This 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, custom-built for former President Donald Trump, sold on Saturday at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction for $1.1 million. According to Barrett-Jackson, the stratospheric auction price makes the bespoke Lamborghini the most expensive Diablo in the world. The auction house also added that the crowd “rose to its feet and cheered when a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster (Lot #1407) previously owned by Donald J. Trump set a new auction world record with its $1.1 million sale.” Before the auction, we had predicted that the stunning Lambo might end up fetching more than a million dollars thanks to its ownership history and all the customization that make this Diablo VT Roadster truly special in its own right.
Trump ordered this Diablo VT Roadster new in 1997, which is one of just 132 made for the US from 1997-1999. The V12 supercar is finished in the Blu Le Mans color, which wasn’t officially available for ’97 and was custom-ordered by Trump, making this Diablo one-of-a-kind.
According to the listing, “Trump was allowed to custom-order this Diablo because of a special relationship with Lamborghini, which provided him with some ‘loaner’ Diablos for … promotional purposes.” Additionally, the custom Diablo also gets a “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo” plaque on the driver-side door, which further highlights the special relationship Trump shared with Lamborghini.
The stunning Italian supercar is powered by a 5.7-liter V12, which is capable of producing 498 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed manual. The power is sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel drive system. The Diablo was driven regularly by Trump, who managed to put 15000 miles on the odometer before selling it in 2002. It was spotted for sale on eBay back in 2016 with an asking price of $460,000. Diablo VT Roadsters in similar condition but without any celebrity connection usually sell for around half the price of this particular example.
[All images via Barrett Jackson]
