Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster (1996)

Replacing the outdated Countach in 1990, the Gandini-penned Diablo took the world by storm. Hot on the heels of Ferrari and Porsche, the Diablo was Lamborghini’s first car capable of the mythical 200mph. Whereas today the SV derivative is regarded as the highest specification, the 1995 ‘SV’ reintroduced the name from the Miura and was competitively priced as the entry level model in the range.

The VT on the other hand sat atop the lineup. Introduced in 1993, the VT was most notably different with the addition of its all-wheel drive setup. ‘VT’, standing for Viscous Traction could direct up to 25% of the torque to the front wheels to aid traction during rear-wheel slip. The difference was significant and greatly improved the handling characteristics of the car. The VT saw further updates over the standard Diablo. Brake effectiveness was improved with new ducting and revised four-piston calipers. Power steering was introduced on the VT as well as larger side intakes; ergonomic improvements saw deeper and wider seats, revised dampers and a lighter clutch.

1995 saw the launch of the VT Roadster at the December motor show in Bologna and offered a removable carbon fibre panel that could be stowed on top of the engine cover behind the driver.

The introduction of the VT Roadster in 1996 saw the then 32-year old Italian marque offer an open-top experience on a production car for the very first time. Previously only prototypes had been shown; the 1965 350 GT Spider, the 1968 Miura P400 Roadster and the 1980 Athon but none had made production. This VT Roadster as a result, stands apart from the other 465 examples.

With the lowest production number of the produced Diablo VT Roadsters, this example was the first car to be completed, ahead of even the 1995 Bologna Morotrshow car. This example was first registered as the factory demonstrator wearing Italian registration mark 'AF 716 ZZ', this example was optioned from new in Bonsai Blue over Beige. The car was sold to prominent collector Peter Kaus, owner and curator of the Rosso Bianco Collection in Aschafffenburg. After Peter, this example was purchased by the current keeper in 2017 where it has since been used sparingly and kept in storage. Service work including a fresh bill of health ahead of sale, has been carried out by marque specialists.

Today this Diablo presents as an unrepeatable example; the very first production specification open-top Lamborghini and furthermore, the factory demonstrator. Optioned in Bonzai Blue over Beige, this example is today offered with just 16,900 km from new and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.

• The First Production Example of an Open-Top Lamborghini
• The Factory Demonstrator
• Bonzai Blue over Beige
• Imported into the UK in 2016 by the current owner
• Offered for sale from 9 years of single ownership
• Just 16,900 km from new
• Fresh inspection by Mike Pullen of Carrera Sport in August 2025