Bob Wallace was Lamborghini’s very first chief test driver and held that position from 1964 to 1975. Not only were his efforts significant to Lamborghini’s development, but he was also an instrumental part of the Italian manufacturer’s founding. Wallace was driven by a fierce passion for the cars and a strongly competitive spirit. He was not only a valued member of the Automobile Lamborghini team, but also a good friend to many people within the company.
“The news received today of the death of Bob Wallace hit me and all of us at Lamborghini and leaves us with a great sorrow. As the first test driver of the company, Wallace has played a key role in the early years of Lamborghini and strongly contributed to the birth of the myth of the Bull. We were sorry that he could not accept our invitation and come to celebrate the 50’ anniversary at our factory in May due to health reasons, but his words in a video message impressed all of the thousand guests. Automobili Lamborghini is close to his relatives and friends, and will honor his memory,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobile Lamborghini in a Sept. 24 press release.
Wallace had originally moved from Auckland, New Zealand, to Italy at the age of 21, where he worked for the Ferrari and Maserati racing teams until switching his career to Automobile Lamborghini as a mechanic. From there, Wallace took a massive role in the development of Lamborghini’s V12 engines.
The death of Bob Wallace is a day Lamborghini won’t put behind them. Wallace was a man that helped to not only create, but to set the standards for one of the most prestigious performance companies in the world. He will never be forgotten in neither Italy’s, nor our hearts.
