Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer known for his larger-than-life personality and imposing 7’1″ stature, once owned a truly one-of-a-kind supercar: a stretched Lamborghini Gallardo. This custom-built Italian exotic was designed to accommodate Shaq’s unique size while still maintaining the sleek lines and high-performance capabilities of a Lamborghini.
Why Shaq Needed a Stretched Gallardo?
As a car enthusiast with a net worth of over $400 million, Shaq had the means to purchase virtually any vehicle he desired. However, his towering height and 300-pound frame made it nearly impossible for him to comfortably fit inside most exotic sports cars, including the Lamborghini Gallardo.
Determined to own a Gallardo that could accommodate his size, Shaq decided to commission a custom-built version of the Italian supercar.
How Shaq’s Gallardo Was Stretched
Image source: Yuwan Thayakaran / X
To create his unique Gallardo, Shaq purchased two cars: a brand-new Gallardo and an older, used model to serve as a donor car. He then enlisted the help of the Gaffoglio family from Argentina, renowned for their expertise in automotive and aerospace metalwork.
The Gaffoglios carefully cut both Gallardos in half and skillfully merged them, resulting in a Gallardo that was 12 inches longer than the standard model. The custom work included extending the doors, roof, and side windows to maintain the car’s visual integrity and ensure that the naked eye could not easily detect the modifications.
While the exact model year of Shaq’s Gallardo is not specified, the custom build was likely based on the first generation of the Gallardo, which was produced from 2003 to 2008. During this period, the Gallardo was available in both coupe and convertible (Spyder) body styles, with various special editions and performance upgrades released throughout its production run.
The Cost of Shaq’s Stretched Gallardo
Creating a custom-stretched Lamborghini Gallardo was no small feat, and it came with a hefty price tag. Shaq reportedly spent over $600,000 on the project, which included the cost of both the brand-new Gallardo and the donor car, as well as the extensive customization work performed by the Gaffoglio family.
The Fate of Shaq’s Custom Gallardo
Despite the significant investment and the car’s unique status, Shaq’s ownership of the stretched Gallardo was relatively short-lived. During a high-speed drive to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Shaq experienced a frightening incident when he spun the car and nearly crashed.
Shaken by the experience, Shaq decided he would never drive the car again. He eventually sold the stretched Gallardo to his then-teammate Amar’e Stoudemire for $120,000, taking a substantial loss on his initial investment.
The Legacy of Shaq’s Stretched Lamborghini Gallardo
Image source: Yuwan Thayakaran / X
While the current whereabouts of Shaq’s custom-built Lamborghini Gallardo are unknown, the car remains a fascinating piece of both automotive and sports history. It serves as a testament to Shaq’s love for exotic cars and his willingness to go to great lengths to enjoy them, despite the challenges posed by his unique physical stature.
The stretched Gallardo also showcases the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the Gaffoglio family, who successfully transformed two Lamborghinis into a single, cohesive supercar that catered to Shaq’s specific needs.
Although Shaq’s ownership of the stretched Gallardo was brief and ended in a financial loss, the car’s story continues to captivate Lamborghini enthusiasts and NBA fans alike, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary measures taken by one of basketball’s most iconic figures to indulge his passion for high-performance automobiles.
