The 1990s was a pivotal decade for humankind, welcoming everything from the Nintendo 64 and Sony Playstation to text messages and DVDs. It was a decade of rapid technological advancement, and one that also saw the introduction of a brand new, range-topping raging bull in the form of the Lamborghini Diablo in 1990. The Diablo itself was not exempt from this period of rapid evolution, with a plethora of models and special editions emerging from Sant’Agata designed to keep the Diablo’s horns sharper than the competition. This was spurred on by Audi’s acquisition of the company in 1998 and, in 2000, the Diablo’s most sophisticated incarnation was unveiled, dubbed the Diablo VT 6.0.
Audi’s influence was immediately evident throughout the VT 6.0, and especially in the cabin, where more refined seats with adjustable support, an automatic climate control system, storage pockets, map lights, and even coat hooks served to make the Diablo’s cockpit more hospitable. Then there was the exterior, which respectfully updated Marcello Gandini’s original design with a revised front end, headlights borrowed from a Nissan 300ZX (which adds to its cool factor in our book), and those evocative telephone-dial wheels.
However, as the name suggests, this new Diablo’s party piece was its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine — Lamborghini’s most powerful V12 ever at the time — which produced a mighty 542 horses thanks to a 4mm-longer stroke, a lightweight crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and a more sophisticated ECU. This was mated via a gated six-speed manual to the ‘Viscous Traction’ four-wheel drive system which gave the car its name and — presumably to the delight of the Audi board members — brought the supercar closer in line with Audi’s own Quattro-driven offerings.
Despite this reinvigorated Diablo’s numerous selling points, just 343 were ever built over a two year period, of which this car — chassis 12293 — was the very first. Correspondence with Lamborghini Polo Storico as well as its "Certificate of Vehicle Original Configuration” confirm this claim to fame, while also verifying the car’s current specification as original alongside its engine, transmission, and differential numbers, which are all present and correct.
Chassis 12293 was first resisted on March 21, 2000, and was swiftly put to work as a press car by Lamborghini. This Giallo Orion Diablo appeared in period road tests and promotional imagery before being sold into private ownership, and records show it was originally registered to Automobili Lamborghini with the the license plate number “BK100YE.”
Following its time in the limelight, chassis 12293’s first and only private owners registered the car in Eigeltingen-Honstetten, Germany, with the license plate "KN-MB 11.” Its invoice file reveals that it was meticulously cared for, chronicling regular and thorough maintenance from 2010 to 2023, including numerous major services at Lamborghini specialists Gohm GmbH Motorworld and Singen Lamborghini. In 2010, it was treated to an engine-out service, and another major engine overhaul followed in July 2015 to the tune of 51,000 euros. As if it wasn’t in excellent health already, chassis 12293 was subjected to a third engine-out service in 2017, which involved a new clutch cylinder, coil kit, various seals, and the repair and sealing of the transmission oil pump housing in 2018. Finally, in October 2023, Lamborghini Singen replaced all the fluids and filters, followed by a glowing health report in 2024.
Today, this Giallo Orion stunner shows 37,757 kilometres on the clock and promises a drive that is every bit as scintillating as the day it left Sant’Agata. The Diablo is currently a bonafide collector car darling, with its limited build numbers, glorious V12 engine, and title as the final Marcello Gandini-designed raging bull all serving to drive up the hype. Finding one in incredible condition is no easy feat — especially an example such as this, which boast a healthy mileage figure that shouldn’t dissuade its next custodian from experiencing it on the open road. Beyond that, any example that represents the first of its respective breed carries considerable extra value, and we have no doubt a bidding war will break out when this Diablo crosses the stand at Broad Arrow Auctions’ Villa d’Este sale on May 24th.
Cernobbio, 24 May
