The market for vintage supercars continues to surprise. While modern Lamborghinis like the Revuelto fetch stratospheric prices straight from the factory, it's an icon from another era that's attracting all eyes today: a 2001 Diablo VT 6.0L V12 in the rare Viola Ophelia hue. Auctioned on Bring a Trailer, this unique piece has already topped the $525,000 mark, and there are still several days to go before the auction ends. An amount that could well set a new record for this model.
A hypnotic color
The first thing that strikes you is, of course, the color. This deep, spectacular purple perfectly highlights the Diablo's muscular lines, and embodies the extravagance assumed by Lamborghini at the time. Although some documents mention a body touch-up costing $8,600, the seller specifies that it was more a question of polishing and the application of a protective film (PPF), rather than a complete repaint. A previous owner confirms that the car has always been in this original color.
The interior matches the exterior
Inside, the contrast is striking. Bianco leather blends with a Marrone suede dashboard, black headliner and multiple carbon fiber inserts. The overall impression is one of raw luxury, far removed from the aseptic digital interiors of modern supercars. One detail: a manual gearbox with gates, a symbol of an era when driving a Lamborghini demanded commitment (and that a 5-year-old might not be able to drive).
The last breath of a wild V12
Under the hood is the legendary 6.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12, producing 550 hp. Combined with all-wheel drive and a mechanical gearbox, it offers an unfiltered driving experience, especially as this generation of Diablo was not yet equipped with traction control. With less than 18,000 miles (29,000 km) on the clock, both engine and body are in remarkable condition.
A good investment?
Acquired for $235,000 in 2015, then resold for barely more the following year, this Diablo has seen its value soar. In less than ten years, its value has more than doubled. Today, in the face of exploding auctions and growing interest in "analog" Lamborghinis, this model has all the cards in its hand to reach a historic milestone.
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Superb livery!
A nod to Jemiroquai's Diablo VT, featured in the video for his hit "Cosmic Girl".
For the record, in the clip, the car was mostly filmed in three-quarter-rear motion for the simple reason that it was not equipped with a windshield, which had been broken shortly before filming and there was no Carglass at the time for this type of car 🙂