1995 Lamborghini Diablo VT
Seller's description
The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engined sports car that was built by Italian manufacturer Lamborghini between 1990 and 2001. It was the first Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of 200 miles per hour.
At a time when the company was financed by the Swiss-based Mimran brothers, Lamborghini began development of what was codenamed Project 132 in June 1985 as a replacement for the Countach model. The brief stated that its top speed had to be at least 196 mph. The design of the car was contracted to Marcello Gandini, who had designed its two predecessors. When Chrysler bought the company in 1987, providing money to complete its development, its management was uncomfortable with Gandini’s designs and commissioned its design team in Detroit to execute a third extensive redesign, smoothing out the trademark sharp edges and corners of Gandini’s original design and leaving him famously unimpressed. The development of the Diablo is believed to have cost a total of 6 billion Italian lira.
The Diablo was presented to the public for sale on January 21, 1990. Its power came from a 5.7 L, 48-valve version of the existing Lamborghini V12 featuring dual overhead cams and computer-controlled multi-point fuel injection, producing a maximum output of 492 hp and 428 lb·ft of torque. The vehicle could reach 62 mph in about 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph. The Diablo was rear-wheel drive and the engine was mid-mounted to aid its weight balance. The Diablo came better equipped than the Countach; standard features included fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric windows, an Alpine stereo system, and power steering from 1993 onwards. Anti-lock brakes were not initially available, although they would eventually be used. A few options were available, including a custom-molded driver’s seat, remote CD changer and subwoofer, rear spoiler, factory fitted luggage set and an exclusive Breguet clock for the dash.
The Diablo VT was introduced in 1993. Although the VT differed from the standard Diablo in a number of ways, by far the most notable change was the addition of all wheel drive, which made use of a viscous center differential (a modified version of LM002′s 4WD system). This provided the new nomenclature for the car (VT stands for viscous traction). The new drivetrain could direct up to 25% of the torque to the front wheels to aid traction during rear wheel slip, thus significantly improving the handling characteristics of the car. Other improvements debuting on the VT included front air intakes below the driving lamps to improve brake cooling, larger intakes in the rear arches, a more ergonomic interior with a revised dashboard, electronically adjustable dampers, four-piston brake calipers, power steering, and minor engine refinements. Many of these improvements, save the four-wheel drive system, soon transferred to the base Diablo making the cars visually nearly identical.
EQUIPMENT
Alpine Cassette with CD Changer, Climate control, Electric windows, 12v socket, Tool kit, Dash clock.
EXTERIOR
Trying to succeed one of the world’s finest design accomplishments in the Countach must have been Gandini’s greatest ever challenge however here we have it; the sensational 90′s evolution. The colour is absolutely divisive but should be celebrated as such, believed to have been ordered in unique turquoise to match the dress of the original owners girlfriend! One thing is for sure, it looks absolutely spectacular drawing emphasis on every one of the many curves and louvres.
Panel fit and finish is exceptional with the large scissor doors lifting cleanly and smoothly.
INTERIOR
After the traditional Lamborghini initiation of lifting the sculpted scissor doors, the cabin reveals an opulent appointment of alcantara and leather; a fitting combination that matches the wild exterior.The alcantara headlining remains taut and cascades down to the top of the dashboard, giving way to cream leather which has worn extremely well without tell tale signs of re-connolising. The seat integrity and support is excellent, with a user-friendly driving position.
Clear and concise switchgear is surrounded by clear-coat carbon fibre, with the Momo gear knob centre stage atop the famed open-gate.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Stretched to 5.7 litres for the Diablo, Lamborghini’s 48-valve V12 engine gained fuel injection for the first time, producing its maximum of 492bhp at 7,000rpm. Of equal, if not greater significance, maximum torque went up to 428lb/ft; an improvement of 55% over the Countach making tractability unquestionably better. The exquisite design presents admirably, with the famed firing order reading chronologically below the legendary bull.
The car is rather pleasingly approachable and drives as tight as the mileage suggests. With huge torque the car is happy to grumble around at street speeds although winding up the rev range is where you and the car would rather be; just pure theatre!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The three piece OZ split rim wheels showcase a ‘pepper-pot’ style – a fitting evolution of the famous Countach design. The stepped chrome lips present in excellent condition with a consistent shine, free of clouding or milkiness, with only a light webbing around the bolts belying the cars age. The mammoth 13 x 17 rear wheel hosts one of the largest tyres available – a whopping 335/35 section!
The Brembo sourced brakes have had regular servicing and fluid replacements to ensure the car performs as it should, free of adverse pitch or pull.
HISTORY FILE
Registered by Lamborghini GB, Reading on the 7th April, 1995, this stunning Diablo has led a pampered life with both the main agent and marque specialists Carrera Sport.
A full book pack features the drivers handbook, supplementary instruction book and European sales and service locations. The original service book is fully stamped up, with the last visit to Mike Pullen at Carrera Sport in April of 2014 at 10,402 miles.
Contact The Octane Collection for more details.
Comments
Post a Comment