Donald Trump's Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster: A Look at What Went Down

Although Trump has been spotted in a few Diablos throughout the 1990s (more on that later), this unique Blu Le Mans that the former president ordered for himself back in 1997 is perhaps the most recognisable of his vehicles. Out of the 132 V12 Italian supercars that were imported into the United States between 1997 and 1999, this particular specimen set a record at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction last month, smashing previous records.

It was always going to be difficult to follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Lamborghini Countach, but even while the Diablo hasn't quite attained the same legendary status, it remains one of the brand's most famous cars.

The word Countach originated from a Piedmontese slang phrase meaning "wow," or an expression of awe, according to designer Marcello Gandini. In the meantime, the Diablo was purportedly called after a mythical bull that competed against well-known matador "El Chicorro" from the 19th century.

The majority of fans often identify the name with its more literal translation, "Devil," and the Diablo undoubtedly gained a reputation for being demonic in the 1990s, even though it was somewhat unjustified. Early Diablos were only available with rear-wheel drive; to add a little extra security, the all-wheel drive VT model—which stands for viscous traction—arrived in 1993. Even with RWD setup, the driving experience was reportedly much more controllable than with its predecessor.

Throughout its 11-year existence, the Diablo saw multiple changes, but its mid-mounted V12 engine and extravagant appearance stayed the same. This 1997 VT Roadster's 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine generates 492 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. Even while it might not seem like much in this day and age, the Diablo was still able to reach 200 mph with that.

• The former President drove several loaner Diablos in the years until he purchased this one in 1997.
• John Temerian claims that Trump and the U.S. distributor of Lamborghini had an arrangement wherein Trump lent the cars to him in exchange for promoting the brand within his affluent social circle.
• The firm attempted to get Trump to return the leased cars when Lamborghini's U.S. distributor was changed in 1997, but they were unsuccessful.
• Trump bought this 1997 Diablo VT Roadster after he made a deal with a business director, and he drove it until selling it in 2002.
• This Diablo is the only '97 Diablo painted in the colour Blu Le Mans.
• The vehicle was the most expensive VT Roadster ever when it sold for $1.1 million at auction, according to Barrett-Jackson.

Barret-Jackson invited YouTuber Tyler Hoover from Hoovies Garage to give a thorough walkthrough of this formerly Trump-owned Diablo, which they posted on their official X page. According to the narrative, Trump had driven around in a number of loaner automobiles before placing his own order for this vehicle from Lamborghini in 1997. Since Lamborghini didn't actually offer the colour for that year, this example is the only Diablo ever painted in Blu Le Mans.

Aside from the unique paint job, this Diablo was driven by Donald Trump from 1997 until it was listed for sale in the summer of 2002. It also features a unique plaque that reads "Donald Trump 1997 Diablo" on the door sill. The Diablo has only been owned twice since then, according to Autoevolution, with the most recent transaction occurring in 2016 when it sold for $460,000 on eBay.

The most recent auction for this Diablo took place at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona. However, this time, the Diablo sold for more than double its previous selling price and broke the record for the Diablo VT Roadster auction, fetching a whopping $1.1 million when the hammer fell, according to Barrett Jackson. 

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