The Victoria's Secret Lamborghini Diablo still exists... and they've just recreated the famous photo with the models' real wings

Some cars go far beyond their status as mechanical objects. They become cultural icons. This is precisely the case with a Lamborghini Diablo SV very special, linked to one of the most famous catalogs of the 1990s.

Nearly 28 years after the photo gained cult status, its owner decided to recreate the scene... with models, angel wings and a modern photo shoot. An unexpected way to celebrate the unique history of this Italian supercar.

A Lamborghini Diablo like no other

The car at the center of this story is a Lamborghini This 1998 Diablo SV is no ordinary Diablo. It was delivered new in a surprising context, to say the least: Victoria's Secret's 1998 “Dreams and Fantasies” Christmas catalog. At the time, the famous lingerie brand had come up with a spectacular staging: several supermodels, including Stephanie Seymour, Laetitia Casta and Tyra Banks, posed around the Diablo, surrounded by the famous wings of the “Angels”.

This image has remained in the memories of many enthusiasts. For some, it perfectly embodies the aesthetics and exuberance of the late 1990s.

The car itself has some unique details. The “SV” graphics have been reversed to become “VS”, a direct nod to Victoria's Secret. It also features specific elements such as customized headrests and luggage, helping to make this Diablo one of the most famous ever delivered in the United States.

A supercar that's come a long way

Before becoming a social networking star once again, this Diablo had to endure a long period of oblivion. Like as we explained last year, The car was immobilized for over 14 years. Abandoned in a garage, dirty and partially dismantled, it didn't seem ready to roar any time soon.

It required a complete overhaul by Cameron and the DC Motorworks team. The fuel pump was out of order, the fuel system had to be cleaned, fluids replaced and several components overhauled. Even the interior had suffered from the passage of time, with traces of mould requiring a thorough cleaning.

Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived: the naturally-aspirated V12 came back to life. After some hesitation, the engine began to turn again, allowing the Diablo to take to the road for the first time in over a decade.

Recreating the mythical photo

Once the car was restored and on the road, the idea quickly emerged to recreate the iconic Victoria's Secret catalog photo. The project was born during the Miami Concours, when the Diablo's owner met automotive photographer Rio Cam, known for his shots mixing cars, models and the world of fashion.

The plan was simple: gather models, have them wear white Victoria's Secret lingerie, find the famous angel wings and recreate a scene inspired by the one from 1998.

To push the detail even further, several pairs of original Victoria's Secret Angels wings were found on Facebook Marketplace in the USA, although they were supposed to have been destroyed after use. In the end, the photo shoot took place in a studio used by the photographer, with an industrial concrete decor very different from the luminous setting of the original catalog. The result is more a modern interpretation than a simple copy, but the homage to the historic photo is obvious.

The ever-popular Diablo

The Lamborghini Diablo was then presented at Moto Miami 2026, an automotive event held at the famous Biltmore in Coral Gables. It was exhibited alongside other exceptional machines: a Diablo GT, a Countach 25th Anniversary, and a Bugatti EB110 Super Sport. The competition was therefore particularly stiff.

Against all odds, the Victoria's Secret Diablo won its category. A symbolic award for a car that owes its fame as much to its design as to its history in pop culture.

In fact, after the event, its owner hit the road for a long trip of almost 2,400 km round trip between Atlanta and Miami. Proof that the restored Italian supercar is now capable of driving again without major problems.

Almost three decades after the publication of the famous catalog, this Lamborghini Diablo continues to fascinate. For many enthusiasts, it represents one of the most iconic Lamborghinis of the 1990s, at the crossroads of the automotive, fashion and popular culture worlds. And today, thanks to this photo shoot recreated 28 years later, the Victoria's Secret Diablo proves that it has lost none of its aura.