Valentino Balboni interview
The special guest for the 2013 RACV Motorclassica, the Australian International Concours d’Elegance & Classic Motor Show, is legendary Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni.
Valentino Balboni was a Lamborghini test driver for over 40 years, hand chosen for the role by the founder of the company, Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. In 2009 Lamborghini honoured its most famous test driver by producing a special edition Gallardo LP550-2 featuring his name, limited to just 250 units worldwide.
In addition to judging the Concours, and overseeing the 50 year celebration of the Italian marquee, he also took part in Tour Classica on 24 October, driving a stunning red Lamborghini Miura through the streets of Melbourne. (See below for some exclusive photos of Mr. Balboni behind the wheel)
Tarmac Toys® contributor Stuart Kortekaas caught up with Mr. Balboni for a one-on-one interview during the opening day of Motorclassica at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Centre.
In terms of new technologies that car manufacturers have been working on, such as adaptive aerodynamics, spoilers that move to help control the car, what do you think of this? It seems as if cars are becoming better drivers than the drivers!
(Laughs) Well, I mean the most important thing is always to keep the car human…let’s say friendly. Since the power is huge, you know I think it’s good to keep people comfortable driving the car, using this kind of devices & system. I am one of those, from the old times, who understands the modern technology but I still feel more confident and comfortable driving the old thing, and fighting with the car, and dominating the car, possibly. But I understand at the same time, the necessity of certain technologic material or devices, which help (with) safety, and you know help also enjoying driving the car for the customer.
Do you think is there anything that they should be focusing on, things you’ve thought about over the years that car companies could do but they haven’t actually done yet?
Well, no, I think you know it is good for me to follow what the engineer develops, what the technology offers, and prove it, or make it better, possibly. I think whatever is coming on, whatever has been done on the last ten years, is great. Because consider for example one of the most important points which is environment. You know today a twelve cylinder engine, modern twelve cylinder engine, with 6 point litre or more, I mean, it is almost no pollution. Consider, consider 20 years ago, it was quite different. So I think things are positive under this point of view, and we have to enjoy and appreciate what the technology is doing. Even if my personal point of view is that the vintage are always the real, pure sports exotic cars.
Out of all the cars you’ve driven, is there one that really stands out as a must, for anyone that enjoys driving?
A Miura, I’m sure, a Miura. A beautiful Miura SV, is definitely one of the most exciting cars to drive. The feeling, and the sensation, a Miura produces (and) generates is unique. The sound!! Particularly the sound of the engine on your ears!
In terms of roads, highways, is there any particular one you’ve found that is excellent to drive on, or one that is your favorite?
Honestly, every place, every road, it’s nice to drive a Lamborghini. I mean I don’t have one preference, even if I have to say driving a Lamborghini in our region where we’ve built the car, and where we’ve tested the car, it’s definitely the best combination. But I would say there is no preferred place where I can enjoy more or less driving a car, you know, as long (as) I can drive a car, it doesn’t matter where.
Particularly in Australia there’s a lot of emphasis on speeding, it’s ridiculous. Have you any advice for anyone regarding getting out of a speeding ticket?!
(Laughs) No, you know we have to be careful, we have to live and accomplish with the laws, with the regulations, which is good for everybody. And I don’t think this really is taking out the pleasure of driving. Well, we have to change our culture and our way of driving and considering this kind of concept.
Over the years have you had the chance to drive any other brands?
We always drive other brands, to compare, to have comparison tests, you know everybody does. It’s not only me, or Lamborghini, but everybody does, you know this is good, because as much competition we have, it’s better for everybody. Competition improves quality.
Have you any favourites from the other ones you’ve driven, one that you’ve though, Wow, this is not what I expected?
I have a lot of respect for everybody, but honestly I didn’t find from my experience something that we could have on our cars you know. Each one has its own let’s say temperaments, and you know, how can I say, culture…
In terms of cars what do you actually drive today?
I own and I a drive a beautiful Audi… it’s a car for every day, for the family. I feel comfortable, I have power, I have, I mean, good feelings and it’s ok. It’s an A4, three litre, turbo diesel, very nice.
One thing that you mentioned was about having respect for the car and respect for other people on the road. Particularly in Australia I’ve noticed road rage is becoming a lot more common. Have you any advice for people on how to deal for this when they’re driving?
Well… yes, this is modern life… each one has to enjoy their own way of driving… I don’t think there is a way, one way to drive a car, in a right way. I think each one of use has to enjoy driving their own way, be safe, and don’t create danger for the others. The secret is, to enjoy, each one has to enjoy their own way. I would suggest to drive a Lamborghini maybe it’s more focused, but in general people should enjoy driving.. you know driving is our character… and so we have to appreciate, and try to compromise (on) this kind of thing.
