UNUSUAL CARS MODEL GUIDE
The Lamborghini Aventador replaced the Murciélago in 2011 with a clean-sheet 6.5-litre V12, a carbon-fibre monocoque and a seven-speed ISR automated manual. It remained Lamborghini’s flagship until 2022 and became the final series-production Lamborghini built around a non-hybrid, naturally aspirated V12.
Quick answer: the range runs from the 700 CV LP700-4 through Roadster, S, SV, SVJ and 780 CV Ultimae versions. More than 11,000 were produced. A buyer should prioritise factory specification, continuous dealer or recognised-specialist history and a documented inspection of the ISR transmission, clutch, cooling, fuel-system recall, suspension, brakes, lift system, carbon structure and accident history.
Featured image: orange Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Photograph by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; locally hosted.
A new V12 architecture
The Aventador’s L539 engine ended the long development line that began with Lamborghini’s first road cars. It sat in a carbon-fibre monocoque manufactured at Sant’Agata Bolognese, with aluminium front and rear subframes. Pushrod suspension moved springs and dampers inboard, while electronically managed four-wheel drive distributed the V12’s output.
The seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod gearbox was chosen for compactness and shift speed. It is a single-clutch automated manual, not a dual-clutch transmission. Full-throttle changes can feel deliberately dramatic; low-speed manoeuvring is less smooth. Later software and the Aventador S improved behaviour, but a fault, fluid leak or clutch problem can still require expensive labour.
Versions and specifications
| Version | Power | Character |
|---|---|---|
| LP700-4 / Roadster | 700 CV | Original coupé and open model |
| LP750-4 SV | 750 CV | Weight reduction and track focus |
| Aventador S | 740 CV | Four-wheel steering and revised dynamics |
| SVJ | 770 CV | ALA active aerodynamics and circuit emphasis |
| LP780-4 Ultimae | 780 CV | Final road-focused, non-hybrid V12 edition |
The S is the major usability and chassis update, adding rear-wheel steering and a fourth EGO driving mode. The SV and SVJ are distinct limited derivatives, not appearance packs. The SVJ introduced Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva active aerodynamics; the Ultimae combined much of the SVJ’s output with subtler bodywork. Verify numbered plaques, option codes, original panels and supplied accessories on any limited car.
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ISR transmission, clutch and recalls
Drive from cold to full operating temperature and use automatic and manual modes. Selection should be consistent, without persistent warnings, refusal to find neutral or excessive clutch smell. Some early cars suffered ISR solenoid or seal faults; software and fluid updates improved the system. Ask for clutch wear data and launch-control history where available, but have the readings interpreted by an experienced Lamborghini technician.
Confirm completion of all VIN-specific campaigns. A widely reported recall covered fuel-vapour management on certain 2012–2017 cars; official records should show whether a particular car was affected and remedied. Aftermarket exhausts can increase heat around already crowded bodywork, so inspect their installation, emissions compliance and effect on warranty or recall work.
Carbon structure, body and chassis
The carbon monocoque is immensely stiff, but damage assessment requires expertise and factory procedures. Uneven panel gaps, cracked lacquer, disturbed fasteners or unexplained paint should trigger deeper measurement. Inspect aluminium subframes, suspension pick-ups, undertrays and the front splitter. A low-speed kerb strike can damage costly aerodynamic and cooling parts.
Check pushrod suspension components, dampers, rear steering on S-derived cars, wheel bearings and alignment. Carbon-ceramic discs need accurate remaining-life assessment; surface appearance alone is not enough. Tyres should be the correct specification, close in tread depth and free from age cracks. The nose lift must rise and settle evenly.
Cooling, electronics and documentation
Run the V12 long enough to test radiator fans, air conditioning and hot restarting. Check for fluid leaks, exhaust-valve faults, warning messages and evidence of overheating. Battery condition matters because low voltage can provoke errors, but a full scan should establish whether faults are historic, intermittent or active.
Test every display, switch, camera, sensor, seat control, door mechanism and roof component on Roadsters. Confirm both roof panels fit, latch and have their storage arrangement. Factory paint, trim, carbon packages and wheels significantly affect identity and value, so compare the car with its build record rather than the advert alone.
Ownership file and originality
Ask for the original order, build specification, invoices, recall evidence, both keys, manuals, tools and battery conditioner. Carbon trim, centre-lock wheels and limited-edition graphics are costly and often copied, so confirm them from the factory record. Modifications should have invoices and retained original parts. An Aventador with continuous annual attention is normally a safer proposition than a lower-mileage example with several unexplained gaps. Insurance, secure storage and access to an authorised or deeply experienced independent workshop should be costed before committing.
Commission the inspection before negotiating the final price. The report should record diagnostic results, paint readings, underside photographs, tyre dates, brake measurements and all outstanding campaign work. That evidence makes comparisons between apparently similar cars much more meaningful.
Sources and further reading
- Lamborghini: Aventador history and specifications
- Lamborghini: Aventador Ultimae
- Lamborghini: Aventador production milestone
- PistonHeads: Aventador used buying guide
Continue the Lamborghini story
Explore the complete Lamborghini hub. Continue with the Lamborghini Murciélago and Lamborghini Huracán.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Lamborghini Aventador built?
The Aventador was produced from 2011 to 2022.
What gearbox does the Aventador use?
It uses a seven-speed ISR single-clutch automated manual, not a dual-clutch gearbox.
What is the difference between the SV and SVJ?
The SV is the first lighter track-focused derivative; the later SVJ adds more power and ALA active aerodynamics.
What was the final Aventador?
The LP780-4 Ultimae was the final regular Aventador derivative and the last non-hybrid series-production Lamborghini V12.
What should be checked before buying an Aventador?
Verify specification and recalls, then inspect the ISR system, clutch, V12, cooling, carbon structure, suspension, brakes, lift system, tyres and electronics with a specialist.
