A retired grandmother has lost £12,000 after investing in a Lamborghini restoration project that collapsed without producing a working car. The 68-year-old from Essex paid a specialist garage to rebuild a classic Lamborghini Countach, but the firm went into administration before completing the work.
The woman, who asked not to be named, handed over the money in instalments over two years. The garage, based in Hertfordshire, was hired to carry out a full restoration of the 1980s supercar, which she had purchased as a project. However, the company ceased trading earlier this year, leaving the vehicle unfinished and the pensioner out of pocket.
She told local media: 'I was so excited to see the car restored, but now I have nothing to show for my savings. It's devastating.' The Lamborghini Countach, which when restored can be worth over £200,000, remains in parts at the now-shuttered workshop.
Insolvency practitioners handling the garage's liquidation confirmed that the pensioner is an unsecured creditor, meaning she is unlikely to recover her money. The case highlights the risks of paying large sums upfront for classic car restorations, with experts advising buyers to use stage payments and ensure the garage has appropriate insurance.
The woman is now seeking legal advice but fears she will never see her £12,000 again. 'I thought I was investing in a dream, but it turned into a nightmare,' she added.
