Car Of The Day: 1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey Edition

Aimed at the passionate driver, Lamborghini launched the Diablo SV (Super Veloce) in 1995, a lighter, rear-wheel-drive model equipped with a powerful 510bhp engine at a lower price than the standard Diablo. Key changes included an adjustable rear spoiler, modified lighting, a ducted engine lid, and larger front brakes.

By 1998, as Lamborghini prepared to refresh the Diablo with fixed headlights, it released the Diablo SV Monterey Edition, a special tribute to Monterey Car Week for the U.S. market. Limited to just 20 units, the Monterey Edition featured the SE30 and VT Roadsterโ€™s triple air intakes in front of the rear wheels, contrasting the single large intake used on the standard SV.

It maintained the classic pop-up headlights, although fixed headlights were planned for the upcoming model update. This limited-edition SV packed a 523-hp version of Lamborghiniโ€™s renowned 5.7-liter V12 engine, almost 20 horsepower more than the standard Diablo SV, making it the most powerful Diablo with pop-up lights.

Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s