• Exceptionally rare, well-presented, US-market example from the first year of production
• Beautifully presented in Diablo Rosso over Champagne leather
• Desirably optioned with carbon-fiber rear wing
• Powered by a 5.7-liter V-12 engine and five-speed manual transmission
• Indicates fewer than 15,650 km (around 9,725 miles) at time of cataloguing

The Lamborghini Diablo debuted on 21 January 1990 as the long-overdue replacement for the Countach, which had been on sale in various guises since 1974. 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-liter, fuel-injected version of the evergreen Giotto Bizzarrini V-12 engine, capable of 485 horsepower and a top speed 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, an all-wheel drive variant with minor cosmetic and mechanical improvements, which altogether greatly improved its high-speed tractability over the base model. In 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.

The added viscous-coupling traction-control system makes the all-wheel drive VT a far better-handling, more livable, and well-rounded automobile. Lamborghini reportedly produced just 400 examples of the first-generation VT from 1993 through 1998, though its mechanical underpinnings were subsequently recycled in the VT Roadster, VT 6.0, and VT 6.0 SE.

This early US-market Diablo VT in the classic color combination of Diablo Rosso over Champagne leather is fitted with the stylish, optional carbon-fiber rear wing, Keith Collins floor mats, and six-disc CD changer. Having been completed at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory in October 1993, the car’s accompanying window sticker attests that it was delivered new to Momentum Porsche of Houston, Texas.

Sold to a Nevada resident living near Lake Tahoe, this Diablo VT appears to have first been registered in June 1995, at which time it then indicated approximately 848 kilometers (approximately 528 miles). Accompanying maintenance invoices dating back to 1999 show regular service and residency within collections in Kansas and Colorado prior to the consignor acquiring the car in October 2016.

In preparation for sale, the car was mechanically serviced in late 2022. The work included resealing the camshaft covers, redressing various minor oil leaks, replacing all fluids and ignition components—including a new distributor cap and rotor, both hard to find—and a full alignment.

Offering welcome updates over the original Diablo along with four-wheel drive, a trait now commonplace in most modern Lamborghinis, the Diablo VT represented a big step toward Lamborghini’s future. As such, the Diablo VT remains one of the marque’s most iconic cars, a poster idol on the bedroom wall of many budding enthusiasts who grew up in the 1990s. Presented in wonderful condition in a striking color combination, this Diablo VT is an exceptional example.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az23.