Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, 1998
Lamborghini Diablo
Lamborghini Diablo•
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Chassis No.: ZA9RU31B3WLA12866
Auction: Monterey 2022
Auction date: August 20, 2022
Lot No.: S113
$330,000 | Sold
- Exterior: Rosso Red
- Interior: Snowcorn
- 26,412 miles; metric odometer reads 42,506 kilometers
- 5.7L/523 HP V-12 engine
- All-wheel drive
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Factory front lift suspension
- Finished in Rosso Red with Snowcorn interior with Red piping
- Chrome factory 18 inch 5-spoke wheels
- 1 of less than 200 were imported into the U.S.
- Recent service documented including comprehensive fluids and filter changes
- Custom floor mats
- New battery
- Car cover included
- Two tool kits and pouches
- Must be sold to an out of state resident or licensed dealer.
Development for the successor of the infinitely popular Lamborghini Countach began in 1985 with Project 132, a concept that would go into production as the Diablo. The new car had a multitude of expectations upon it, one being that it was capable of at least 196 MPH. Other demands included the ability to stand in traffic without overheating, an air conditioning system that worked very well, improved fit and finish, enhanced electricals and a bevy of amenities that would create a car that was not only blisteringly fast, but comfortable and luxurious. Marcello Gandini was contracted to pen the design, a natural fit as he shaped both the Countach and the Miura.
At the time, the company was financed by Swiss-based investment leaders Jean Claude and Patrick Mimran, but by 1987, Chrysler became the major shareholder of Lamborghini and elected to bring the design of the Diablo to Detroit for further refinement. This infuriated Gandini, who took the original Project 132 design for the Cizeta-Morodor V16T. While many cringed at Chrysler breaking away from the radically chiseled-edge styling, some said the Diablo brought a fascinating blend of both Countach and Miura design cues while giving it a unique shape all its own.
This 1998 Diablo Roadster VT is spectacularly desirable for a number of reasons, including the all-wheel drive chassis and roadster body. This is largely one of the reasons less than 200 were imported into the United States. Positioned behind the passenger compartment is a 5.7L/523 HP V-12 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission using a viscous center differential to drive all four wheels, which made it one of the best-handling Lamborghinis ever built. Recent service documents show the car has had a comprehensive fluid and filter exchange, and the car has received a new battery.
Having covered just over 42,500 kilometers and finished in Rosso Red, it is fitted with the factory front-lift suspension and chrome, factory, 18-inch, 5-spoke wheels, a rear spoiler. The interior is upholstered in Snowcorn with Red piping, and custom floor mats cover the carpets. To be sold with two tool kits with pouches, this 1998 Diablo VT also comes with a car cover.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/520620/1998-lamborghini-diablo-vt-roadster/
