The Lamborghini Diablo (1990 – 2001)

The Lamborghini Diablo story started in 1985 as ‘Project 132’, which was intended to be the successor to the Countach which had been around since 1974. The successor had also to be the fastest car in the world.

In 1987, Chrysler purchased Lamborghini for about US$25 million, and this helped to fund the further development of Project 132. The first prototypes had sharp, visionary lines that were later refined, giving the model both harmony and a future-oriented vision.

That was how the final silhouette was created: the scissors doors, muscular proportions, a striking rear design, and a passenger compartment that was not only sporty but also comfortable.

Following the tradition started by Ferrucio Lamborghini, the supercar’s name was taken from a bull. In this cases, it was the Diablo, a legendary fighting bull which in 1869 fought for hours against a matador.

The Diablo was unveiled in 1990 in Monaco. presented at the start of the Monte Carlo Rally that year. With the first orders coming in even before the unveiling of the car, the Diablo was an immediate commercial success, in a world before previews on social media and online.

With its 5.7-litre V12 engine, delivering 492 ps/580 Nm torque, the Diablo could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4.5 seconds. In 1990, it broke the 325 km/h barrier by reaching 337 km/h on the Nardo circuit, setting a new record for road-legal cars of that period.

The tubular frame, aluminium and steel body with carbonfibre inserts — used for the first time on a production car — together with the sophisticated suspension gave the Diablo unprecedented driving dynamics. For the first time, a Lamborghini combined great performance and innovative comfort, with adjustable seats, electric windows, and Alpine stereo system.

The Diablo’s influence extended beyond the road. Appearing in movies, videogames, and TV programs, it had a strong visible presence around the world – even without the actual cars being on the road. Celebrities such as Jay Leno, Mike Tyson, Dennis Rodman, Jay Kay, Rod Stewart, Nicolas Cage, Troy Corser, and Mario Andretti had one, confirming it as a status symbol and dream car for many.

The Diablo was produced for 11 years, with the last unit being completed in 2001. 2,903 units were produced, setting an all-time sales record for Lamborghini up to 2001, And with over 60 available colours (40 of which could be customized), this Lamborghini super sportscar pre-empted the Ad Personam’ philosophy.

“The Diablo isn’t just a symbol of Lamborghini’s history; it’s also a model of growing strategic importance to Polo Storico,” said Alessandro Farmeschi, After Sales Director at Automobili Lamborghini. “In recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in requests for certifications and restoration services for the Diablo, in the most part due to a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts who see this car as a cultural and design icon.”

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