1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30
The Cultivated Collector’s 1994 Lamborghini Diablo SE30, chassis 028, occupies rarified air within the world of collectible V12 Lamborghinis. Among the 150 Diablo SE30’s produced, an estimated 25 cars were destined for delivery to the United States, and of those, only two cars were produced in Viola 30 over a Crema leather interior - 028 proudly represents one of those two cars.
Delivered new to the USA in October of 1994, 028 was first owned by world renowned marine artist Christian Reese Lassen who would retain ownership through 2004, until being acquired by United Airlines pilots, Steve and Lisa Lefferts of Maryland. Sharing a mutual love and passion for Lamborghini’s since childhood, Steve and Lisa would lovingly cherish 028 for 15 years, with the car receiving consistent and world-class servicing at the hands of Evans Automotive. Today, 028 presents in wonderful condition, and has covered 33,500KM to date. 028 not only benefits from being a near peerless example, but also from its excellent pedigree with known history from new, no accidents or incidents, and consistent servicing throughout its life at premier shops, positioning it as one of the preeminent Diablo SE30 examples extant.
Of the dream worthy supercars of the 90's, of which there are many, few are as polarizing as the Lamborghini Diablo. Debuted to the world in Monaco in 1990, the Diablo was poised to succeed the outgoing Countach as Lamborghini's new flagship model, and it would usher the Italian manufacturer into the modern supercar era. Beginning in the late 1980s, the development of the Diablo marked a significant step forward for the company in terms of performance, design, and technology.
Penned by legendary designer Marcello Gandini, the Diablo was instantly cemented as an automotive icon characterized by sharp flowing angles, pop-up headlights, and aggressive aerodynamics. At its heart, the Diablo was powered by a mid-mounted 5.7-liter V12 engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which sent power to monstrous 335 section width rear wheels. This potent combination resulted in the first production Lamborghini to exceed 200 mph, with the Diablo topping out at blistering 202 mph and setting the canvas for evolution and exceptional variants through the 90’s.
1994 would mark the 30th Anniversary of Lamborghini, and not one to rest on their laurels, Lamborghini celebrated this in flamboyant fashion by creating a raw and unparalleled variant of the Diablo in highly limited numbers. Known as the Diablo SE30, this limited run model would see a scant 150 cars produced world-wide, while being designed largely as a street-legal race vehicle that was lighter and more powerful than the contemporary Diablo.
The Diablo SE30 was a technological leap forward for the manufacturer and featured extensive use of state-of-the-art composites and exotic materials to make it 300 lbs lighter, while the engine saw output increased to 525HP through a tuned fuel system, free-flowing exhaust, and magnesium intake manifolds. The Diablo SE30 omitted the electrically adjustable shock absorbers, but was equipped with adjustable-stiffness anti-roll bars which could be controlled from the interior, on the go. Alongside the extensive use of carbon composites and exotic materials, Lamborghini replaced the power glass side windows with fixed plexiglas containing a small sliding vent window, and removed luxury features such as the air conditioning, stereo, and power steering. These technological developments and engineering approach enabled the Diablo SE30 to culminate as the last of the pure and true Lamborghini’s, an unapologetic and brash raw driving experience with charm.
Today, the Lamborghini Diablo SE30 remains a classic and iconic car in the brand's history, representing the definitive pinnacle of the extravagant design and extreme performance of the 90’s - the perfect balance of pure Lamborghini essence, while still being refined and accommodating. Having adorned the walls of countless youths, and a staple image of the 90's digital age, few cars are as electrifying as the Diablo’s limited production variant, the Diablo SE30.
