One to Buy: ex-Mario Andretti 1991 Lamborghini Diablo
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The Diablo was Lamborghini’s third generation mid-engined supercar and a replacement for the much-loved Countach which had been in production since 1973.
Like the firm’s three most successful models (the Miura, Espada and Countach), this latest creation was styled by Marcello Gandini who had in recent years opened his own design consultancy having left Bertone.
Chrysler-owned Lamborghini unveiled the Diablo at a swanky press event in Monte Carlo during January 1990 when the exotic and collector car market was red hot. However, by the end of the year most major economies had nosedived into a particularly severe recession that massively reduced demand for high end automobiles.
Currently on offer with Issimi is a Diablo from this difficult period; chassis MLA12162 was manufactured to US specification in January 1991 and was dispatched across the Atlantic to its first owner: Mario Andretti.
A twelve time Formula 1 winner and 1978 World Champion (for Lotus), Andretti was driving for the Newman Haas Indy Car team at the time of delivery. He configured his Diablo in the trademark colour scheme of red with tan upholstery and also specified the rear spoiler option.
Today the car is offered fresh from a recent repaint and is showing a little over 37,000km on the odometer.
