Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster 1999, Itália

Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster 1999, Itália
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Introduced in 1990 as the successor to the legendary Countach, the Lamborghini Diablo was the company’s signature 1990s model, enjoying eleven years of production through fifteen different iterations. The Diablo’s arresting aluminium coachwork was penned by the celebrated Marcelo Gandini and refined by parent company Chrysler, which had acquired Lamborghini in 1987.

The Diablo continued to employ the Countach’s groundbreaking mid/rear engine layout, utilizing a development of the prior model’s aluminium V-12, which now displaced 5.7 litres and developed 485 bhp. With a top speed of 205 mph, the Diablo joined a very select group of supercars capable of top speeds over 200 mph.

In 1992 Lamborghini laid the groundwork for an open variant with a one-off spider shown at the Geneva Salon. The idea temporarily remained a design experiment as the company prioritized power-train refinement, which most notably took shape with the appearance of the Diablo VT in 1993. Standing for viscous traction, the VT employed a version of the LM002 SUV’s all-wheel-drive system to provide superior traction and acceleration.

At the 1995 Geneva Salon, Lamborghini finally combined the two ideas, introducing a production roadster built on the VT platform. The Diablo VT roadster featured an electronically retractable soft top, as well as a revised front bumper and headlamps and new, larger wheels.

Following the company’s acquisition by the VW Group three years later, the Diablo underwent a mild restyling for the 1999 model year, and power was increased to 530 bhp through the use of variable valve timing, while anti-lock brakes were integrated for the first time in a Lamborghini. Ultimately capable of reaching 208 mph, the second-generation 1999 Diablo VT roadster was built in a modest quantity of approximately 100 examples, bringing total roadster production to approximately 300 cars.

Finished in Arancio paint and upholstered with black leather with orange stitching, this beautiful Diablo VT roadster presents beautifully throughout. It was delivered new to Talal Bin Qais Al-Zawawi of Oman in September of 1999. More recently, the car has been fastidiously maintained by the consignor, a collector based in Dubai. Several invoices from Lamborghini Dubai are on file, noting a major service with the odometer showing 17,456 km in November of 2015. Further invoices show new tyres fitted in October 2017 and the rear bumper being repainted in April 2019. The car is also accompanied by its original manuals, including its original service book.

This magnificent and rare second-generation roadster offers a sensational complement to any supercar collection, ideal for consummate Lamborghini enthusiasts worldwide.