For years the Lamborghini Countach was the world’s most outrageous supercar. Its gull-wing doors, huge rear spoiler and brutal looks were the stuff of schoolboy fantasy. So when in 1990 Lamborghini unveiled its replacement, the Diablo, schoolboys held their breath.

At first sight the car looked a good deal more conservative — gone were the gull-wing doors and huge spoiler — and the smoother shape was sexy rather than scary. Had Lamborghini gone soft? Definitely not.

Under the skin the new Diablo had more power, more traction and more speed. The V12 engine had grown from 5167cc in the old LP5000S QV Countach to 5707cc. Power was also up by nearly 40bhp and the top speed had rocketed to more than 200mph.

Looking at the Diablo today it’s hard to believe the design is more than 14 years old. Slip inside, through the scissor-opening doors, and it’s every inch the supercar.

The seats are low, firm and lacking in much adjustment. For taller drivers the low roofline will create problems and rear visibility is appalling, particularly if the car is fitted with the optional rear spoiler. But fire the engine up and all that is soon forgotten: on the road the Diablo shortens straights and straightens corners in an unreal way.

Roadholding in the dry is surreal but watch out in the wet. Another scare comes if you dab the brakes too hard — the oversensitive antilock system kicks in early to remind drivers that while the car can shed speed very rapidly, a missed braking point can create serious problems.

Originally the Diablo was available only in rear-wheel drive. The 5.7 litre V12 engine produced 492bhp and incredible performance and sound but the lack of traction control could make it a handful to drive.

The introduction of VT (Viscous Traction) four-wheel drive in 1993 created a more forgiving car. This added a few tenths to the 0-62mph time but Lamborghini claimed a similar top speed of 202mph.

To complement the VT a convertible four-wheel-drive model, the Diablo Roadster, was introduced in 1995. Using a simple targa roof panel that could be stowed above the engine cowl, Lamborghini managed to produce one of the prettiest supercar roadsters ever. Rear-wheel drive was not abandoned, however, and the later SV, SV Roadster, GT and GTR models continued to use it.

Supercars don’t pretend to be practical. What little space the Diablo offers for luggage is filled by the beautifully trimmed two-piece leather luggage set (a useful option); and with fuel consumption that regularly dips to around 10mpg you’ll have to get used to those scissor-opening doors when you stop for fuel.

When Lamborghini came under the ownership of Volkswagen the additional resources were employed to produce a final incarnation of the Diablo — the 6 litre car launched in 2000. The larger engine boosted power to 550bhp, some body panels were changed and the car’s interior revised. A more powerful climate control system was also fitted.

Maintaining such a specialist car is never an exercise in cost-cutting, so servicing every 12 months or 6,750 miles is essential to protect the resale value. Most Diablo components are pretty robust and you can achieve 15,000-18,000 miles on a single clutch if your changes are smooth.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Lamborghini Diablo VT Coupé
Engine: type V12, 5992cc
Power: 550bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: n/a
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 3.95sec
Top speed: 205mph

Rear spoiler: An optional extra on most models, it further reduces rear visibility

Engine: Look for minor oil leaks from the back of the head gasket

Sports exhaust: Not a Lamborghini-approved part but most used cars are fitted with them to improve the sound

Antilock brakes: Over-sensitive system brings in the antilock prematurely

Servicing: Every 12 months or 6,750 miles, whichever occurs first

CD player: CD stacker behind driver's seat on 6 litre, various dealer-fitted systems in other models

Fitted luggage: A two-piece leather fitted luggage set was a £2,000 option

Clutch: Huge power and torque can cause serious wear but slick gearchanges will return 15,000-18,000 miles

Tyres: Fronts cost around £280 each, rears around £320

Climate control: 5.7 litre cars have relatively weak system; subsequently improved on 6 litre cars

Seating: Alcantara is standard on most cars, leather an optional extra. 6 litre VT has standard hide

Front suspension: Dripping hydraulic fluid is a sign of dirt getting into the system. There is a known modification to remedy the problem

Traction control: No computer-aided traction control system so it's all down to the driver's ability

THE ONE TO BUY

Lamborghini Diablo VT Coupé 6 litre five-speed manual, 2000 W-reg with 5,000 miles. Pay £113,000 at a dealer or £108,000 privately.


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
2000 V-reg Aston Martin Vantage Coupé
1990 H-reg Ferrari F40 Coupé
2004 New Bentley GT Coupé
2004 New Ferrari 360 Modena F1 Coupé
2004 New Aston Martin DB9 V12 Volante

VALUES: Lamborghini Diablo VT coupé 6.0 litre



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer