Court Rules Lamborghini Was Not a Gift as Former Couple Clash Over Ownership
A London estate agent who sold a Lamborghini registered in her name following the end of a whirlwind romance has been ordered to pay her former partner over £300,000, after a court ruled the vehicle was never legally hers.
Erin Giumba, 28, met international property investor Ernest Siow, also 28, during a Miami holiday in 2022, sparking a fast-paced relationship. Soon after, she quit her job and embraced a lavish lifestyle, frequently seen partying and driving a £260,000 Lamborghini Urus through the streets of London.
However, the relationship ended in November of the same year, following an emotional dinner at an upscale Mayfair restaurant. Shortly after, Giumba secretly sold the luxury SUV and spent the proceeds on holidays, designer shopping, clubbing, and alcohol.
When Siow later confronted her, she insisted the car had been a personal gift. The court, however, sided with him, concluding that the vehicle was purchased for business purposes and was never intended as a gift.
Court Verdict and Financial Fallout
Judge Nicholas Parfitt ruled that Giumba had no legal right to sell the Lamborghini, ordering her to return the £219,500 she received from the sale, along with accrued interest and Siow’s £60,000 legal fees.
Although Giumba argued that the case was more about Siow’s alleged mistreatment than the vehicle itself, the judge determined that the car was tied to their relationship and primarily used for Siow’s business image.
During the trial, Siow explained that he had chosen the Lamborghini because of its practicality for business meetings, as well as its professional and wealthy appearance. Since he was not a UK resident, the car was registered in Giumba’s name.
Barristers representing Siow accused Giumba of taking advantage of his generosity, alleging that she acted dishonestly by selling the vehicle and cutting off contact afterward. Under cross-examination, Giumba admitted to spending most of the money recklessly, describing that period of her life as “chaotic” and filled with extravagant habits she had grown accustomed to during their relationship.
Legal Distinction Between Ownership and Registration
The court determined that while Giumba was the registered keeper of the Lamborghini, this did not equate to ownership. Judge Parfitt noted that the manner in which she handled the sale—without informing Siow—indicated an awareness that the car had never truly belonged to her.
Despite the ruling, Giumba stated that she does not have the financial means to repay the amount owed, telling the court: “I don’t have the money… I can’t pay.”