A rare 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster that once belonged to none other than Donald J. Trump has just gone under the hammer for a record $NZ1.8 million.
The former US President was the first custodian of this rather vibrant bull and drove it until he decided to sell the car in the summer of 2002. Since then, it’s only had two owners and has wracked up just 24,834km.
Auctioneer Barret Jackson recently sold the Diablo to its new owner for a sum of $US1.1 million, or $NZ1.79 million in our money, which is a significant bump in price compared to similar models that usually go for around $US400k ($NZ652k).
This particular car is just one of 132 produced for the American market between 1997 and 1999, making it quite a rarity in its own right. It’s also finished in a catching Blu Le Mans paint scheme that wasn’t offered in 1997, making this the only Diablo to wear the colour for that model year.
Its unique exterior is complemented by an equally distinct white interior which is also home to a plaque on the door that reads “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo”.
The reason for much of this car’s special appointments is thanks to Trump’s closeness with Lamborghini, a relationship that saw him be provided with “loaner” Diablos for promotional purposes back in the day.
There is however one likeness on this Diablo that you’ll find on other models, that being the mid-mounted naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V12 engine which makes 367kW and 583Nm of torque at 7000 rpm – enough power to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just over four seconds.
In addition, the new owner of Trump’s old Diablo also received two tool bags, an owner’s manual, service books, and a car cover.
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