Ultimate mobile billboard
Gray, CEO of Empire, which searches, negotiates and renovates properties on behalf of time-poor professionals, uses his own Lamborghini Murcielago roadster as a rolling billboard for his business.
The Financial Judge on the Network Ten program 'The Renovators,' a columnist with a number of News Ltd papers, and host of his own program (Sky Business News Channel's 'Your Property Empire') described the 2005 model Murcielago as more than just an eye-catching billboard: it was also the realisation of a longstanding dream.
"It had been a dream since my twenties to own [a Lamborghini], but I could never afford it and even when I could I was hesitant. Most people claim that Lamborghinis are unreliable and impractical," Gray explained.
"I had set myself a goal of buying myself one by age 40, but ended up buying it at 41, the lease on my Ferrari 260 was coming to an end, so I started looking around and then the perfect one came up - an orange convertible.
The car was bought sight unseen in Melbourne, which sounds risky, but Gray did have a friend in the southern city give it a look over and the thumbs up before he committed to purchasing the 580hp 6.2-litre V12-powered beast.
So, why the signage? It makes good business sense, as Gray explained.
"I like my cars to pay for themselves, so I put my company logo on the car straight away," Gray said "I've instantly been rewarded: It costs tens of thousands of dollars to pay for an inner city billboard space, whereas this is an even bigger standout and gets me to work and back at the same time. I must get about 50 pictures/videos taken of it a day from tourists, car fanatics and generally anyone that likes something a bit different - it's becoming quite viral!"
Gray doesn't just use the Lambo for commuting, though. The $250K car has been punted around Sydney Motorsport Park, with Gray achieving 200+kph down the main straight without the big V12 even breaking a sweat.
Showing the same sort of nous that has seen him excel in the property game, Gray had no qualms about purchasing a Lamborghini with a few years under its bonnet.
"Buying these cars is more affordable than many people think, especially when you buy one a few years old and it's almost fully depreciated.
"At 2013 this is already down $500k and so after 3-4 years I still expect it to be worth around $150k+, that's similar if not less depreciation than a brand new BWM or Mercedes.
"Many people say that you can't drive it every day but I do, and five months later it's still going well with no major bills. If you love what you do, you can make anything work!"
Further information of Chris Gray and Empire can be found at www.yourempire.com.au
