Donald Trump’s Custom Lamborghini Diablo Fetches Five Times Estimated Value At Auction

A rare 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, custom built for former US President Donald Trump almost 30 years ago, soared past expectations at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, over the weekend.

The limited edition vehicle, one of only 132 made for the U.S. market, fetched an astonishing $1.1 million (Rs 91,355,000), five times its estimated value.

The allure of having Trump listed as the first owner in the car’s manual sparked intense bidding, culminating in a final price well beyond what automotive experts had predicted for this particular model.

According to Barrett-Jackson, the Diablo VT Roadster was part of Lamborghini’s tradition of naming cars after fighting bulls, paying homage to a legendary bull that faced off against the famed matador El Chicorro in the 19th century.

As per Motor1.com, in 1997, Trump personally commissioned the production of this Diablo VT Roadster, opting for the distinctive Blu Le Mans paint colour visible on the vehicle today.

Although this colour wasn’t originally offered for the ‘97 model, Trump’s rapport with Lamborghini allowed him to secure approval for this exclusive hue.

Consequently, this particular Diablo VT Roadster stands as the sole vehicle of its kind from the 1997 lineup, making it a truly unparalleled, one-of-a-kind creation.

Under the hood, the Diablo boasts a mid-mounted 5.7-litre 48-valve V12 engine, generating 492 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 583 Nm of torque.

With a 5-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, the Viscous Traction (VT) system ensures superior traction, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 202 mph.

This unique Lamborghini, ordered new by Trump, features personalised elements not found in other models from the same year.

The sale includes manuals/books, two tool bags and a car cover.

Having changed hands twice since Trump sold it in 2002, the Diablo has a mere 15,431 miles on the clock. The auction house did not set a pre-sale guide price, but an indication of its value was based on its last sale figure seven years ago. In 2016, the current owner acquired the vehicle for $460,000 (Rs 30,883,740 at the time), in a sale notably conducted on eBay, four months before Trump’s presidency began.

Interestingly, CARFAX records reveal a mileage inconsistency on August 9, 2003, according to USA Today.