Albert Spiess, a Swiss businessman whose extraordinary Lamborghini collection included prototypes, first-offs and one-off models, has died after a long battle with a serious illness. Lamborghini and its CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, paid tribute to the renowned collector and longtime friend of the company.
A Lamborghini Collection Like No Other
Spiess began his Lamborghini collection in 1979 when he bought a Countach. Over the years, it grew into one of the most remarkable collections of Lamborghini vehicles in the world.
Unlike collections focused solely on production cars, Spiess’ collection included Lamborghini prototypes, first-offs and one-offs that existed nowhere else. It also featured an extensive selection of the automaker’s ultra-limited few-off models, along with other limited-edition and highly special cars.
The collection became so notable that Lamborghini featured portions of it in its own marketing campaigns. When the company launched a new model that had already sold out to its most important customers, Spiess was often among those customers.
Spiess Helped Restore the Original Countach Prototype
Among the major Lamborghini projects Spiess supported was the restoration of the original Countach prototype. Lamborghini spent 25,000 hours completing the project, bringing the historic car back to life.
Lamborghini Chair and CEO Stephan Winkelmann described Spiess as much more than a customer in a post on LinkedIn.
“Albert was much more than a customer. With his extraordinary passion and characteristic humility, he became not only the world’s most devoted Lamborghini collector, but also a true friend of the company and the people behind it,” Winkelmann said. “He will never be forgotten in Sant’Agata Bolognese, where he earned the affection and respect of countless colleagues and became a beloved member of our family.”
Spiess Also Collected Other Rare Cars
Spiess’ passion extended beyond Lamborghini. His collection included a 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, the Maserati Boomerang show car and countless other vehicles.
He also had a close relationship with Bugatti, where he owned a Bolide that matched his Type 35. Bugatti said Spiess built lasting relationships with people behind the brand over the years.
“Over the years, Albert built lasting relationships with the people behind the brand. His curiosity, generosity, and genuine interest in others made every encounter memorable. He took the time to understand not only the cars he loved, but also the individuals who brought them to life.”
Bugatti added, “His support, enthusiasm, and trust accompanied some of Bugatti’s most ambitious projects. Above all, he will be remembered for the warmth, elegance, and kindness he brought to every interaction.”
Spiess’ Career and Favorite Lamborghini
Spiess made his fortune in the food industry, specifically through bindenfleisch, a type of air-cured meat popular in Switzerland. He remained head of the company until retiring in 2012.
Among his few-off Lamborghinis, Spiess identified the Sesto Elemento as his favorite.
“Due to its extraordinary lightness and technical content including structural carbon fiber,” he said.
Albert Spiess Dies After Serious Illness
According to the Lamborghini Registry, Spiess passed away on September 21 after a “long and hard fought battle with a serious illness.”
His death was acknowledged by both Lamborghini and Bugatti, reflecting the longstanding relationships he developed with the companies and the people behind some of the world’s most exclusive cars.
