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LOT 122 Azzure Acapulco Metallic
With the magnificent Countach nearing the end of its life by the late 1980s, and fresh funds available with the Chrysler takeover in 1987, Lamborghini accelerated the development of its replacement. Known as the Diablo, after a fighting breed of bull raised by the Duke of Veragua, the new car was initially styled by Marcello Gandini but Chrysler’s designers also had some input much to his chagrin, softening the shape somewhat. Launched to the public at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo on January 21, 1990, the Diablo featured a 48-valve V12 with twin overhead camshafts , larger 5.7 litre capacity and the latest electronic fuel injection to boost power to 492 bhp at 7,000 rpm. Ferrari’s F40 may have raised the bar, but the Diablo hit back with some mightily impressive performance figures – 0-100 km/h took just four seconds and the top speed was in the order of 325 km/h. Chrysler’s influence could also be felt in the cockpit, with better ergonomics, air conditioning that actually worked and easier access. Options were few but included the trademark rear wing, fitted luggage and a Breguet clock. Lamborghini had intended the Diablo to have four-wheel drive right from the outset and developed the VT model with viscous coupling to split power between the front and rear wheels. At the 1992 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled another remarkable Diablo derivative, the Roadster featuring a removable roof panel (that was stored atop the rear deck) and the model entered production at the end of 1995. With the chassis structure suitably strengthened, the Roadster added another dimension to Lamborghini’s flagship and proved a popular choice in warmer climates like California and Florida. This Australian delivered 1997 Diablo VT (one of four examples sold new here) was painted in the striking colour scheme of Azzure Acapulco metallic with cream leather and remains in this configuration today. Fitted with a front lifter, electronically adjustable Koni suspension and 3-stacker in-car CD changer, the Lamborghini was originally delivered to a customer from Queensland but kept in Melbourne. The car was sold to the third and current owner, a private Queensland collector, in March 2002 with 24,600 kilometres on the clock and has now travelled 35,000 kilometres in total. The Diablo is in excellent condition throughout (it was voted Best Lamborghini in Show at the 2005 Noosa Classic Car Show), and comes with full books showing Lamborghini Australia service history, two sets of keys and a history folder. Other than routine maintenance (and having the front lifter system overhauled), the Diablo has needed nothing and is ready for the new owner to climb aboard one the few 200 mph roadsters in the world. Sold without registration.
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