Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadster 1998
General description :
Furlonger are delighted to offer this European supplied Lamborghini Diablo Roadster converted to SV specification by the supplying dealer, finished in the highly desirable shade of Blu Scuro over a Beige and Blue interior.
Supplied new to a Mr J. Chezik who resided in Monaco, France in 1998 this Diablo Roadster was used regularly in its early life, accumulating nearly 11,000 kilometres by July 1999! Chassis #LA12979 is believed to be one of the few Diablo VT Roadsters converted to SV specification using authentic Lamborghini parts in period.
After its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998 the Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadster was well received by motoring enthusiasts around the world. Combining the SV’s sonorous V12 engine, and styling, with a VT Roadster’s removable roof, the SV Roadster marked Lamborghini’s first ever lightweight targa. Sadly, limited funding led to the Diablo SV Roadster never entering official production – a short run of which would be allocated to Lamborghini’s premier clients. A gentleman named Emanuel Conforti, who owned Touring Auto S.r.l, a Lamborghini distributor and dealer in Milan was determined to acquire an SV Roadster, somehow. After conversing with then-CEO Vittori Di Capua, a second Diablo SV Roadster would be constructed for Conforti. Naturally, the Diablo SV Roadster generated an unprecedented level of interest, and equally disappointment when only two examples would be built in Sant’Agata – the press car and Conforti’s personal car.
As demand for the Diablo SV Roadster was so high, a Lamborghini distributor in the USA took it upon themselves to convert several Diablo VT Roadsters into SV specification using the same method as the factory. Removal of the front drive shaft, front differential, and front drive axle - This lightened the car by nearly 115 kg! Following this, a handful of Roadster owners across Europe began to do the same.
Chassis #LA12979 is 1 of circa 466 Diablo VT Roadsters produced by Lamborghini, and likely one of a handful to undergo a conversion to SV Roadster specification via a dealer when nearly new. Furlonger have known this car for many years and have recently prepared the Diablo via our workshops.
The recent sale of Conforti’s personal Diablo SV Roadster serves a stark reminder of how collectible low production Lamborghinis have become. Chassis #LA12979 poses an exciting opportunity to own what is arguably the closest match of the mere 2 examples officially produced at Sant ’Agata for an extremely competitive price.
1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadster is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ashford Kent by Matthew Honeysett for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Lamborghini Model : Diablo Model Version : SV Roadster Engine size : 5.7 Model Year : 1998 Location : Ashford Kent Vehicle Registration : Undefined
Not priced
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About Lamborghini
Ah, the fiery tale of Lamborghini, a true icon born from the sparks of frustration with the Prancing Horse! Picture yourself in the early 1960s, a time when the automotive world was dominated by the likes of Ferrari. Now, enter Ferruccio Lamborghini, a successful tractor manufacturer and a man with a passion for powerful machines.Act 1: The Frustration (1963)
Ferruccio, a proud owner of several Ferraris, found himself dissatisfied with the clutch in his 250 GT. Frustrated, he marched into Enzo Ferrari's office to air his grievances. The meeting didn't go as planned, with Enzo dismissing Ferruccio's concerns, suggesting that he stick to building tractors. Well, that was like waving a red flag at a bull.
Act 2: The Birth of Lamborghini (1963)
Fuelled by a mixture of frustration and determination, Ferruccio decided to take matters into his own hands. In 1963, he founded Automobili Lamborghini. His vision? To create grand touring cars that rivaled, or even surpassed, the offerings of Ferrari.
Act 3: The Pioneering Models (1960s-1970s)
And thus, the Lamborghini legend began with the release of the Miura in 1966. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this mid-engined masterpiece was a trailblazer, the world's first true supercar. With a V12 engine mounted behind the driver, the Miura set the standard for performance and style.
Following the Miura's success, Lamborghini introduced the iconic Countach in the early '70s. Marcello Gandini once again worked his magic, giving birth to a wedge-shaped wonder that became a poster child for a generation. The Countach wasn't just a car; it was an automotive revolution.
Act 4: The Design Maestros
Behind the scenes, designers like Marcello Gandini and later Giugiaro played pivotal roles in shaping Lamborghini's distinct aesthetic. Gandini's work on the Miura and Countach cemented Lamborghini's reputation for bold, angular designs that pushed the boundaries of automotive styling.
Act 5: The Legacy and Modern Marvels
As the decades unfolded, Lamborghini continued to innovate and produce iconic models. The Diablo, Murciélago, Aventador, and the more recent Huracán and Urus all carry the Lamborghini DNA – a perfect blend of power, performance, and unmistakable design.
Epilogue: A Fierce Rivalry
The Lamborghini-Ferrari rivalry became legendary, driving both companies to push the limits of automotive engineering. Lamborghini, born out of frustration, emerged not just as a competitor but as a trailblazer, leading the way for mid-engined supercars that continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
So, there you have it, the epic saga of Lamborghini – a story of frustration turned into a symphony of roaring engines, sleek designs, and a legacy that forever changed the landscape of high-performance automobiles.