For decades, Ferruccio Lamborghini’s Riva Aquarama boat quietly rested in the corner of a boatyard, hidden under a tarp, slowly succumbing to the passage of time.
Forty-five years after being commissioned by the esteemed “old man Lambo” himself, this nautical masterpiece is back on the water, and it’s not just a restoration; it’s a revival, complete with not one but two classic Lamborghini V12s.
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The Forgotten Lamborghini Boat Rediscovered
Unearthed by an ardent Riva collector in 2010, the Riva Aquarama Lamborghini embarked on an extraordinary journey of resurrection under the skilled hands of Riva World Restoration.
To ensure that the Aquarama retained its original essence, the Dutch owner Adriaan de Vries, tasked with the overhaul, made numerous trips to the Lamborghini museum in Italy. Meticulously documenting every detail was crucial before the work could commence.
Three years, hundreds of hours, thousands of meticulous sandings and repairs, and the application of 25 layers of clear-coat later, the Aquarama stands fully restored to its former glory. Every seat was carefully reupholstered, the chrome elements gleam with renewed brilliance, and instead of replacing buttons and switches, the entire dashboard underwent meticulous dismantling.
All the electronics were taken apart, painstakingly repaired, refurbished, and then reinstalled, retaining the boat’s original character.
The Heart of the Legend
What sets the Riva Aquarama Lamborghini boat apart from its peers is the power within its hull.
Ferruccio Lamborghini commissioned the Riva Aquarama to be fitted with his then-new 4.0-liter V12 engines, the same powerplant that ignited the very first Lamborghini, the 350GT. In a bold move, the traditional V8s were replaced by two roaring V12s, each capable of delivering a thunderous 350 horsepower.
This powerhouse propulsion allowed the Aquarama to effortlessly conquer the waves, reaching a breathtaking speed of 48 knots.
However, procuring the original engines proved to be a challenge. While one of the two original engines from the Riva can still be admired in the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum in Italy, it was regrettably not available for this restoration project.
This obstacle led to the acquisition of two alternative V12 engines, one of which was sourced from the United States. These engines underwent a meticulous transformation to make them fully suitable for marine use. The team, with the cooperation of the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum, undertook the painstaking task of disassembling and recreating various original parts of the museum’s original engine.
Tuned for the Sea
The restoration team sought the expertise of the seasoned Lamborghini test driver, Bob Wallace, to fine-tune these V12 powerhouses for maritime duty. The engines were configured to turn in opposite directions to eliminate prop walk, ensuring smooth and efficient navigation for the revitalised Aquarama.
Tragically, Bob Wallace experienced the exhilarating ride aboard the restored boat before his passing in 2013. It must have been an unforgettable journey, a harmonious symphony of power and precision on the water.
Witness the Aquarama Lamborghini in action and hear the captivating sound of the twin V12 engines that give life to this remarkable piece of maritime and automotive history. It’s not just a restoration; it’s the revival of a legend, now back on the water, where it rightfully belongs.
Find out more in the videos below.