Auction 13-15 December 2023 • Germany
Don't miss the rare Diablo SV Roadster at auction! Crafted with rear-wheel drive, a removable roof, and iconic SV styling, this 1998 Lamborghini Diablo is one of only two factory-built examples. Commissioned by Touring Auto of Milan, this matching-numbers gem embodies exclusivity, offering a unique chance to own a prized piece of Lamborghini's legacy.
Rare Diablo SV Roadster Auction
Rare Gem: Only Two Factory Diablo SV Roadsters Exist
It's the ultimate rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini featuring a manual transmission and a removable roof.
Adorned in the striking Roadster Giallo over Nero “Torpedo” Alcantara combo.
Loaded with options: exposed carbon fiber, front suspension lifting system, and a rear wing.
Comes with comprehensive documentation, including a Lamborghini Polo Storico Certificate of Origin and the original Warranty book.
Comes with owner’s manuals, service book, two tool rolls, original Alpine stereo, and factory sports exhaust.
German-registered with EU taxes settled, eligible for lawful import and registration in the United States.
This model represents the rarest road-legal Diablo and ranks among the most extraordinary Lamborghinis in history.
FORMULA FOR TRIUMPH
Introduced in 1990 during Chrysler's tenure and concluding its 11-year run under Audi's leadership at Lamborghini, the Diablo epitomized a clash of creative directions. Despite its limited production of fewer than 3,000 units, this model transcended boundaries to become a cultural emblem and an icon of an era. Among the rarest iterations stands the revered SV Roadster.
Emerging during a pivotal phase for the company, the 1998 SV Roadster aimed squarely at the evolving US market as a driver-centric, open-air variant. This machine ingeniously combined the VT Roadster’s convertible feature with the wild styling and rear-wheel-drive setup of the SV coupe, crafting one of the most captivating and thrilling versions of the Diablo. Shedding the front differential not only reduced weight but also lowered the model's cost by about 12%, making it one of Lamborghini's most enticing offerings of that era.
Powering the SV Roadster's rear wheels was Lamborghini's revered 5.7-liter V-12, generating 530 horsepower and 605 Nm of torque. The exceptionally charismatic engine received upgrades for the 1998 model year, featuring an all-new electronic phase management system and other enhancements. Enhanced braking capabilities with 355-millimeter discs and reinforced calipers, alongside a new anti-lock braking system, significantly improved the vehicle's stopping power. Additionally, an electronic suspension lifting system became available, enhancing practicality and alleviating concerns over obstacles like speed bumps or steep garage entrances.
Despite finding a winning formula and garnering immense praise for the Pearl Orange prototype at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, external challenges caused the abrupt halt of the project. Financial constraints, diverging interests among stakeholders, and uncertainty surrounding the future of rear-wheel-drive Diablos cast doubt on the fate of the SV Roadster, leading to its cancellation after the completion of a single prototype.
However, the tale took an unexpected turn thanks to Emanuele Conforti, a lifelong enthusiast of the Raging Bull brand and the proprietor of Touring Auto S.r.l, a prominent Lamborghini distributor in Milan. Conforti, captivated by the show car, approached Lamborghini CEO Vittorio Di Capua to explore the feasibility of producing a second—and final—Diablo SV Roadster. This pivotal conversation resulted in the creation of the unique example presented here—chassis WLA12960.
With factory records confirming its lineage, chassis WLA12960 left the Sant’Agata Bolognese production line on April 6, 1998, embracing the pinnacle of 1998 model-year specifications and designed for left-hand drive. Its destination: Lamborghini concessionaire Touring Auto S.r.l, based in Milan at Corso Porta Romana, marking its warranty card issue on June 5, 1998.
This exceptional vehicle arrived adorned in Roadster Giallo, complemented by a Nero “Torpedo” Alcantara interior with distinctive yellow piping and intricate “SV” stitching. A matte-finished exposed carbon fiber accentuated its center console, sills, detachable roof, sizable optional rear wing, and side air intake blades—features exclusive to this model. Adding to its allure, it embraced the factory SV specification, mirroring the 1998 SV coupe in elements like the front bumper, alloy wheels, white-faced gauges, SV badging, and side decals. This unique configuration set it apart, making it the sole open-topped Diablo to embody the iconic SV coupe’s styling options.
From Touring Auto’s care, this rarity journeyed to Germany, finding residence with three Lamborghini aficionados. It remained predominantly out of the public eye, save for select appearances organized by the International Lamborghini Owner’s Club (ILOC), where its extraordinary rarity always drew admiration.
Eventually landing in the hands of the present consigning seller—an avid Lamborghini enthusiast and collector—this Diablo underwent meticulous research into its heritage. Factory documentation review, interviews with former Sant’Agata factory employees, and an extensive historical study all confirmed its status as one of the scarcest Raging Bull examples. Preserved in exceptional original condition, boasting just 42,842 kilometers at cataloguing time, recent new tires with minimal usage, and a June 2023 service, this Diablo SV Roadster stands as a rare testament to Lamborghini's iconic legacy.
The Diablo SV Roadster’s cancellation left a lasting curiosity—a model anticipated to shine but met with an unexpected end. Its withdrawal sparked disappointment among dealers and customers alike. A few sought to replicate its allure through modifications to their 1999 VT Roadsters or creations by independent dealers, yet none captured the unique SV aesthetics of the two factory-built models before Audi's 1998 acquisition.
A fusion of open-top Diablo charm with SV styling and rear-wheel-drive prowess, this automotive unicorn remains rarer than celebrated Lamborghini models like the SE30 Jota or Diablo GT. With its exquisite specifications and impeccable presentation, this Diablo SV Roadster stands as one of Lamborghini's most coveted treasures, destined to allure collectors seeking historical significance and unparalleled rarity.
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