Lot 152: 1995 Lamborghini Diablo VT Coupe

1995 Lamborghini Diablo VTRegistration Number: TBC Chassis Number: ZA9DEO7SLA123In June 1985 Automobile Lamborghini decided it was time to start thinking about a replacement for its legendary Countach. It would take the Lamborghini development team another five years to complete the new super car, the Diablo. Presented to the public on January 21st 1990 at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo during the second Lamborghini Day (the first was held to celebrate the company's anniversary in 1988), its name (meaning devil) taken from a ferocious bull raised by the Duke of Veragua in the 19th century. This animal fought an epic battle with 'El Chicorro' in Madrid on July 11th 1869, thereafter becoming legendary, and its history and reputation were deemed aggressive enough for its name to be used for a Lamborghini. The main directive for the Diablo was simple: its top speed had to be at least 195mph, and so work began on the successor of the Countach. For the design of the bodywork, Lamborghini chose Marcello Gandini who had already penned the Miura and Countach. His initial design, however, was altered, firstly under his own directions and secondly by the Chrysler Styling Centre in Detroit. Chrysler owned Automobile Lamborghini from 1987 onwards, purchasing the company right in the middle of the development of project 132. It changed the design to something more human and more practical, but also less violent and aggressive. Overall, though, the lines still looked close enough to have Marcello Gandini put his autograph on the side of the car. Still a true Lamborghini, the Diablo was low, wide and extremely fast. Its top speed was quoted as 203mph - and 0-60mph acceleration in just 4.0 seconds -but on the Nardo test track Sandro Munari managed to reach 211mph. To achieve such speeds, the Diablo was powered by a modified V12 engine, still with four valves per cylinder but now with a displacement of 5.7 litres and a multi-point fuel injection system developed by Lamborghini with the assistance of Weber and Marelli; it was mated to a five speed ZF gearbox. The engine now pumped out a healthy 492bhp, once again placing this new Lamborghini at the top of the supercar market (if one doesn't count the limited edition Bugatti and Jaguar XJ220). A rear bumper with integrated spoiler kept the engine compartment cool by extracting the hot air while a big rear wing could still be ordered as a $4,500 option. The massive 17in wide wheels, shod with huge Pirelli P Zero tyres, were of a new design that somewhat resembled those on the first Countach LP400S but now they were multi-piece aluminium OZ items. On the new Diablo, much use was made of composites and a high-strength alloy was used for the passenger cell, and while the body of the Diablo still used aluminium alloy in most parts, the front and rear sections were made of composites, as were the engine cover and the front of the exterior mirrors. The interior was also completely redesigned by the Chrysler Design Centre. Seats were again fully adjustable and could even be ordered in different sizes according to customer preference. Inside, one also found the best hand-stitched Italian leather, as well as a high power Alpine stereo system with either a cassette or compact disc player. Factory options included the rear wing, fitted luggage ($2,600) and an exclusive Breguet clock ($10,500). Owners started taking delivery of this ultimate Lamborghini in June 1990, exactly five years after the start of the project, and the Diablo sold well, reflecting enthusiastic road test reports throughout the world. This beautiful example is a British supplied Diablo VT (VT denoting four wheel drive) finished in Titanium Silver with full black leather seats and trim piped in red. With four owners since new and just 15,500 miles recorded, this fantastic example is in almost new condition; indeed, it has been used as a display vehicle at supercar shows and other major events. It comes with the optional rear wing and front adjustable suspension, plus all tools, instruction manuals, a full service history, V5 registration document and a road fund licence and MoT test certificate valid for 11 months. Arguably, this Diablo is one of the finest available today.Estimate£55,000-£70,000