Rare Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster Is Hitting The Auction Block

Dec. 24, 2022 11:54 AM ET by Michael Butler Supercars / 2 Comments

Only 200 were ever made.

The original Lamborghini Countach might be one of the most famous poster cars of all time, but if you're a 90s kid, then you'll know that the Lamborghini Diablo was the Lambo to have back in the day, and this 1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster is one of the cleanest examples of this family of raging bulls. On auction through RM Sotheby's, this Lamborghini is ultra-exclusive and in superb condition, arriving decades before more modern Lambo drop-tops like the Sian Roadster. This Diablo was built right near the end of the Diablo production run and is believed to be one of only 200 ever made, and one of only a couple of dozen destined for the North American market.

The Diablo was an outrageous machine when it first hit the scene in 1990 and was a formidable replacement for the highly successful Countach. With production running up to 2001, this example was produced right near the end of the Diablo's career and shows only 18,716 miles on the odometer.

The Diablo features a rear mid-engine layout in true supercar fashion and is powered by a 5.7-liter aluminum V12 engine. Power was initially sent to the rear wheels in early cars, but the arrival of the "Viscous Traction" model named the Diablo VT changed the game entirely by adding all-wheel-drive traction. Fitted with a viscous center differential borrowed from the LM002 "Rambo Lambo," the Diablo VT can send up to 40 percent of its torque to the front wheels. The end result is a 0-60 mph time of four seconds and a top speed of 200 mph, making it one of the fastest supercars of the 1990s.

The roadster version of this traction monster was unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in December of 1995 and the VT featured a redesigned windscreen, air intakes, and rear bumper. The new doors featured beveled door glass, and the entire package rolled on new OZ Racing alloy wheels.

This 1999 example benefited from even more upgrades, including fixed handlamps with composite lenses borrowed from the Nissan 300ZX. The V12 engine's power output was bumped up to 529 horsepower thanks to a trick variable valve timing system, and braking power was increased via a Kelsey-Hayes anti-lock brake system and larger Brembo discs.

This example is finished in the ultra-rare Titanium Silver exterior paint color with a set of 18-inch chromed OZ Racing alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The interior features black leather upholstery and a 220-mph speedometer. This car is offered with a recent major service history, too. Interested parties can view and bid on this car at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa on Thursday, 26 January 2023.

Rare Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster Is Hitting The Auction Block

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Rare Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster Is Hitting The Auction Block

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