Should You Buy A High Mileage Diablo VT?

2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 “SE” Coupé, Bonhams, December 12, 2022

Tony’s Take: Collectors love low-mileage cars. The lower the mileage, the more they’ll pay. Enthusiasts are appalled. Buying an awesome car and not driving the f*ck out of it is like marrying a beautiful woman and not sleeping with her. I’ve got to play the game the way it’s played, but I get it. And if actually driving is your jam, the higher the mileage the better – with a caveat and to a point.

The caveat: condition. Has the car been stored and serviced regularly and properly? Can the seller prove it? At Bring-a-Trailer, you can use the “Contact Seller” to arrange a physical inspection by an expert of your choice – if they agree. If you can’t arrange an inspection, and in most cases you can’t, you’ve either GOT to have paperwork or . . . cross your fingers. That said, some cars are inherently less risky.

You may have noticed the “VW” in the headline. That’s because this 2001 Diablo VT 6.0 was the first Lamborghini of the Volkswagen era (the VW Group bought Lambo in ’98 for Audi to run). The Germans gave the 2001 Diablo VT – the model’s final model year – something previous, Italian-made Lambos sorely lacked: quality control. What’s not to love?

“Requires re-commissioning” and “Circa 50,000km [31k miles) recorded on the odometer.” Thirty-k on the clock is not in and off itself a problem. It could be an opportunity to pick up a bargain! But “requires reconditioning” means the Diablo is a stunner, not a runner. And “circa” means “around, about or roughly.” How, why and for how long was the speedo disconnected?

“Gulf States specification” (GCC) is another issue. A GCC car is modified (better AC, more rust proofing) for the region’s higher temperatures and humidity. That’s good. “Re-commissioning” kicks that into touch (as our resident Anglofile would say). This car has had one owner and no service records. So one owner spent 21 years not maintaining the car.

In other words, mechanically, this Diablo VT is a project car. It’s true cost will run into the tens of thousands. Maybe more.

On the positive side, it looks clean AF. And it’s awesome! The 2001 Diablo VT boasts Audi’s Luc Donckerwolke‘s updated design of the Gandini original. Right answer.

The rear-wheel-drive gated Devil is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 549 hp. Zero to sixty comes up in 3.4 seconds. Top speed? A staggering 210 mph. And this is a rare bull – one of only 42 made. So if you have patience and a limitless budget . . . buy a Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 in perfect condition! Click here for an example.

As Robert Palmer told us, a pretty face don’t make no pretty heart. What will the Diablo VT 6.0 hammer for? I’m not going to say. But just for fun, here’s the inside dope.

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