Lamborghini has unveiled its new Centenario Roadster at the Monterey Car Week in California.

Essentially an open-top version of the Centenario, which was built to celebrate Lamborghini’s 100th birthday, just 20 examples of the Roadster will be produced.

Despite the £1.7 million pre-tax asking price, all 20 vehicles have been sold.

Like its hard-top counterpart, the Roadster gets a naturally aspirated V12 engine with 759bhp and a carbon-fibre monocoque construction, permitting a top speed of more than 217mph.

It is also bestowed with rear-wheel steering and a clever touchscreen infotainment system with internet access and on-board telemetry.

Even so, its lightweight construction allows a dry weight of just 1.57 tonnes – a mere 50kg heavier than the hard-top – and a power-to-weight ratio of just over 2kg per metric horsepower.

Lamborghini’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, said: “Lamborghini prides itself on the relentless pursuit of experimentation. We are proud to unleash Centenario’s further potential in the form of a classic roadster; the perfect harmony between innovation and timeless design.

“This unique engineering achievement is a befitting tribute to Lamborghini’s extraordinary past and a preview of its brilliant future.

“Centenario Roadster embraces the cutting-edge characteristics of its coupe sibling and embraces the freedom of a true open-top super-sports car for a pure drive experience.”