Lamborghini Auction in Liestal: The luxury sports car must be paid for in cash

This Lamborghini goes under the hammer in Liestal

For the first time, the Basel authorities are auctioning a luxury sports car in public. This requires a high level of security.

Posted today at 8:40 am

Lamborghini 140 Gallardo will be auctioned in Liestal on Saturday.

Photo: SID BL

The Baselbieter lost and found an office and rescue service to invite you to the auction on Saturday. About 145 bicycles, 4 motorcycles and 3 cars will go under the hammer. The catalog may attract other car fans to Liestal: two BMWs and two Harley-Davidson motorcycles are on the list. But another show could cause a bigger stir. The third item being auctioned is a Lamborghini 140 Gallardo from 2008.

First: “It’s the first time we’re auctioning a Lamborghini – or a luxury sports car in general – publicly,” Berardino Barbati says. He is the head of the lost property office and the rescue service at the Baselbieter Security Directorate (SID). “So everyone has a chance to buy a car.” Previously, for example, only car dealers had access to such vehicles in online auctions. “Especially during the pandemic, it was a unique group of customers who were able to join because we couldn’t do anything,” he recalls.

This Lamborghini will go under the hammer at Liestal next Saturday. See other cars up for auction in the photo gallery below.

Photo: SID BL

“We also wanted to enable individuals to have fun with such a big car. I also want to see how the public is interested,” says Barbati, who personally oversees the auctions. He expects that many car enthusiasts will be at the auction on Saturday, including those from outside the region.

Strong security presence

Whoever wins the auction: That person must pay in cash. “This is the situation in public auctions throughout Switzerland,” explains Barbati. But there is an exception. If someone bids more than 100,000 francs, they have to pay 100,000 francs in cash and the rest through the bank – that’s what the law says. “But I don’t think anyone will give more than 100,000 francs,” says Barbati.

Authorities ensure proper security due to the large amount of money that bidders will bring to Oristalstrasse 100A on Saturday. “Police officers exist – the ones you see and the ones you don’t,” says Barbati. However, there is a remaining risk. “It’s public and everyone can see who’s bidding.” He recommends that anyone traveling with large sums of money come to Gant in pairs.

The proceeds go to the state of Aargau

Vehicles seized by authorities from the states of Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Aargau and Bern are being auctioned. The income goes to the treasury of the respective state. When it comes to Lamborghini, the bell rings in the Aargau gorge: the car was taken there.

Anyone who buys a Lamborghini can drive it right away. The battery in the car was replaced, says Barbati. The sports car has about 55,000 kilometers on the clock. Comparable models with similar mileage currently change hands for around 80,000 to 100,000 francs.