As 1993 rolled into view, Lamborghini sought to celebrate its 30th birthday by introducing a special-edition model based on the mid-engined Diablo poster star. Christened the SE30, it retained the legendary V-12 displacing 5.7 litres but gained a revised fuel system, magnesium intake manifolds, and a free-flow exhaust for an increased output of 525 horsepower.

Unlike the contemporary Diablo VT, the SE30 zeroed in on its raw character courtesy of a rear-wheel-drive-only platform and mighty 180-kilogram weight saving. Bordering on being a road-legal competition car, it sported carbon fibre body panels (a product of Horacio Pagani’s composite materials department), race-specification brakes and seats, plexiglass windows, and ditched the air conditioning and power steering as part of the crash diet. The results spoke for themselves. Aided by a tall first gear, the Diablo SE30 could launch from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds before hitting the magical 200 mph mark.

For those fortunate enough to spot, let alone own an SE30, it was identifiable by its more aggressive and aerodynamic stance. The front bumper was redesigned to feature new intakes to the cool the brakes, the rear wing sprouted a cutting-edge active flap for improved downforce, while a raised and slatted engine cover appeared to extend the roof line.

Production of the anniversary-celebrating Diablo SE30 supercar stretched to just 150 units, with 25 of those destined for the North American market. Furthermore, according to the Lamborghini build ledger, just 25 units were originally configured in right-hand-drive form. From that small allocation, a mere nine cars were to be supplied to the United Kingdom.

BIANCO IMPACTO OVER BLEU

The example on offer was ordered new by the royal family of Brunei. Completed by the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory on 26 June 1995, it was specified with striking Bianco Impacto paintwork over a Bleu Alcantara interior. Just three other Diablo SE30s were finished in this colour combination, but this car stands alone as the sole right-hand-drive example.

The Diablo SE30 was delivered to the UK via Lamborghini GB on 28 July and collected on 1 August, with the car soon departing for Brunei, where it remained until the early 2000s. Purchased by Sir Colin Giltrap—the automotive magnate who supported the careers of rising motorsport stars Earl Bamber, Scott Dixon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Brendon Hartley—the Diablo SE30 moved to New Zealand, where it was registered from September 2002. The Giltrap Group owned and operated the Lamborghini Auckland dealership, always maintaining the vehicle to the highest standards. The Diablo was acquired via Lamborghini Auckland by the consigning owner in March 2006. The bill of sale on file records that the SE30 had driven circa just 2,890 kilometres at the time of purchase.

In its stunning colour combination of Bianco Impacto over Bleu Alcantara, the Diablo SE30 was enjoyed on the open roads in the early years of ownership. It was later placed into storage, being driven on average 120 kilometres a year and treated to regular servicing at Lamborghini Auckland. Cherished and dutifully maintained while under the care of the vendor, the SE30 was fitted with the current Momo steering wheel so that the original item—which is supplied with the car and, for the SE30, features the same badge as seen on the 350 GT—would not wear out. Similarly, soon after buying chassis number RLA12122, the owner sourced a new-old stock SE30 car cover, plus blue race-style harnesses and matching blue seat belt straps, through Lamborghini Auckland.

As part of its continued maintenance history with the official Lamborghini dealership, the Diablo SE30 had its rear brakes serviced in June 2017 and a new front-left wheel bearing was fitted in April 2024. Most recently, an engine oil and filter service was performed in March 2026, at which time the brake fluid was also renewed. A repair order history report and invoices for these works are available to view on file.

In addition to the original steering wheel and car cover, this Diablo SE30 is accompanied by a complete set of owner’s guides including the warranty manual in the leather folio. Sparingly driven throughout the last two decades, it displays a modest 12,396 kilometres (approximately 7,700 miles) on the odometer at the time of cataloguing.

From the limited production run of Diablo SE30s, this car possesses a unique history. A car not flouted publicly but cherished quietly during its life, the Diablo now emerges as one of the most fascinating right-hand-drive SE30s built, and one that has never before been offered for public sale.

For its standing as a Lamborghini flagship V-12 supercar, any example of the rare Diablo SE30 is certain to attract admiration. But the compelling backstory of chassis RLA12122, alongside its colour specification and low use, ensures that it will be at the very centre of attention wherever it is driven or displayed.