It's a story that captures the very essence of automotive passion and the high-stakes world of supercars. In a groundbreaking online sale, a auction">rare Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, bathed in satin black and accented with green highlights, fetched a jaw-dropping $6 million, setting a new record for online car auctions. This exceptional vehicle had been sitting at a Dubai dealership, VIP Motors, for over two years. Despite various attempts to sell, including a failed auction at RM Sotheby's in February 2020, it finally found a new home thanks to SBX Cars.
The Journey to the Sale
The story began a couple of months ago when the Veneno was listed by SBX Cars after it had languished unsold for an extended period, despite VIP Motors initially demanding a hefty $9.5 million. This Veneno Roadster was not just any limited-edition Lamborghini; it was one of only nine in existence and the only one with its unique color scheme. It had previously failed to sell at an RM Sotheby's auction, where expectations were set between €4.5 million and €5.5 million, hinting that its reserve price was too ambitious.
On May 10th, the SBX Cars auction concluded without a buyer. However, unlike previous attempts, SBX Cars negotiated with the highest bidder post-auction, leading to the historic $6 million sale. This negotiation underscores the allure as well as the complexities involved in selling such a rare specimen.
Record-Breaking yet a Bargain?
While $6 million is undeniably impressive, it stands below the initial asking price of $9.5 million and even less than the $8.3 million garnered by a cream-colored Veneno Roadster seized from the vice president of Equatorial Guinea in 2019. In this context, the sale could be perceived as both a triumph and a bargain, depending on who you ask. For collectors and enthusiasts, snagging a piece of automotive history at that price might seem like a steal.
What's Next for Collectors?
For those who missed out on this record-breaking Veneno Roadster, an even rarer treasure awaits. SBX Cars is set to list one of just three Veneno Coupes, a vehicle that has clocked under 130 miles since it left the factory. Being three times rarer than the Roadster, this Coupe could potentially command a higher price, further escalating the stakes in the exotic car market.
As collectors and investors gear up for the next high-profile auction, the significance of the $6 million Veneno Roadster sale will likely resonate for years to come. It showcases the enduring allure of rare supercars and the lengths to which enthusiasts will go to secure these coveted machines.