Now’s Your Chance To Buy The Last Ever Lamborghini Diablo SV

Whenever Lamborghini releases an all-new model, the entire automotive world goes into collective meltdown. Websites are flooded with detailed images of the new bull, magazines discuss the pros and cons of new drivetrains, and rich businessmen throw down deposits on the most ‘eagerly awaited car of the year’. This happens time and again, which is ironic, because the majority of new cars out of Sant’Agata are duds. The first generation Gallardo had a dodgy gearbox, the Aventador was recalled for numerous software problems and the Huracán suffered (and still suffers) from chronic understeer. But if you’re patient enough - something people don’t seem capable of in today’s world - Lamborghini will iron out these problems with various updates.

In fact, if you’re in the market for a Lamborghini, you’re best purchasing the last variant of your chosen model. The Gallardo LP570-4 Squadra Corse, Murciélago LP 670–4 and Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 were all the best ‘versions’ of their respective breeds, and the same is true for the last generation of Lamborghini Diablo.

The Diablo SV was introduced at the Geneva motor show in 1995, just before VW came in and sanitised the company. The SV dropped the four-wheel drive train of the VT, the standard car’s 5.7-litre V12 received a 27bhp power hike (up from 490bhp to 517bhp) and the suspension received a major revision. The SV received minor updates over the years, with the biggest change being a face-lift in 1999, resigning the famous pop-up headlights to the bin. Now before you recoil in horror, we actually prefer the Le Mans style fixed clear lenses. Take a look for yourself, nice right? Well, we hope you like it, because it’s that model of Diablo which is going up for sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show next month.

The very last SV off the production line is a beautiful example. Packing a 536bhp motor (1999 cars received a tuned V12), this particular Diablo still has modern levels of performance rocketing to 62mph in around 4.0 seconds. The car is finished in a three-coat Pearl Red/Orange colour which the sellers believe is a one-off paint scheme; a refreshing change to the usual yellow or green seen on so many Lambos of the period.

The car rolled off the line on 21st December 1999 and has since covered 32,000 miles. In near-to-original condition (the car received an updated Alpine stereo unit) the Diablo has a beautiful Alcantara interior with a full Lamborghini tool kit and car cover. If you want it, expect to pay between £150,000 and £170,000 when it goes up for sale on 6th March.