Aston Vantage V12 S
aside, is there a manual V12 car left to buy new? It would appear not. Hardly a pressing matter for the majority of new car buyers, but a point of note for those of a PH persuasion. It's nice to know that they exist, even if many of us will never be able to afford the very cheapest.
It wouldn't take an expert to predict that those cars with 12 cylinders, a clutch and a gearstick will be in demand as time goes on. V12s powered (and continue to power) the dream cars of so many, the layout is hugely evocative and the manual gearbox brings back the interaction (and challenge) that so many purists crave.
Then if you wanted a particularly prized asset - and incredible driving experience, no doubt - look no further than a Diablo SV. Here's a lighter, faster, more focused version of an already quick and intimidating supercar, paired with a manual gearbox. And we all know how popular the lightweight specials are at the moment. For those people who feel modern supercars aren't enough of a challenge, this should do nicely. It probably also helps that the Diablo looks just as wild now as it would have 20 years ago.
The Super Veloce is a rare car, but there are actually a few to choose from in the PH classifieds right now. This particular Diablo was chosen due to its very desirable spec - great colour, low miles, right-hand drive - though there is also yellow, baby blue and a very interesting green also available. Two decades old they may be, though you can hardly imagine any of them will struggle for attention.
And here's the thing. Nobody can pretend £180,000 for a car is affordable. However, this bona fide V12 Lamborghini icon is the same price as a
993 911 Turbo
with more miles. How is that possible? The Porsche bubble is crazy, and this would appear to be the best (or should that be worst?) example yet.
Furthermore, think of the SV's contemporaries and where they are. Sure, it's not as extreme as an F50, but the Ferrari is six times more expensive. Heck, you can pay this money for a 550 Maranello nowadays. You're not going to get an XJ220 for less than £250K. And look at the Lamborghini back catalogue too: the best Countachs are now up past £300K, with apparently no limit on Miura values. Famous last words they may prove to be, but the Diablo must surely follow.
Just as importantly though, an SV promises to be a truly exhilarating and challenging supercar experience, a kind of drive that simply can't be sold today. It will be deeply irritating and probably quite scary at points. You won't use it regularly like a Huracan, or perhaps even an Aventador for that matter, yet every drive promises to be truly memorable for one reason or another. You may even make a bit of money...
LAMBORGHINI DIABLO SV
Engine: 5,707cc, V12
Transmission: five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 517@7,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 428@5,200rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1997
Recorded mileage: 26,800 miles
Price new: £135,275.67 ($229,900 in 1997)
Yours for: £179,950
See the original advert here