1998 Lamborghini Diablo

The Lamborghini Diablo was in production from 1990 until 2001. Styled by Marcello Gandini, it is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive coupe seating two adults.

The project to replace the Countach had begun in 1985, and Marcello Gandini had once again been commissioned to style the new car. However, it was Chrysler corporate money that funded the majority of the work after 1987, and Chrysler didn’t like Gandini’s angular design. It submitted its own modification of the shape to Lamborghini – the softer shape incensed Gandini so much he subsequently re-sold his original plans to create what became the Cizeta-Moroder V16T. It used – initially – a 5.7 litre version of the V12 from the Countach, with four valves per cylinder and fuel injection. Subsequent models would grow to 6.0. In addition to the base model, 1993 saw the launch of the all wheel drive Diablo VT, and the 30th anniversary special SE30. In 1995 Lamborghini introduced the SV – a rear wheel drive Diablo with increased power using the name last seen on the Miura SV – and a race-focused SV-R followed for 1996. Finally, a Roadster open Diablo was created, based on the VT model. In 1999 the Diablo was facelifted, with fixed headlamps and a reduced range – only the SV and VT models were offered, plus the Roadster. There was also the 6.0 GT, a new model as part of the facelift, focused on track use. A detuned variant of the GT engine would subsequently be offered in VT models. Lamborghini replaced the Diablo with the Murcielago in 2001, the first Lamborghini to be developed with Volkswagen money. .

Period tests report that the abiding memory of driving a Diablo is its noise – loud at all speeds, though obviously louder when being driven hard. Round town they’re not pleasant, with heavy controls, excessive length and width, and poor visibility. Cars like this really need a good sweeping A road or – ideally – a track, to get the best from them. The fortunate few who buy them shouldn’t find the logistics of this too difficult.

Check the panel gaps for any signs of damage in the past, as cars like this are severely compromised if everything is any less than perfectly aligned. It’s also worth checking for a full specialist or dealer service history, and walking away from any examples which can’t offer this. Clutches can be a weak link if the car hasn’t been driven skilfully. The beauty of a car like the Diablo is that with a small market and small pool of owners, it’s inevitable that whether you buy privately or from a dealer you’ll encounter a previous owner along the way who can advise on how the car has been treated. Most amusing to drive are the 6.0 cars and the rear wheel drive SV, though the SE30, SV-R and GT are the most valuable on the collector market. Best value would be an early 5.7 Diablo base, which will still be more than entertaining enough for the average owner.

Lamborghini Diablo customers are very firmly in the supercar league, and little else will do. The chances are that if you want to buy one, a mere Ferrari won’t do, and something like a Jaguar XJ220 will be seen as being in a different league. There are, realistically, few choices for a would-be Diablo owner that don’t wear a raging bull themselves. The earlier Countach or subsequent Murcielago are both viable alternatives depending upon the Diablo in question, while even the smaller Jalpa and Gallardo models can offer a thrill to someone newer to the world of supercars. The best budget alternative is certainly the Lotus Esprit V8, though realistically a customer of one is unlikely to be in a position where the other makes sense as an alternative. Away from cars, a Diablo owner might consider a helicopter or a yacht as an equally good means of spending money on leisure transport.