Overview
After 17 years in production, the legendary Countach was replaced by the Diablo, which on its arrival was the fastest, most advanced, and most expensive Lamborghini ever built. First exhibited publicly at Monaco in January 1990, the Diablo improved on its illustrious predecessor in every way, setting a new benchmark in supercar design. Nobody can have been surprised to learn that it had been styled by Marcello Gandini, the man responsible for the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, for the family resemblance was obvious.
Beneath the skin there was a steel spaceframe chassis, developed from the Countach's, but constructed of square-section rather than round tubing and incorporating 'crumple zones' at front and rear. The use of carbon-fibre composite panels, first seen in the Countach Evoluzione model, was extended in the Diablo, which also featured revised suspension capable of accommodating the envisaged future developments of four-wheel drive and active suspension. Stretched to 5.7 litres for the Diablo, Lamborghini's 48-valve V12 engine gained fuel injection for the first time, producing its maximum of 492bhp at 7,000rpm. Of equal, if not greater significance, maximum torque went up to 428lb/ft, an improvement of 55% over the Countach. Catalytic converters were standard, enabling the reworked V12 to meet emissions requirements worldwide.
With more power and a lower drag coefficient than the Countach, the Diablo easily eclipsed its forebear, exceeding 200mph (322km/h) on test. More importantly, its acceleration and top speed figures were marginally better than those of the Ferrari F40. The Diablo though, was not a limited edition model like the latter, but a series production car with a luxuriously appointed interior reflecting its designers' intention to produce a civilised Gran Turismo as suited to city streets and motorways as the racetrack. Its UK launch price was pitched at just under £153,000, making the Diablo one the world's most expensive cars.
This particular example chassis number NLA12313, was one of the earliest cars build, leaving the factory in the summer of 1991 and delivered on to the U.K on 11th July 1991 before being registered on 8th August 1991 as H790 YYW. This car was one of a pair that were the very first RHD Diablos every built and both registered on the same day The other car was used by Portman Lamborghini as their demonstrator. While NLA12313 was then supplied to Alpine Electronics UK of Milton Keynes to be used as their promotional car. It appeared at events across the country and remained in the hands of Alpine until 1997. Since then the car has had a further 6 owners. We have sold the car to 5 of these. We last supplied the car in January 2004, to a very longstanding client, with whom it has remained in single ownership for the last 17 years. Before being bought back into stock it was throughly inspected by Mike Pullen of Carrera Sport, who gave the car a clean bill of health. The car is offered for sale with its original book pack, including manual and service book.
This vehicle also benefits from upgraded Brembo Brakes
Please note the number plate shown in the photographs 'D14BLO' isn't included in the sale of the vehicle, this is available by separate negotiation. However 'D14ELO' is included in the sale.
For more information please contact us +44 (0) 1772 663 777.