As the signature straight-line slash in the rear wheel arch design signaled, the breathtaking styling of the Diablo was the work of the great Marcello Gandini. The model, which followed in the footsteps of the Miura and Countach as the third mid-engined V-12 offering from Lamborghini, was to be the marque’s bedroom wall poster star of the 1990s.

Offered here is the 362nd out of 401 original-specification Diablos built during 1991. Fewer than 900 first-generation cars were produced in total between 1990 and 1998. This example notably features the distinctive “cliff” instrument binnacle and does without power steering. Naturally, the unfiltered driving experience is dominated by the 5.7-liter V-12 engine that delivers 485 horsepower to the rear wheels via a dogleg, five-speed manual transmission for a claimed top speed of a mighty 202 mph.

Delivered new to Auto Palace of Pittsburgh finished in the color combination of Black over a Champagne leather interior, this Lamborghini was first registered in Pennsylvania on 7 January 1992. Remarkably, the car was retained by its original owner for 25 years before his passing. The Diablo was then sold in July 2017 before finding a new custodian in late 2018.

In May of the following year, the Lamborghini was treated to an extensive service by DriverSource of Houston. The accompanying invoice (available to view on file) documents the fitment of new door struts, a rebuild of the alternator, an oil and filter change, a refresh of the air-conditioning system, a replacement head gasket, plus the installation of a rear wing as part of the work that totaled $18,788. Please note, with the car recorded at the time as showing 12,859 kilometers (~7,991 miles), the drive gear in the odometer was replaced.

The Diablo was then acquired in January 2021 by the European consignor, a prolific car collector. Under their care, the Lamborghini was taken to marque specialist Auto Kremer of Bonn, Germany, for a complete restoration. Invoices from 2023 detail a gearbox and engine-out service, the fitment of a new clutch, and an overhaul of the electrical system at a cost of €31,221, or over $32,500. Auto Kremer noted the Diablo with 13,121 kilometers (~8,154 miles). The color has also been changed to the current shade of SE30 Viola, as famously worn by the limited-edition Diablo SE30 anniversary special.

Now displaying 13,302 kilometers (~8,266 miles) at the time of cataloguing, and accompanied by a tool roll, assorted spare bulbs and fuses, plus a tire inflator kit, this fantastically flamboyant Lamborghini remains a true showstopper more than three decades after first hitting the road. Offering the Diablo in its earliest and purest form, this car is sure to be coveted by supercar collectors.