Just how much more evil could a car that comes out of the box with a name that literally translates to 'Devil' in Spanish possibly be?
The thought must've passed through Lamborghini's head when they first embarked on the huge task of turning their ’90s supercar into a racing machine. The first of these they made was the SV-R. Unveiled in 1996 at the Geneva Salon, it formed the basis for the brand's own single-make racing series (something that they still do today).
But it soon needed replacing, which came via the even-more-agro Diablo GTR. First showcased in 1999, the GTR took the road-going Diablo GT and more or less ripped it apart inside and out. The interior was stripped down to the bare basics, with only the safety measures of a MOMO fire-suppression system, roll cage, and racing seat added in their place.
Centre-lock Speedlines, a great big rear wing, and air jacks help illustrate that the GTR was indeed a track weapon, but the proof was in the 6.0-litre V12 pudding under the rear engine cover. Though it was still based on the road car, it came with a long list of revisions designed to improve its response.
With the help of individual throttle bodies, altered fuel and ignition systems, and variable valve timing, the V12 could churn out 440kW. Only 11kW more than the standard GT car, but that was still enough for a top speed of 348km/h. How much more power do you need?
For Australasian motorsport anoraks, the Diablo GTR will be a car they'll recall from the Australian Nations Cup Championship (which eventually morphed into the Australian GT Championship of today). One of the regular, most hallowed cars from the series after the turn of the century, was a GTR driven by Paul Stokell that won the title twice (2003 and 2004).
Lamborghini made 40 GTRs. But considering their involvement in motorsport, it's highly unlikely that they all still survive. Thankfully this white one does, looking just as angry as it did when it rolled out of the factory. And, it's for sale.
Formula Automobile in Denmark (quite a day for Danish motoring reporting) are currently advertising the GTR for sale. It's covered 10,000km (most of that likely to be racing miles), and appears to be in excellent nick.
Price? Well, sadly that's only available on request. But, our guess is around the USD half-mil marker. Deserved, too.
