lambodiecast

I am a big fan of the Lamborghini Diablo range, especially two models from that era, the amazing limited edition Diablo GT and the Diablo SV, the latter one being considered as the ‘entry level' V12 model at that time, rear wheel drive only, a bit lighter compared to the Diablo VT model and in Europe the interior would be using sporty Alcantara upholstery, however Diablo SV going to the United States received leather as standard, the Alcantara was available as an option on that market.

Back in 1995 when Automobili Lamborghini SpA unveiled the Diablo SV edition, where SV stood for Sport Veloce, they showed a bright blue metallic Bull, with red SV script on the side and black centers for the wheels … just like this 1/18 scale model from AutoArt. Only difference were the rear wing and the interior, on the press release car the rear wing was finished in mat black, the factory didn't offer a color coded rear wing at first while the interior on the press car was finished in dark blue Alcantara and not in white leather like the AutoArt scale model.

When AutoArt first released these Diablo SV models they offered three shades if I remember right, a yellow one, a black one and this blue shade. The black really looks stunning so I got that shade from the moment I found it for sale … years passed and prices for these classic AutoArt Diablo went ballistic, some even get listed at €249 these days … totally insane, but understandable … prices always rise when supply dries up, and AutoArt hasn't been able to deliver these Diablo SV for many years now.

As I've set a goal for myself to get the original press cars in 1/18 scale I started looking for the blue metallic Lamborghini Diablo SV model, the yellow might look nice, but I specifically wanted blue for this classic from the Nineties.

From time to time the blue metallic one pops up on eBay and other online sites, most of them are very expensive … but I found a German seller offering it up for auction at a low initial price, naturally it went up, but not to ridiculous levels … because he didn't have the original box anymore, so some die hard collectors weren't interested I guess, or it could be the Christmas holidays put a large dent in most people's wallet … so this one went for only €69 … which I consider to be a bargain !

The Diablo SV had a totally different look compared to the regular VT version, the front bumper was modified, using black painted sections that housed larger air intakes, a black rear wing was standard and the engine cover received two large air intakes, feeding air straight into the engine bay where the cover over the manifolds was also finished in black now. A shade that was also used on the center piece of the new, five spoke wheels specifically designed for the Diablo SV, 18 inch at the back but only 17 inch up front. The taillight surrounds and section between them became black too and a very stylish ‘SV' script was mounted at the back … the same SV was applied on the side of the car too, much larger this time. Note that the large SV on the sides was actually a decal that was shipped with the car … but not mounted from the factory, so the owner could decide to mount it … or not.

Naturally this AutoArt model is not at the same level as their latest Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce model, both models are almost 15 years apart, what did you expect, but it must be said their Diablo SV is a masterpiece, even more so considering it was built in the mid-Nineties.

Sure the paint between the metal parts and the plastic parts is a shade different, but you'll have to look closely to notice this, also there are mold lines to be found on most plastic parts in the interior and engine bay … but still this is a very impressive 1/18 scale model of one of the most important Lamborghini Diablo models made.

There are rumors AutoArt will be putting out a new, improved release of their initial Diablo models, I sure hope so, but I still won't regret adding this original model to the collection … and when AutoArt does put out a new Diablo scale model I most likely will add that too, just so I can compare the ‘old' and the ‘new' side by side and see the improvements made.

our RATING

Overall rating

8/10

Original price : € 69