Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 SE (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.

To bookend the Diablo lineage, Lamborghini introduced the SE (Special Edition) based on the 6.0 VT. Two colours made their debut on the SE representing sunrise and sunset. Oro Elios was chosen for sunrise, a vibrant, saturated gold hue with high metal flake and sunset was represented by Marrone Eklipsis, a rich dark brown shade. Each of the cars received a special Marrone Janus full grain Nappa leather seats with the dashboard to match or optionally deviating in Avorio Lillium.

The SE can be further differentiated from the standard 6.0 VT by the addition of a magnesium intake manifolds and valve covers in gold, Lamborghini script on the brake calipers (replacing ‘Brembo’), satellite navigation and further carbon fibre in the car. The visible carbon fibre on both the inside and outside of the SE all features a special gold weave that complimented both colours. The interior also saw the addition of a new gear knob in titanium.

Of the 42 cars completed, 28 were finished in Oro Elios, 11 in Marrone Eklipsis and three additional cars were completed in standard colours; Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas and Balloon White.

This example was completed in 2001, supplied new by A.Z. Auto in Oro Elios over Marrone Janus interior. It would remain with its first keeper until 2022 and cover just 5,100 km. Purchased by the current custodian at the time, this example was treated to a recommissioning overhaul by Barkaways of Kent and has since covered just 300 km.

Today this example represents a rare opportunity to acquire one the bookending Diablos, in arguably the best colour combination, with just 5,400 km from new.

• 1 of 27 'Sunrise' examples finished in Oro Elios
• 1 of 42 6.0 VT SE built
• Magnesium intake manifolds and valve covers in gold
• Visual carbon fibre featuring gold highlight weave
• Titanium gear knob exclusive to the SE
• Just 5,400 km from new