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Most of you have probably never heard the name Valentino Balboni. Valentino Balboni is the former chief test driver of Lamborghini. He retired in 2009 due to Italian government work regulations, after having served the company for 40 years. He started working for Lamborghini on April 21, 1968 at the age of 19 as a mechanic apprentice in the company. Eventually he was personally asked by the founder of the company, Ferruccio Lamborghini, to test-drive the newly built cars. Together with Bob Wallace, they became the test-driving team of Lamborghini. Valentino Balboni has reportedly driven about 80% of all Lamborghinis ever built; among the marque aficionados, Balboni has risen to cult status.

In 2008 Balboni was still active for the company as the chief test-driver and ambassador: he often appeared at different Lamborghini-related events, like the unveiling of new models. In July 2009 Lamborghini announced a special edition run of 250 Gallardo LP550-2 “Valentino Balboni edition” supercars; the company stated that the new car was to be rear-wheel driven in accordance with Balboni’s preference for the thrill of cornering a rear-wheel driven vehicle. Balboni, even though officially retired as chief test driver, has signed a two year contract with Lamborghini as a consultant through 2010 that can be renewed multiple times, and probably will.