The 1997 Diablo VT Roadster – custom-ordered by the now-former US president – has smashed records after selling for more than a million dollars at auction.
UPDATE, 1 February 2024: A 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster previously owned by former President Donald Trump has set a new record for the Italian supercar.
Bidding pushed up the hammer price for President Trump’s Lamborghini to $US1.1 million ($AU1.67 million), far exceeding the average auction price paid for Diablo models at $US277,000 ($AU407,000).
According to auctioneers Barrett-Jackson, bidding exceeded the $US1 million mark in just 90 seconds.
According to Classic.com, the average value of the Lamborghini Diablo has risen almost 80 per cent in just three years.
The original stories continues unchanged below.
13 January 2024: A 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster reportedly once owned by former US president Donald Trump is due to cross the auction block this month.
The Diablo Roadster – set to go under the hammer at a Barrett Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona – was special-ordered to Trump’s specifications due to a special relationship with Lamborghini, according to the auction listing.
It meant Trump was able to get the Diablo painted in a Blu Le Mans finish – something which wasn’t available to the public in 1997 – and a custom “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo” plaque added prior to delivery.
Two other people have owned the Diablo since Trump sold it in 2002, and it is said to have covered just under 40,000km.
However the listing says a vehicle history report returned a “mileage inconsistency” with the odometer, meaning it may have been tampered with at some point.
Powered by a 5.7-litre V12 engine, the Diablo VT Roadster makes 367kW/582Nm which is sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Upon release, Lamborghini claimed 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 325km/h.
Despite the custom exterior finish, the supercar’s interior looks to be relatively standard with black and white leather upholstery – though there is an aftermarket Alpine stereo.
Included in the sale is the Diablo’s original manuals, tool bags, and a cover.
Though Barrett-Jackson hasn’t provided a price estimate for the Lamborghini, the listing says it was just one of 132 Diablo Roadsters produced for the US between 1997 and 1999, making it a rarity even before Trump’s ownership is considered.
The auction is planned to take place from 20-28 January 2024, with the Trump-owned Diablo set to cross the block without a reserve price.
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