The Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is the open-top version of Lamborghini’s first-generation Aventador flagship, built around the L539 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, a carbon-fiber monocoque, all-wheel drive, and the seven-speed ISR automated manual gearbox. Introduced after the coupe, it gave buyers the full Aventador experience with removable carbon roof panels, more exposed V12 sound, and the same 700 hp headline output that made the LP 700-4 one of the defining supercars of the early 2010s.
For collectors, the Roadster matters because it sits at an important point in Lamborghini history: after the Murciélago, before the Aventador S, and before hybrid V12 flagships changed the formula. It is not the rarest Aventador, but the early Roadster has a strong identity: pure naturally aspirated theater, dramatic scissor doors, a mechanical-feeling single-clutch transmission, and a design that still looks extreme years later.
Table of Contents
- Why the LP 700-4 Roadster Matters
- L539 V12, Chassis, and Core Specs
- Production Versions and Factory Identification
- Carbon Roof, Design, and Aventador Engineering
- How the Roadster Drives
- Maintenance, Weak Points, and Ownership Risks
- Market Values and Buyer Checklist
Why the LP 700-4 Roadster Matters
The Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster matters because it turned Lamborghini’s new carbon-tub V12 flagship into an open-air event without softening the core formula. It kept the naturally aspirated V12, scissor doors, low wedge shape, and all-wheel-drive launch ability, but added removable roof panels and a louder, more direct connection to the engine.
The Aventador replaced the Murciélago and marked a major technical shift for Lamborghini. The old car was still tied to the long-running Bizzarrini-era V12 engine family. The Aventador introduced a new 6.5-liter V12, known as L539, and used a carbon-fiber monocoque rather than a traditional steel-tube frame. For Lamborghini, this was more than a new model. It was a reset of the flagship platform.
The Roadster arrived after the coupe and became the more theatrical choice. It used two removable carbon-fiber roof sections rather than a fabric soft top. That decision kept the silhouette clean, saved weight, and preserved the sharp, architectural look of the coupe when the roof was fitted. With the panels removed, the car became one of the most dramatic open V12 supercars of its period.
The LP 700-4 name tells the basic story:
- LP means Longitudinale Posteriore, referring to the longitudinal rear-mid engine layout.
- 700 refers to the metric horsepower output.
- 4 means all-wheel drive.
- Roadster identifies the removable-roof body style.
The 2013–2016 Roadster sits before the Aventador S, which brought rear-wheel steering, revised styling, and more power. That makes the LP 700-4 Roadster the first and cleanest open-top Aventador expression: no four-wheel steering, no later active aero systems, and no hybrid assistance. Buyers who want the original Aventador character often look here first.
Its collectability comes from several forces working together. The car is modern enough to be usable, supported by dealer diagnostics, and built from advanced materials, but old enough to feel more analog and aggressive than later supercars with smoother dual-clutch gearboxes and more refined electronic systems. The single-clutch ISR gearbox, for example, is not as polished as a modern dual-clutch unit, but it gives the car a distinct personality.
The Roadster is also important because it helped make the Aventador a long-lived Lamborghini icon. The platform later produced the Aventador S, SV, SVJ, Ultimae, and several special models derived from the same basic architecture. The LP 700-4 Roadster is the open-top starting point for that family.
L539 V12, Chassis, and Core Specs
The most important specification is the L539 V12: a 6,498 cc naturally aspirated 60-degree twelve-cylinder engine producing 700 hp at 8,250 rpm and 690 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mounted behind the cabin, drives all four wheels, and gives the Roadster its defining sound, response, and value.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster |
| Internal/project code | LB835 |
| Model years covered | 2013–2016 |
| Engine code | L539 |
| Engine type | 60-degree naturally aspirated V12 |
| Displacement | 6,498 cc |
| Power | 700 hp at 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 690 Nm at 5,500 rpm |
| Fuel system | Multi-point injection |
| Transmission | 7-speed ISR automated manual |
| Drivetrain | Permanent all-wheel drive |
| Body structure | Carbon-fiber monocoque with aluminum front and rear frames |
| Suspension | Pushrod layout with horizontal spring and damper units |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic discs with multi-piston calipers |
| Front tires | 255/35 ZR19 |
| Rear tires | 335/30 ZR20 |
The engine is the center of the car’s appeal. Unlike turbocharged rivals, the L539 builds power through revs and throttle opening rather than boost pressure. The result is sharp response, a hard metallic climb through the rev range, and the kind of high-rpm V12 character that has become more valuable as the supercar market moves toward turbocharging and hybrid systems.
The gearbox is Lamborghini’s ISR unit, short for Independent Shifting Rod. It is a robotized single-clutch automated manual, not a dual-clutch transmission. That difference matters. At low speeds, it can feel abrupt. During hard driving, especially in the sportier modes, it delivers a physical, forceful shift that suits the car’s aggressive character.
The all-wheel-drive system gives the Aventador the traction needed to use 700 hp without becoming a nervous rear-drive handful. It also shapes the way the Roadster exits corners. It can put power down early, but the car still feels wide, heavy, and serious. It rewards deliberate inputs more than casual driving.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | About 3.0 seconds |
| Top speed | About 350 km/h / 217 mph |
| Dry weight | About 1,625 kg |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm |
| Length | 4,780 mm |
| Width | 2,030 mm, excluding mirrors |
| Height | About 1,136 mm |
| Fuel tank | About 90 liters / 23.8 gallons |
The Roadster’s added structure makes it heavier than the coupe, but the difference is modest for an open-top supercar with removable hard panels. The carbon tub does much of the work, while added reinforcement around the sills, pillars, and rear structure helps preserve stiffness.
Production Versions and Factory Identification
The LP 700-4 Roadster was a regular production Aventador, not a numbered limited edition, but specification matters heavily to value. Color, interior trim, carbon packages, wheels, brake condition, original documents, and factory personalization can make two similar-mileage cars feel very different to buyers.
The base LP 700-4 Roadster should be separated from later and related Aventador models. The most common confusion points are the LP 720-4 50th Anniversario Roadster, the LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition, the LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster, and the later Aventador S Roadster. All are related, but they are not the same car.
| Version | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| LP 700-4 Roadster | The standard early open-top Aventador with the 700 hp L539 V12. |
| LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition | Special series with Pirelli-themed exterior and interior details, offered as coupe and Roadster. |
| LP 720-4 50th Anniversario Roadster | 50th anniversary special model with more power, unique aero, and numbered production. |
| LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster | Lighter, sharper, higher-output SV version; far more collectible and priced differently. |
| Aventador S Roadster | Later update with 740 hp, revised styling, rear-wheel steering, and altered chassis behavior. |
For identification, start with the VIN, factory build records, and original selling dealer paperwork. The badge alone is not enough because Aventadors are often modified with aftermarket carbon parts, later wheels, wraps, exhaust systems, and cosmetic conversions. A car advertised as a special edition should have factory documentation proving that specification.
Factory options and personalization can add appeal. Commonly desirable items include:
- front axle lift system
- transparent engine cover or carbon engine-bay trim
- forged wheels such as Dione-style wheels, depending on market and year
- exterior carbon-fiber packages
- interior carbon trim
- contrast stitching and special leather or Alcantara combinations
- rear-view camera and parking sensors
- upgraded audio
- Ad Personam paint or interior work
- original roof-panel bags and accessories
The removable roof panels are a key authenticity point. They should fit correctly, store properly, and match the car’s original finish. Missing roof storage bags, damaged latches, chipped edges, or poor panel alignment can become expensive annoyances.
Documentation should include the original books, service invoices, recall completion records, battery maintainer, tool kit, roof-panel storage equipment, and any factory correspondence for Ad Personam cars. For a low-mileage collector example, missing small items matter more than they would on an ordinary used car.
Carbon Roof, Design, and Aventador Engineering
The Roadster’s biggest engineering trick is that it feels like a true Aventador, not a compromised convertible. The carbon monocoque, removable hard panels, rear structure, and low scuttle let Lamborghini keep the coupe’s visual drama while adding open-air sound and spectacle.
The exterior design came from Lamborghini’s sharp-edged design language of the period. It uses a low nose, triangular surfacing, deep side intakes, Y-shaped lighting themes, and scissor doors to make the car look wider and lower than almost anything around it. Even parked, it has the stance of a concept car.
The roof is not a power-folding soft top. It uses two removable carbon-fiber panels that can be stored in the front luggage compartment. This has tradeoffs. Removing and storing the panels takes more effort than pressing a button, and cargo space is nearly gone when they are stowed. The benefit is a cleaner shape, lower weight, and a more solid roof structure when installed.
The engine cover and rear deck are specific to the Roadster. Lamborghini had to manage heat extraction, airflow, roof storage, and rollover protection while still keeping the V12 visible and the rear profile dramatic. The result is one of the most recognizable Aventador body styles.
The cockpit is pure early-2010s Lamborghini. The driving position is low, the windshield is shallow, and the center console rises high between the seats. The starter button sits under a red flip cover, adding theatre before the engine even starts. Visibility is acceptable forward, limited to the rear, and poor over the rear quarters. Cameras and sensors are more than convenience items on this car; they help protect expensive bodywork.
The sound is central to the experience. With the roof removed, intake noise, exhaust note, gearshift thump, and mechanical vibration reach the cabin more directly. Factory exhaust cars are already dramatic. Aftermarket exhausts can sound spectacular, but buyers should treat them carefully because they may affect emissions compliance, heat exposure, warranty history, and recall-related fuel-vapor risk.
How the Roadster Drives
The LP 700-4 Roadster drives like a large, dramatic, naturally aspirated V12 supercar rather than a small precision tool. It is brutally fast, stable at speed, and deeply emotional, but it demands respect because of its width, visibility limits, gearbox behavior, and running costs.
At low speed, the Aventador feels wide and valuable. The nose is low, the rear haunches are broad, and tight city streets require care. The front lift system is a major practical advantage for driveways, ramps, and speed bumps, but it does not make the car stress-free. Owners still need to approach angles carefully and watch for front splitter damage.
The V12 is flexible enough for normal driving, but it comes alive with revs. Below the upper range, it has strong torque and a clean throttle response. Higher up, it becomes sharper, louder, and more urgent. The power delivery is one of the main reasons buyers still seek these cars. It feels mechanical and direct in a way that many newer turbocharged supercars do not.
The ISR gearbox defines much of the character. In automatic mode, it can feel clunky compared with a modern dual-clutch transmission. In manual mode, with the driver lifting slightly or committing fully depending on mode and speed, it makes more sense. The shifts are not invisible. They are part of the event. Some buyers love this; others find it crude. A test drive is essential.
Steering is direct and weighty enough to remind the driver that the car has serious front tire width and all-wheel-drive hardware. It does not have the delicacy of a smaller mid-engine sports car, but it has strong high-speed confidence. The car prefers smooth inputs. Rushing it on a narrow road can make it feel bigger than expected.
The carbon-ceramic brakes are powerful and durable when healthy. They can feel firm when cold and expensive when worn or damaged. Track use, careless washing, stone chips, and incorrect handling can all affect the discs. A pre-purchase inspection should measure condition rather than relying on visual guesswork.
Ride quality is firm but not unbearable for an exotic. The carbon tub gives a solid base, and the Roadster is usable for weekend trips if the driver accepts cabin noise, limited luggage space, low ground clearance, and attention everywhere. With the roof off, wind management is good for the type of car, but conversation and long-distance comfort still depend on speed and tolerance.
On track, the Aventador is fast but not cheap to run. Tires, brakes, fluids, and heat management become serious costs. It is happier as a road-focused V12 flagship than as a regular track-day tool, especially in Roadster form.
Maintenance, Weak Points, and Ownership Risks
The Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is durable for what it is, but it is not low-risk or low-cost. The right car has specialist maintenance, completed recalls, healthy carbon-ceramic brakes, good tires, clean electronics, and no hidden accident or modification story.
The L539 V12 itself has a strong reputation when serviced correctly, warmed properly, and kept close to factory specification. The bigger ownership risks often sit around the engine: cooling, exhaust heat, sensors, EVAP components, gearbox operation, clutch wear, suspension lift hardware, electrical modules, and carbon body repairs.
Important maintenance and inspection areas include:
- Annual servicing: Fluids, filters, inspection, software checks, and diagnostic scans should be done by a Lamborghini dealer or qualified specialist.
- Clutch condition: The ISR gearbox uses a clutch that wears with traffic use, poor driving habits, and repeated low-speed maneuvering. A diagnostic clutch reading is essential.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes: Check disc condition, pad life, chipping, heat damage, and replacement cost before purchase.
- Tires: Old tires are a major safety issue even with good tread. Confirm age, correct sizes, and matched specification.
- Front lift system: Test operation repeatedly and inspect for leaks or slow lifting.
- Cooling system: Look for leaks, fan faults, damaged radiators, and debris in front intakes.
- Battery health: Weak batteries can trigger strange electrical faults. A maintainer should be used when stored.
- Roof panels: Check latches, seals, alignment, storage bags, edge damage, and wind noise.
- Exhaust modifications: Confirm legality, heat shielding, ECU changes, and whether original parts are included.
Recalls and campaigns matter. Early Aventador models were affected by safety campaigns related to the EVAP fuel-vapor system, and other Aventador recalls may apply depending on VIN, market, year, and configuration. A buyer should verify recall completion by VIN with Lamborghini or the relevant safety authority, not by model-year assumptions.
Accident damage is a major value risk. Carbon monocoque cars require specialist repair knowledge, and even cosmetic damage can become costly when carbon panels, paint blending, sensors, brackets, and alignment are involved. A clean history report is useful, but it is not enough. Inspect the underside, jacking points, front splitter, rear diffuser, wheels, suspension pickup areas, and paint thickness.
Avoid cars with unclear service history, heavy aftermarket wiring, missing factory parts, non-documented tunes, cheap cosmetic conversions, or inconsistent mileage records. A bargain Aventador can become the most expensive car in the market once deferred maintenance, clutch work, brake replacement, tires, and paint correction are added.
Market Values and Buyer Checklist
The LP 700-4 Roadster sits in the collectible modern-exotic market as the original open Aventador, below the SV and SVJ but usually above comparable early coupes. Strong examples tend to be low-mileage, factory-correct, highly optioned, and documented, while modified or neglected cars trade with a meaningful risk discount.
As of the recent market, many LP 700-4 Roadsters sit broadly in the mid-$300,000 to mid-$400,000 range in the U.S., with exceptional color, mileage, and specification pushing higher. European asking prices often cluster around the low- to high-€300,000 range, depending on VAT status, mileage, color, and service history. Auction results can vary widely because a single color, mileage reading, or maintenance story can change the bidder pool.
Value is driven by:
- original paint and factory specification
- low but believable mileage
- clean title and clean accident history
- complete Lamborghini service records
- completed recalls and campaigns
- desirable exterior colors such as orange, green, yellow, white, black, and special-order finishes
- carbon exterior and interior options
- front lift, camera, and useful driver equipment
- original exhaust and included factory parts if modified
- complete roof accessories, books, keys, tools, and battery tender
- condition of tires, clutch, brakes, wheels, and front splitter
A good buyer inspection should be specific to the Aventador, not a generic exotic-car walkaround.
| Area | What to verify |
|---|---|
| VIN and build | Confirm model, market, factory options, color, and special-edition claims. |
| Service history | Look for annual records, dealer or specialist invoices, and no unexplained gaps. |
| Diagnostics | Read fault codes, clutch data, module status, and campaign completion. |
| Body and chassis | Inspect carbon structure, panel fit, paintwork, underside, and previous repair evidence. |
| Brakes and tires | Confirm carbon-ceramic disc health, pad life, tire age, and correct tire specification. |
| Roof system | Check panel fit, seals, latches, storage equipment, and water or wind-noise issues. |
| Modifications | Identify exhaust, tune, wheels, suspension, lighting, wrap, and wiring changes. |
| Road test | Assess gearbox behavior, lift system, steering, braking, cooling, and warning lights. |
The best examples to seek are factory-correct cars with strong colors, clean documents, careful ownership, and no stories. A higher-mileage car can still be a good buy if it has excellent service records and healthy consumables. A very low-mileage car is not automatically better if it has old tires, a weak battery, neglected fluids, sticky controls, or long storage gaps.
The cars to avoid are those with vague “recent service” claims, missing roof equipment, heavily modified exhausts without original parts, unclear clutch readings, brake wear that the seller cannot quantify, and any sign of poorly repaired accident damage. On an Aventador, small doubts can become large invoices.
Long term, the LP 700-4 Roadster has a strong case. It is the original open version of Lamborghini’s carbon-tub V12 flagship, it uses a naturally aspirated non-hybrid V12, and it delivers a rawer experience than later models. It may not appreciate like the SV or SVJ, but the right Roadster should remain desirable because it represents a clear moment in Lamborghini history: the first Aventador Roadster, before the platform became smoother, more complex, and eventually electrified.
References
- Aventador No. 10,000: a new production record 2020 (Manufacturer History)
- The ultimate open−air experience: Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700−4 Roadster 2013 (Manufacturer Press Release)
- Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition – Pictures, Videos 2014 (Manufacturer History)
- Part 573 Safety Recall Report 17V-073 2017 (Recall Database)
- 2019 Fuel Economy Guide 2019 (Official Fuel Economy Data)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, repair, appraisal, or inspection. Specifications, torque values, service intervals, recall status, repair procedures, and parts requirements can vary by VIN, market, equipment, and production date. Always verify details against official Lamborghini service documentation and have any Aventador inspected by a qualified Lamborghini dealer or specialist before purchase or repair.
If you found this guide useful, please share it on Facebook, X/Twitter, or your preferred enthusiast community to support our work.