Donning swoopy 'SV' side graphics and funky newly designed wheels, the Lamborghini Diablo SV emerged as the fourth model to the Diablo's evolution. Besides the side graphics and the wheels, Lamborghini added an optional rear wing and smoked tail light surrounds, among other cosmetic mods that slightly distinguished the Diablo SV from other models. Luckily, it was priced similarly to the base model Diablo, so it was somewhat worth buying. The power increase to 510 horsepower wasn't even enough to warrant purchasing the Lamborghini Diablo SV, but it was a Lamborghini, and almost everyone liquid enough wanted one. Ferrari V12s were increasingly becoming expensive, and since they were not available in the United States, Lamborghini was among the few V12 car makers to buy from. With car prices then, it remains a mystery how the Lamborghini managed to sell the Diablo SV for roughly $200,000 when new, which has since doubled today. No corners were cut, though, as it's a true Italian bull in every inch, ready to maul down its competition. Like every Diablo, the Diablo SV enjoys adoration from enthusiasts and the car community. Automotive historians, on the other hand, hold it on a pedestal alongside other Diablo models as a symbol of Lamborghini's evolutional persistence since the company wasn't at its best during the Diablo's production. More of the Diablo's history to follow.
The 1980s and early 1990s saw Lamborghini exchange hands between individual investors, Jean Claude and his brother Patrick Mimran, and an independent automaker, Chrysler. The two brothers turned Lamborghini around by investing heavily in its failing assets and developing a comprehensive restructuring program. Without it, it's most likely that the Italian automaker would have crumbled. Before the company was sold to Chrysler in 1987, Project 132 was commissioned in June 1985. It would later receive the Diablo name, which translates to 'devil' in Spanish, but it also carries on Lamborghini's tradition of naming cars after fighting bulls. The Lamborghini Diablo went on sale immediately after its unveiling in 1990 but was met by recession in the United States, one of Lamborghini's biggest markets. After the Mimran Brothers, Chrysler sold the company in 1992, but Lamborghini continued with the Diablo's production. In 1995, while under V'Power Corporation, the Lamborghini Diablo SV was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show that year, reviving the Super Veloce title first used on the Lamborghini Miura SV/P400SV. The lack of a significant power increase and styling changes on the Diablo SV can be attributed to Lamborghini's financial troubles, so we'll not give it the heat for that. The side body 'SV' decals and the rear wing made it easily distinguishable from other models, and the wheel added a bold touch to the car's design, giving it a sense of individuality. Rarely would you find a Diablo SV without this signature combination. After the 1999 facelift, Lamborghini made the Diablo SV the base model Diablo for the last leg of the Diablo's production, which lasted until 2001. It remains unclear how many Diablo SV examples were made after the facelift. But between 1995 and 1999, Lamborghini made 346 examples, each crafted at the company's headquarters and assembly plant in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy.
Uncompromisingly built for performance, the Lamborghini Diablo SV is powered by a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12, sending all its 510 Italian horses and 428 lb.ft to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The power output was slightly adjusted to 529 horsepower and 449 lb.ft after the 1999 facelift, which also introduced ABS and traction control. The 1995-1999 Diablo SV's lack of modern comforts and driver aids gave it wild and demanding characteristics that would classify it as a deathtrap during production. Still, the driving engagement it offers puts it on the list of classic supercars preferred by enthusiastic drivers today. A 3.7-second 0-60 mph time was lightning fast for its time, and after the facelift, the Lamborghini Diablo SV could even record shorter acceleration times. The top speed, however, remained unchanged at a slight excess of 200 mph, which was still respectable considering not many cars broke the 200 mph limit. All this was possible despite the Diablo SV weighing 3,373 pounds and again without driver aids.
The Lamborghini Diablo SV's cabin didn't skimp on the finer details despite sharing the standard Diablo's cockpit layout. Premium materials and performance-oriented touches set it apart from interiors you'd get in most cars at the time, with car manufacturers making compromises to reduce costs, sometimes leading to slightly higher sales. Suicide doors, a Lamborghini thing, beckon you to enter the luxury-appointed interior, which features a choice of leather or Alcantara adornment on nearly every surface based on the buyer's preferences during the original purchase. The driver gets a less obtrusive instrument cluster lifted from the Diablo VT with white-faced dials from the Diablo SE30. Instead of adding clutter some gauges like on the Lamborghini Countach's dash, Lamborghini incorporated smaller dials into the instrument cluster for oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, and fuel tank level. Electrification in cars peaked in the late 20th century, and the Diablo VT benefited from it, featuring electric windows, door locks, and mirrors. As with previous models, an Alpine stereo system was standard, incorporating a CD player and dual-channel radio.
Like the interior, the Lamborghini Diablo SV's exterior remained unchanged, except an adjustable rear wing, black taillight surrounds, dual-front fog lamps, repositioned rear fog lights, and reverse lamps. Additionally, an extra set of front brake cooling ducts was added on the front bumper like on the Diablo SE30, and buyers could opt for 'SV' decals stamped onto the car's sides. Another design cue borrowed from the Diablo SE30 is the engine cover, which in the Diablo SV goes up to the roofline, covering the rear glass and deeming the rearview mirror pointless. The most significant change to the Diablo SV's visual appeal occurred in 1999 when Lamborghini borrowed Nissan 300ZX headlights under license from Nissan. The departure of the pop-up headlights must have been hard to witness. Still, most enthusiasts agree the facelifted look is more pleasing to the eye, especially with the redesigned front bumper with more pronouncing vents. Lamborghini added two functional roof scoops on the roof, which complemented the roadster-style (non-vented) air intakes on the side skirts. Bringing the exterior design together, both versions of the Lamborghini Diablo SV sit on bespoke OZ racing 18-inch wheels finished in black, which go with any of the four color options offered during production, contributing to the car's striking visual impression.
Although the 1990s automotive landscape didn't boast cutting-edge tech, the strategic implementation of available innovative technology resulted in some of the best cars, among which the Lamborghini Diablo SV is an excellent example. Its thought-out mechanics, such as the bigger brakes and larger diameter wheels to accommodate the brakes, enhanced its handling and overall safety by providing better high-speed and emergency braking. The rear wing wasn't just for aesthetics, as Lamborghini made it adjustable, allowing drivers to tilt it depending on their driving preferences and how they liked the rear end to feel. In 1999, driver aids were added to the Lamborghini Diablo SV due to an intensifying demand and need for them, but they didn't take away the car's wild characteristics and raw performance. As standard buyers got ABS and traction control, and as part of the safety package, dual front airbags were also added as standard equipment.
The Lamborghini Diablo SV's price rarity and covetable status among collectors, enthusiasts, and general car buyers is reflected in its price, which averages roughly $400,000, a considerable marginal increase from its MSRP in 1995, around $200,000. Does this mean that prices will continue to be in an upward spiral? Yes. Despite units popping up for sale almost everywhere, the Diablo SV will likely appreciate if not hold its value. Some examples even sell for figures above $750,000. Need help finding one that suits your taste? At Exotic Car Trader, we might have your dream Lamborghini Diablo SV. If you don't, perhaps a garage addition from our extensive Lamborghini listings will console you as you wait.
While not the most powerful Diablo, the Lamborghini Diablo SV delivered excellent performance and its raw and demanding handling turned it into one of the most respectable driver's cars. Its cabin tells a different tale from its performance and sharp design adorned with the finest selection of materials, giving occupants an unmatched driving paradise. So, if you were looking for a sign to buy one, snag your dream Diablo SV now! Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The Lamborghini Diablo SV offered a pure, unadulterated driving experience that few cars could match, and its limited production and iconic status ensure its legacy will endure.
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