An elusive Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadster will be sold in a closed auction on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Unless you count a single factory prototype, it is the world’s only Diablo SV Roadster in existence. The seller praises it as one of Lambo’s rarest vehicles in history and the most exclusive Diablo supercar ever created.
A quarter of a century ago, the Italian sports carmaker had planned to release a topless version of its Diablo SV coupe by giving it the same removable hard top as the mass-produced Diablo VT (see video). Compared to the latter, the SV spec (Super Veloce) benefited from a 5.7-liter V12 boosted to 530 PS (523 hp / 390 kW). It also had the drive on the rear axle, heavy-duty brakes and a different aerodynamic kit.
The first prototype hit the spotlight at the Geneva show in 1998. However, the company was undergoing a transformation at the time as it was merging with Audi and had to put the production plans on hold despite all the positive feedback. One of the marque’s dealerships in Italy contacted Lamborghini executives directly and managed to persuade them to produce just one car for a private client – this is the car being sold now.
With a completely clean record, fully authentic state and 42,800 km (26,600 miles) on the clock, it is a veritable unicorn of the automotive world. As such, its price cannot be easily estimated.
