It was simply a matter of time before the unexplainable NFT (non-fungible token) phenomenon hit the automotive world. In fact, it already has in some ways – Barrett-Jackson’s been going full steam ahead with NFTs at their auctions – but this is a bit different. Most importantly, this particular set of NFTs is coming direct from the manufacturer – Lamborghini.
Will owning one of these mean you get to drive a Countach or a Diablo? Not at all! But you do get something unique compared to other NFTs. Lamborghini has physical items that are tied to the NFTs. Or maybe it’s the other way around? That makes more sense.
Each of the Space Keys – and there will only be five of them – contains carbon fiber that was actually in space, on the International Space Station and was subsequently returned to Lamborghini. So these might be coolest paperweights ever? You know what, let’s go with yes!
The Lamborghini Space Key is being developed with an undisclosed artist and contains a piece of advanced carbon fiber composite material that Lamborghini sent to the ISS in 2019. Each of the five Space Keys will be linked with “and exclusive and purely digital artwork” via the QR code on the back of the carbon fiber.
“Innovation is a deeply rooted part of the Lamborghini DNA,” explains Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As a leading company for carbon fiber composite materials within the automotive sector we pushed boundaries two and a half years ago with the joint research project in space. Now entering the metaverse is again proof of Lamborghini always setting sail for new horizons. The NFT world has been calling to us, and we are excited about engaging with this very passionate and innovative community.”
The Lamborghini Space Keys will be auctioned sometime soon – although we have yet to hear of a date for that auction but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we do – and we honestly don’t know what these will cost. On one hand the buyers get a Lamborghini sculpture that contains carbon fiber that has literally been to space and back. On the other hand, Lamborghini is really playing up the NFT angle and there simply isn’t enough market history on NFTs to know if these will end up being smart investments, or if the sculpture is the main thing a future buyer will care about.
Only time will tell what the value of the Lamborghini Space Keys and their NFTs will be in several years and we will keep a close eye on this.