 90 degrees to the sky in what became the classic Lamborghini look.

The Roadster followed in 2005 with a warning on the windshield advising drivers not to exceed 100 mph with the top down. Designer Luc Donckerwolke took inspiration from the B-2 bomber, the 118 WallyPower yacht and architect Santiago Calatrava's work in Spain.

The second-generation Murcielago featured a bump in output to 640 hp and started the new name designations with power numbers included. The LP 640 displaced 6.5 liters from its longitudinally positioned V12.

In 2009, Lamborghini upped the power again while at the same time shedding weight. The Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was born, 220 pounds lighter and 30 horses more powerful. That car charged to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 212 mph.

The run of the Murcielago may be over but soon we'll see something new from the factory. And if history is any indication, it will be good.

By Jake Lingeman