Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 (2001)

The Lamborghini Diablo's 11-year story starts on the 21st of January 1990 as the replacement for the Countach. Marcello Gandini's design language of a wedge shape and cabin-forward design carried over to the Diablo, but it was considerably refined and made less angular, both in the pursuit of aerodynamic performance and to increase its appeal to a wider audience.

Power was sent rearward from a 5.7-litre, fuel-injected version of the evergreen Giotto Bizzarrini V12 engine, capable of 485 horsepower and a top speed just over 200 mph. This latest Lamborghini also introduced creature comforts such as power windows and mirrors—though the steering remained unassisted (for the early cars), and an air-conditioning system was optional (until 1997).

At the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled the Diablo VT (standing for “Viscous Traction”) with the 5.7-litre V12, an all-wheel drive variant with cosmetic and mechanical improvements, which altogether greatly improved its high-speed tractability over the base model. Looking to increase driver and passenger comfort, upgrades included a lighter clutch, slightly bigger seats, a restyled dashboard, and an improved air-conditioning system.

Intakes were added to the VT’s front fascia near the driving lights, to assist in cooling the new four-piston Brembo brakes. The driving lights themselves were also increased in number and output to aid visibility. Power steering now helped to make the car easier to control, along with an active suspension with electronically adjustable dampers.

Fast forward to 1998, the Volkswagen Group was under rapid expansion, and as a result, Audi AG signed a deal to purchase Lamborghini on the 13th of June 1998 from some highly well-connected Indonesian and Malaysian investors who were the owners at the time. This decision was largely dictated by Audi realising that instead of continuing a costly project with the Italian marque, they would simply absorb them instead for the sum of an estimated $110 million.

Promptly, the new Audi bosses instructed the current chief designer, Luc Donckerwolke, to drastically redesign the Diablo to more modern standards. The result was the very first Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory under Audi ownership and was in the form of a facelifted VT 6.0.

The all-wheel-drive “Viscous Traction” platform was borrowed from the limited production GT model, as was the 6.0-litre V12, with mechanical and electronic revisions, the output was rated at 549 hp and a hugely impressive 457 foot-pounds of torque. The already quick Diablo was now capable of covering the 0 to 62 mph dash in just 3.8 seconds, and on to a storming top speed approaching 210 mph, only being outpaced by a handful of exotics that included the McLaren F1 and Jaguar XJ220.

This example was built to USA specification and delivered new in Grigio Antares over a Nero Perseus leather interior with Grigio inserts; this VT is one of just 260 examples built and was available solely with the open-gated manual gearbox.

Elegantly optioned, this example has been used sparingly from new and kept within large and prominent collections. Keen servicing from renowned marque specialists are thoroughly documented on the clean CARFAX report that accompanies the car. From 2006 the report details near on annual mileage statements with fewer than 500 miles covered each year.

Fewer than 120 examples of the Diablo 6.0 were supplied new to the USA making this example a rare proposition. Today this Diablo presents with just 7,000 miles and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately, accompanied by books, tools, spare bulb holder, and work light. A major service will be carried out and new tyres fitted prior to delivery, co-ordination of USA delivery can be arranged by DK.

• The first new Lamborghini model of the Volkswagen AG era
• 5-speed gated manual with a 6.0-litre V12 derived from the Diablo GT
• 1 of fewer than 120 USA specification Diablo 6.0s
• Just 7,000 miles from new
• Accompanied by books, tools, spare bulb holder, and work light
• Presented in Grigio Antares over Nero Perseus interior with Grigio inserts
• USA taxes paid
• Major service to be carried out and new tyres to be fitted as part of sale