The Countach was a landmark model in Lamborghini’s history, turning the company from a small Italian workshop to an internationally known manufacturer. But after 16 years of production, Lamborghini needed a fresh product that, unlike the Countach, complied with tightening regulations around the world. Thanks to an infusion of cash when Chrysler Corporation purchased the company in 1987, Lamborghini set to work developing the Countach’s successor – the Diablo.

While early iterations of the Diablo were penned by Countach designer Marcello Gandini, American designer Tom Gale is ultimately credited with the looks of the production car. Although the classic “wedge” look remained, the Diablo was sleeker than the Countach, with dramatically improved aerodynamics and more seamlessly integrated necessities like impact bumpers and marker lights, allowing it to be sold worldwide. The powerplant was a revised version of Lamborghini’s long-serving V-12 that now featured four valves per cylinder and electronic fuel injection, helping it produce 485 hp and 428 lbs./ft. of torque. This was enough to make the Diablo the first Lamborghini to break the 200 mph mark, with early cars achieving a top speed of 202 mph. With power sent through a five-speed manual transaxle to the rear wheels, the first series Diablo is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h in a remarkable 4.5 seconds.

These early cars are regarded as some of the most exciting Diablos to drive, thanks to their lack of ABS, traction control, or power steering. That being said, overall refinement was significantly higher than on the Countach, with power windows, adjustable seats and steering column, as well as a more spacious cabin, making the Diablo a far more usable car than its predecessor.

This US-specification 1991 Diablo is from the first full year of production and showed just 5,986 km (approx. 3,720 miles) at the time of cataloguing. Originally delivered to champion boxer Julio César Chávez, the car benefits from a subsequent long-term owner, who maintained the car for over 20 years, and it has never before been offered for public sale.

Finished in red over tan leather with red seat piping, this Diablo presents in an almost identical specification to the car in Lamborghini’s original press photos, the main difference being that this example is fitted with a factory wing. The original five-hole OZ multi piece wheels wear new Pirelli tires, and the engine benefits from a recent servicing with new fluids and filters, ensuring the car is ready to be enjoyed.

Offered with its original owner’s manual and maintenance book, along with the factory tool kit and service gloves, this first-generation Diablo is an excellent opportunity to add a very nicely preserved example of Lamborghini’s ultimate 1990s supercar to your garage.