LOT 81
1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT 'Millennium' Roadster Chassis no. ZA9RU31B6XLA12376 Engine no. XNLXY057DB8
Estimate: US$200,000 - US$250,000
Lot 81
1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT 'Millennium' Roadster
1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT 'Millennium' Roadster
Chassis no. ZA9RU31B6XLA12376
Engine no. XNLXY057DB8
Chassis no. ZA9RU31B6XLA12376
Engine no. XNLXY057DB8
5,707cc DOHC V12 Engine
Electronic Sequential Multi-Port Injection
492bhp at 7,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Brembo Ventilated Disc Brakes
*One of only 10 Millennium Edition Diablo Roadsters built for the US market
*The first All-Wheel Drive Lamborghini
*A supercar legend of the 1990s
*Signed by designer Marcello Gandini
*3 owners from new.
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THE LAMBORGHINI DIABLO
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. It came as no surprise 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, but constructed of square-section rather than round tubing and incorporating 'crumple zones' at front and rear. The use of carbon fiber composite panels, first seen in the Countach Evoluzione model, was extended to 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 liters for the Diablo, Lamborghini's 48-valve V12 engine gained fuel injection for the first time, producing its maximum of 529bhp 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. Although one of the world's most expensive cars, the Diablo 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 civilized Gran Turismo as suited to city streets and motorways as the racetrack. Four-wheel drive Diablo VT, with 'VT' standing for Viscous Traction, and Targa-style open roadster versions soon followed and then came the Diablo SE (Special Edition.) Only 150 examples of which were built to celebrate Lamborghini's 30 years as a car manufacturer.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
In 2000 the at the Detroit Auto Show Lamborghini had a significant announcement, that being that the Lamborghini Diablo would be the only car that Lamborghini would manufacture in 2000 year. One of the display cars at the show was a VT roadster painted in Titanium Metallic. This was one of the limited edition Millennium Roadsters, 30 were made in total, only 10 of those for the North American market. These cars were available in both titanium metallic and yellow with special grey/black leather seats. The North American specification cars were only available in the titanium metallic paintwork. These limited edition versions were also fitted with a shorter SV type rear differential ratio, that being 1 to 2.53, instead of the 1 to 2.41. This improved acceleration and made them extremely exciting to drive.
According to the CarFax on file, this particular Millennium Edition Diablo was delivered new in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Its first owner chose to paint in highlights in the bodywork inserts, using PPG Harlequin paint. At an Italian car show in which Marcello Gandini was in attendance. Gandini admired the car and in recognition of his approval of the paintwork he signed the dashboard.
This car was purchased by the consigner in 2013. At that time the car had an indicated 23,509 miles as indicated by the CarFax report. It has since been maintained in his private collection and kept ready for the road. A genuine US spec Millennium Roadster is a very rare car, supercars from the early 2000s have become highly collectable in recent years, a trend that seems sure to continue. This would be a hit at any Cars and Coffee, modern super car concours, or an enjoyable Sunday drive.
Saleroom notices
Please note that this car actually has 529hp and not 492 as stated in the catalog.
Additional information
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