2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 SE Coupé
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. ZA9DE01A01LA12809

After 17 years in production, the legendary Countach was replaced by the Diablo, which on its arrival was the fastest, most advanced and most expensive Lamborghini ever built. First exhibited publicly at Monaco in January 1990, the Diablo improved on its illustrious predecessor in every way, setting a new benchmark in supercar design. Nobody can have been surprised to learn that it had been styled by Marcello Gandini, the man responsible for the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, for the family resemblance was obvious.

The use of carbon-fibre composite panels, first seen in the Countach Evoluzione model, was extended in the Diablo, which also featured revised suspension capable of accommodating the envisaged future developments of four-wheel drive and active suspension. 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.

With more power and a lower drag coefficient than the Countach, the Diablo easily eclipsed its forebear, exceeding 200mph (322km/h) on test. More importantly, its acceleration and top speed figures were marginally better than those of the Ferrari F40. The Diablo though, was not a limited edition model like the latter but a series production car with a luxuriously appointed interior reflecting its designers' intention to produce a civilised Gran Turismo as suited to city streets and motorways as the racetrack. Nevertheless, the Diablo was still one of the world's most expensive cars. Four-wheel drive Diablo VT and Targa-style open roadster versions soon followed. When Lamborghini was purchased by Audi in 1998, the Diablo was extensively reworked, with fixed headlamps, an increase in engine size to 6.0 litres and numerous changes under the skin.

In 2001, at the Geneva motor show, Lamborghini announced the production of a final run of 40 cars (it is rumoured 42 were built). These SE (Special Edition) versions of the already massively upgraded VT 6.0 were available in Oro Elios or Marrone Eklipsis, to represent sunrise and sunset, and featured mechanical upgrades including magnesium intake manifolds. These are indeed the most sought after of Diablo editions.

The SE we offer is number 05 of the limited production run, it was built to Gulf States specification and purchased new by the current owner in November 2001. The car was ordered new in the 'sunrise' specification of Oro Elios with Marrone trim. Stored for some time, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation consists of photocopies of the bill of sale and G.C.C conformity certificate.

Please note that if this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. The administration for clearing customs is called a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and costs £350 (plus VAT). Both the Import VAT and NOVA charge will be added to the buyer's invoice. Please note that this fee does not include registering the vehicle in the UK. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released once customs is cleared. If you have any questions regarding customs, please contact the Motorcar Department.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with a registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.