One to Buy: ex-Krohn-Barbour Racing 2004 Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT
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In September 2003 Lamborghini announced a GT racing version of the Murcielago in collaboration with Reiter Engineering (who built the cars) and Audi Sport (who provided much of the technical expertise). The highly anticipated machine would run in the FIA’s premier GT class and the ACO’s GTS category.
Up until this point, Lamborghini’s motor sport participation had by and large been limited to engine supply deals for offshore power boats and Formula 1 plus batches of SVR and GTR Diablo one-make racers. However, the firm’s move into top flight GT racing with parent company Audi overseeing the operation was cause for much optimism back in Sant’Agata.
In the conversion to R-GT trim, Reiter ditched the Murcielago’s four-wheel drive system, trimmed the weight down to 1100kg and fitted a smaller six instead of 6.2-litre V12 which was hooked up to a new sequential gearbox. The suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres also came in for significant attention and a dramatic aero kit was installed.
After a promising race debut at the Valencia 500km FIA GT Championship race in April 2004 (where Peter Kox and Oliver Gavin should have won but ultimately finished third), Reiter went on to deliver five customers cars during the remainder of 2004. Of these, three went to Krohn-Barbour Racing in the USA and the other pair to DAMS in France.
Set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s sale at Villa Erba on May 20th is one of the Krohn-Barbour trio from that debut campaign: chassis 01057.
Krohn-Barbour ran 01057 in the 2004 American Le Mans Series, during which the car picked up a best finish of 16th overall and second in the GTS class at Sonoma. Despite retiring late on at Portland and Road Atlanta it was also classified 18th and 21st respectively (for fifth in the GTS class on both occasions).
Today, chassis 01057 is offered in superb condition having undergone a restoration to its original specification by Reiter Engineering between 2009 and 2010.
