1996 Lamborghini Diablo SV-R

The Diablo was introduced in 1991 under Lamborghini’s brief period of Chrysler ownership, preserving but refining its layout, smoothing out the body’s humps and bumps and improving occupant accommodations. In the middle of the ’90s, Lamborghini built 31 Diablos prepared for use on the racetrack. The race version, known as the SV-R (for Sport Veloce, Race), was for competition in the new one-marque Lamborghini Diablo Supertrophy series. Customers could purchase an SV-R along with a season of racing. Lamborghini carried out all maintenance and repairs itself.

Built alongside the production Diablo SVs, the Rs were 191 kilograms lighter than the regular model and used OZ Racing one-piece, hollow spoke, cast magnesium 18-inch wheels with slick tires. The engine was tuned to put out 540 bhp, with the additional power mostly derived from a revised fuel injection and, for the first time ever on a Diablo, variable valve timing was used. Inside the cockpit,...