Verde Scandal: the genesis of an Automobili Lamborghini color

The story of this hue between reality and legend

Sant’Agata Bolognese, 11 June 2025 – Without a doubt, one of the characteristics of Automobili Lamborghini is its iconic hue – the vibrant and eye-catching shade of yellow known as “Giallo Midas”. This color has become synonymous with the brand and is instantly recognizable on the streets and on the racetrack. But what is the story behind this hue? How did it come to represent the spirit and legacy of Lamborghini?

To understand the significance of Giallo Midas, we must first go back to the origins of Lamborghini. The company was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, a successful businessman and passionate car enthusiast. He had a vision to create the ultimate grand touring car – one that would rival the likes of Ferrari and Maserati. And thus, the first Lamborghini, the 350 GT, was born.

But it wasn’t until the launch of the iconic Miura in 1966 that the brand truly made its mark in the automotive world. The Miura was a revolutionary car – it was the first mid-engine supercar and had a top speed of over 170 mph. It was also the first Lamborghini to be painted in Giallo Midas, a color that would soon become synonymous with the brand.

Legend has it that the color was chosen by Ferruccio himself, who was inspired by the golden fields of wheat that surrounded his hometown of Sant’Agata Bolognese. He believed that this color would not only make the car stand out on the road but also represent the passion and determination that went into creating it.

But the story of Giallo Midas doesn’t end there. In the 1970s, Lamborghini faced financial difficulties and was eventually taken over by various owners. However, the brand’s iconic hue remained a constant throughout the years, even as the company changed hands.

In 1998, Lamborghini was acquired by the Volkswagen Group, and under their ownership, the brand experienced a renaissance. The launch of the Gallardo in 2003 marked a new era for Lamborghini, and with it came a new shade of yellow – “Giallo Taurus”. This color was a modern interpretation of Giallo Midas and became the signature color for the Gallardo and its successor, the Huracán.

But despite the introduction of new colors, Giallo Midas remained a staple in the Lamborghini lineup. It continued to be the color of choice for special edition models, such as the Reventón and the Aventador SVJ. And in 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Miura, Lamborghini released a limited edition Aventador SVJ in Giallo Midas, paying homage to the car that started it all.

Today, Giallo Midas is not just a color – it’s a symbol of Lamborghini’s rich history and its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. It represents the brand’s Italian heritage, its passion for innovation, and its relentless pursuit of perfection.

But Giallo Midas is not just limited to Lamborghini cars. It has also become a popular choice among Lamborghini owners, who often customize their cars with this iconic hue. It’s not uncommon to see a Giallo Midas Lamborghini driving down the streets of major cities, turning heads and capturing the hearts of onlookers.

In conclusion, the story of Giallo Midas is a tale of passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a hue that has stood the test of time and has become an integral part of the Lamborghini brand. And as we look towards the future, we can be sure that Giallo Midas will continue to shine bright, representing the spirit and legacy of Automobili Lamborghini.

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