Replacing the outdated Countach in 1990, the Gandini-penned Diablo took the world by storm. Hot on the heels of Ferrari and Porsche, the Diablo was Lamborghini’s first car capable of the mythical 200mph.
Whereas today the SV derivative is regarded as the highest specification, the 1995 ‘SV’ reintroduced the name from the Miura and was competitively priced as the entry level model in the range.
The VT on the other hand sat atop the lineup. Introduced in 1993, the VT was most notably different with the addition of its all-wheel drive setup. ‘VT’, standing for Viscous Traction could direct up to 25% of the torque to the front wheels to aid traction during rear-wheel slip. The difference was significant and greatly improved the handling characteristics of the car.
The VT saw further updates over the standard Diablo. Brake effectiveness was improved with new ducting and revised four-piston calipers. Power steering was introduced on the VT as well as larger side intakes; ergonomic improvements saw deeper and wider seats, revised dampers and a lighter clutch.
This example was supplied new in March 1995 to Portman Lamborghini of London in the lesser seen Midnight Bleu Metallic over light grey. Serving as a demonstrator for the first three months of 1995, the Diablo would find its first home in 1996 in Newcastle. Purchased by then owner of Newcastle United F.C, Douglas Hall, the Diablo would be stored as a part of Hall’s significant collection with JCT600 of Newcastle. The dealership were responsible for many bespoke imports on behalf of Hall, including a Koenig Specials Ferrari F48.
UK supplied Diablo’s received a dual-readout speedometer in both kmh and mph with the odometer recording mileage covered in the former, kilometres.
Hall sold the car in 1996 and it would remain with its second keeper, Mr Robson until 2002. The Diablo changed hands, remaining local and was re-registered with its first private registration mark ‘5 PRY’. The VT would remain in the north-east of the UK until 2015 passing through a series of collectors, each one documented in the thorough history records.
In 2015, the Diablo moved further south joining a prominent collection of cars and having covered just 14,900 miles by this time. The owner would retain the car for 6 years covering a mere 600 miles in during this period.
Purchased by the current keeper in 2020, the car was placed into storage with DK Engineering. A stickler for the details, despite a mileage of just 14,998 miles, the Diablo was sent to Topaz Detailing who embarked on a cosmetic restoration of the car.
Today this Diablo presents superbly, with known ownership and thorough service history from new. Available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately, this 15,400 mile UK-supplied Diablo VT is accompanied by its original book pack including service book and will be serviced as part of sale.
