Thursday 21st January 2016

Lamborghini Diablo SV: Spotted

The next big thing for classic Lamborghinis?

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Peering eagerly into the Coys auction at last weekend's show, there was only one thing I had eyes for. Apart from the Maserati Bi-Turbo and the Chevette. It was the Diablo SV, an air of malevolence surrounding it despite the sunshine yellow paint. Yes, it had silly bull graphics on it and there were all sorts of other terrific cars around, but that Diablo was The One.

The raging bull!

And yet it didn't sell, despite a high bid of £150,000. Not so long ago that would surely have bought it, despite being a rare right hand-drive car with very low miles.

Then there's this Diablo SV, also right-hand drive and extremely yellow. Plus of course that edge from being a relatively old supercar now, a glorious throwback to the time when such cars were genuinely terrifying and would not tolerate morons.

Sure, there is a two-wheel drive Lamborghini again and that's great news. No doubt a new rear-wheel drive Super Veloce would raise interest in the old stuff even further as well. But they're different cars now, a more approachable and friendly type of Lamborghini to appeal to a wider customer base.

The Diablo SV does not look approachable or friendly, but it's not hard to see the appeal either. The shape is still so dramatic, one familiar from a million bedroom posters. It's lighter than a regular Diablo and more powerful too. It's manual only and one of the last Lamborghinis to be made before Audi involvement. Don't underestimate the significance of that last point to collectors.

Feeling lucky?

While we're discussing collectors too, it's worth pointing out just how much the Diablo's predecessors are now worth. Good luck trying to find a Miura SV and expect to pay six figures for it. The best Countachs, stuff like the LP400s and 5000QVs, are heading towards £500K. Even if this Diablo is more than £200K - it's listed at POA - there must be potential for it to climb further. That V12 is of course descended from the other two, providing a tangible link back further in Lamborghini's history.

So it looks like a worthwhile investment as well as an iconic supercar. As for driving a Diablo SV, well, who wouldn't want to have a go? To see if the reputation is deserved. Just allow a lot of space... Finally, if a Diablo isn't fast enough for your super fast Lamborghini, it might be worth seeking out a manual Murcielago SV. Yes, they really do exist.

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LAMBORGHINI DIABLO SV
Engine: 5,707cc, V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 530@7,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 446@5,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2000
Recorded mileage: 11,000
Price new: €182,640
Yours for: POA

See the original advert here.

[Sources: Lamborghini Houston, Zeperfs]

[sidesauce]

A friend of mine owns a 'normal' Diablo; having experienced it both as a passenger and as a (scared!) driver, all I think is "nice to look at, pig to live with/drive" - definitely a case of Do Not Meet Your Heroes with this one for me.

[sidesauce]

ChristAlmighty said:

Guys, if you're smart and wish to retain the fruits of your labour, instead of handing it over to a parasite: Do. NOT. Get. Marrried.

My condolences. Sounds like you're a MGTOW now...