If you missed your opportunity to buy a Countach, there still may be hope for finding a Diablo. That's especially true if you prefer the earlier iterations of the two models. Whereas the first iteration of the Countach, the P400, demands top money in the Countach world, it's the later Diablos, now under Audi engineering direction, that Diablo collectors seem to snatch up. Even late Countach's are priced at multiples of an early Diablo.
As far as we're concerned, these early cars are alright. You get the 485hp V12, a descendent of the original Bizzarrini design. AWD had not been offered on the car yet, so a simple mid engine, RWD layout exists. Chrysler involvement seems to be limited to funding, and - unfortunately - styling. The Diablo is an attractive car in every possible sense, but when you see what Gandini had intended for the car, it's just a bit disappointing. Chrysler really watered down the styling of the P132 that Gandini originally proposed. The plus side of this is that the design has aged better, although we prefer the more daring of the two designs.
Year: 1991
Model: Lamborghini Diablo
Engine: 5.7L V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 14,929
Price: $120,000
Location: Miami, FL
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Lamborghini Diablo
The Italians break the 200mph mark with this amazing V12 Monster back in 1991.
It was no surprise then, that the Diablo was the fastest production car in the world for the 1991 model year.
Finished in pearl white on cocoa brown interior this car is a gorgeous piece of automotive history.
Iconic body lines show nicely in this well preserved example. No major dents or scratches
to note paint has minor stress cracking on the rear spoiler. Headlights pop up evenly and
function perfectly. All gaps between panels are perfect and car has never been wrecked.
Original 17 inch wheels wrapped in pirelli tires all around factory suspension drives very smooth.
Brembo brakes all around to stop you safely for high speed driving.
Interior is in excellent condition Seats are in great condition finished in a cocoa brown color
these seats look fantastic. The leather wrapped dash in in excellent condition. Door shocks
in good condition has an aftermarket alpine radio functions well has 6 CD Changer alpine as well
located conveniently behind the passenger seat. Gated manual is one of the
sexiest parts of this car in its convenient height for quick downshifts or upshifts. AC functions
well and blows cold.
The white exterior fits perfectly the car's current locale of Miami - not to mention the cocoa brown interior. Options were limited on Diablos, and this car lacks power steering based on the year (power steering wasn't added until 1993). Early cars also lacked ABS, although we aren't entirely sure whether this car is too early to feature ABS or not. In 1991, the optional rear spoiler probably had its appeal, and it's nice to have the option of running it, but we would remove it, were we to buy this car. Also, leather dashes can be tough to keep pristine, though this one doesn't look terrible. They're nice for five years or so, and then become a nuisance.
So, for manual Gallardo money, you can pick up an early Diablo. Not bad. The Gallardo will drive like a modern car, of course, and that is admittedly more in the spirit of Lamborghini's founder. But, we'll make an exception for a Diablo. Mid-engined V12 manual transmission cars are hard to come by, and few make them anymore. This could be a good opportunity to find yourself in the seat of one.
-Graham
