Description
Furlonger are delighted to offer this European supplied Lamborghini Diablo Roadster converted to SV specification by the supplying dealer, finished in the highly desirable shade of Blu Scuro over a Beige and Blue interior.
Supplied new to a Mr J. Chezik who resided in Monaco, France in 1998 this Diablo Roadster was used regularly in its early life, accumulating nearly 11, 000 kilometres by July 1999! Chassis #LA12979 is believed to be one of the few Diablo VT Roadsters converted to SV specification using authentic Lamborghini parts in period.
After its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in 1998 the Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadster was well received by motoring enthusiasts around the world. Combining the SV’s sonorous V12 engine, and styling, with a VT Roadster’s removable roof, the SV Roadster marked Lamborghini’s first ever lightweight targa. Sadly, limited funding led to the Diablo SV Roadster never entering official production – a short run of which would be allocated to Lamborghini’s premier clients. A gentleman named Emanuele Conforti, who owned Touring Auto S. r. l, a Lamborghini distributor and dealer in Milan was determined to acquire an SV Roadster, somehow. After conversing with then-CEO Vittori Di Capua, a second Diablo SV Roadster would be constructed for Conforti. Naturally, the Diablo SV Roadster generated an unprecedented level of interest, and equally disappointment when only two examples would be built in Sant’Agata – the press car and Conforti’s personal car.
As demand for the Diablo SV Roadster was so high, a Lamborghini distributor in the USA took it upon themselves to convert several Diablo VT Roadsters into SV specification using the same method as the factory. Removal of the front drive shaft, front differential, and front drive axle - This lightened the car by nearly 115 kg! Following this, a handful of Roadster owners across Europe began to do the same.
Chassis #LA12979 is 1 of circa 466 Diablo VT Roadsters produced by Lamborghini, and likely one of a handful to undergo a conversion to SV Roadster specification via a dealer when nearly new. Furlonger have known this car for many years and have recently prepared the Diablo via our workshops.
The recent sale of Conforti’s personal Diablo SV Roadster serves a stark reminder of how collectible low production Lamborghinis have become. Chassis #LA12979 poses an exciting opportunity to own what is arguably the closest match of the mere 2 examples officially produced at Sant ’Agata for an extremely competitive price.