The Diablo was presented to the public for sale on January 21st 1990. Its power came from a 5.7 litre, 48-valve version of the existing Lamborghini V12 featuring dual overhead cams and computer-controlled, multi-point fuel injection, producing a maximum output of 492bhp and 428 lb/ft of torque. It could reach 62mph in about 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 202mph. The Diablo was rear-wheel drive initially and the engine was mid-mounted to aid its weight balance. The Diablo came better equipped than the Countach and had standard features including fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric windows, an Alpine stereo system and power steering from 1993 onwards. Anti-lock brakes were not initially available although they would eventually be used. A few options were available, including a custom-moulded driver's seat, remote CD changer and subwoofer, rear spoiler, factory fitted luggage set and an exclusive Breguet clock for the dash. Carrying on Lamborghini's tradition of naming its cars after breeds of fighting bull, the Diablo was named after a ferocious bull raised by the Duke of Veragua in the 19th century, famous for fighting an epic battle with 'El Chicorro' in Madrid on July 11, 1869. In the words of Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, the Diablo was designed 'solely to be the biggest head-turner in the world.'

This exceedingly rare right hand drive VT (four wheel drive) example is beautifully presented in Rosso Diablo and was originally ordered in London, but the UK agent changed, so the car was collected from the factory by the original owner who kept the car until 2017. This example was specified with active suspension, Kevlar seats and optional rear wing, which our vendor had professionally removed in 2018 as he much preferred the lines of the car without the interruption of a rear wing.

Our vendor has professionally stored the car during his tenure but in 2018 treated it to a fairly major service at Autofficina, the total invoice coming to £23,748. The work consisted of changing all fluids, removal of the engine and gearbox, refreshed flywheel and clutch and a renewed rear main seal, valve clearances, reset timing chain, cam cover gaskets, injectors serviced, all new belts, removal of catalytic converters, and much more, virtually a whole underside restoration of all perishables and more. More recently, in May 2025, the car was entrusted to Grimaldi Engineering to prepare it for sale. A major service was again carried out and the car is now absolutely ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian safe in the knowledge that the current owner has left virtually no stone unturned. These cars are especially rare in the UK and prices have really began to rise globally as the allure of an analogue V12 supercar grows and grows. Supplied to auction with a V5C registration document, invoices detailing the thorough works undertaken and an MoT test certificate valid until June 2026. For any interested parties who would like to see copies of the recent invoices mentioned above, please contact us directly. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1994
Make: Lamborghini
Model: Diablo VT
Registration: L975 SGW
Chassis No: ZA9DE07A0RLA12195
Odometer: 8,513

* Rare right hand drive example
* Fresh from a major service at Grimaldi Engineering
* Just two owners from new, the first until 2017
* Exceptional collector quality example