1992 LAMBORGHINI DIABLO

24, 706 Miles - Factory RHD (2WD) - Gated Manual

A particularly significant early Lamborghini Diablo combining the specification collectors increasingly seek - Series 1, rear-wheel drive, five-speed gated manual and factory right-hand drive - former ownership by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of the Brunei Royal Family.

Chassis ZA9DE07A0NLA12701 is specifically recorded by full chassis number within the historic inventory of the Brunei Royal Family motor-car collection and is attributed to Prince Jefri.

Importantly, the provenance is supported by more than the inventory entry. The extensive history file contains original documentation recording the car’s transport from Geneva to the United Kingdom following its departure from Brunei in September 1999, together with a period photograph of Prince Jefri with this very Diablo.

Finished in distinctive metallic Burgundy Red over Magnolia leather with red piping, this is an unusually specified example of Lamborghini’s original Diablo and has covered just 39, 759 kilometres (24, 706 miles).

The Original Diablo

Produced before the arrival of the four-wheel-drive Diablo VT, the early Series 1 represents the Diablo at its most uncompromising.

Its naturally aspirated 5. 7-litre V12 develops approximately 492bhp, driving the rear wheels through Lamborghini’s celebrated open-gate five-speed manual transmission. There is no power steering and little insulation between driver and machine — precisely the characteristics for which these earliest Diablos are now increasingly sought.

This example combines:

* Factory right-hand drive

* Early Series 1 specification

* Rear-wheel drive

* 5. 7-litre naturally aspirated V12

* Five-speed gated manual gearbox

* 24, 706 miles

* Metallic Burgundy Red

* Magnolia leather with red piping

* Factory rear wing

* Brunei Royal Family provenance

Provenance & History

The accompanying history file is unusually comprehensive and includes the original owner’s handbook, Lamborghini parts catalogue, workshop manual, three sets of keys, original toolkit and jack, MOT certificates dating from 1999, UK V5C and extensive specialist and main-dealer invoices.

Maintenance documentation includes work by Lamborghini specialists, Joe Macari, Grimaldi Engineering and Terry Hoyle Racing Engineers Ltd.

The car was subsequently handled by respected specialists Talacrest in 2003 and Rosso Corsa in 2005, further documenting its post-Brunei history.

Condition

Rather than undergoing wholesale cosmetic restoration, the Diablo has retained a notable degree of originality and consequently possesses the character and authenticity increasingly valued in important collector cars.

The V12 starts readily and performs strongly, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated twelve-cylinder engine, while the gated manual gearbox provides the wonderfully mechanical driving experience unique to the earliest Diablos.

Minor age-related cosmetic imperfections remain and have deliberately not been comprehensively restored, allowing the next custodian either to preserve the car’s originality or undertake cosmetic detailing according to personal preference.

A Diablo With A Story

There are faster and later versions of the Diablo, but relatively few combine the purity of the original rear-wheel-drive Series 1 configuration with factory RHD, low mileage and significant provenance.

Fewer still can trace their history to one of the world’s most famous collections of exotic motor cars.

For the collector seeking an early Diablo distinguished not simply by specification but by identity, provenance and history, chassis ZA9DE07A0NLA12701 represents an unusual opportunity.

39, 759 kilometres / 24, 706 miles

UK registered and located in the United Kingdom.

Inspection by appointment.