Ten years ago, the world was introduced to a brand-new machine produced inside a Sant'Agata Bolognese factory. Powered by a 5.0-liter V-10 engine, the original Lamborghini Gallardo roared to life and helped create a volume seller (relatively speaking) for the famed Italian automaker. Now, a decade on, and a couple of tenths extra liters' worth in displacement, we're getting ready to say goodbye to the Gallardo.

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In fact, the final bull has just rolled off of the assembly line. This Lamborghini Gallardo is number 14,022. It's an LP 570-4 Spyder Performante and it's wearing bright Rosso Mars paintwork. This powerful droptop is going to a Lamborghini lover with a private collection. First, however, it stops to pose with the family that helped bring it to life.

Over the last ten years, Lamborghini has been producing the Gallardo at a pace far quicker than it was used to producing vehicles. In the early stages of Lamborghini production, the factory used to churn out around 250 cars per year. During the ten years it was producing the Gallardo, that number rose to around 2,000 units per year. Nearly half of all Lamborghini vehicles ever built are Gallardo coupes and convertibles.

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Now though, the Gallardo must give way to its successor. Just as the Murcielago stepped aside to make room for the Aventador, the Gallardo must yield to the Cabrera. The Gallardo arrived while the automaker was celebrating its 40th anniversary and departs as it celebrates its 50th. Now we can look forward to a new decade of speed and style celebration as we welcome the Cabrera into the world.

The little Lambo is dead... long live the little Lambo.

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