A 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster once owned by former President Donald Trump has sold for a staggering $1.1 million at an auction by Barrett-Jackson at Scottsdale, roughly double the going rate of most other used Diablo VT Roadsters from this era.
Lamborghini built just 132 examples of the Diablo VT Roadster for the U.S. market between 1997 and 1999 and Trump’s car is unique, as it is the only 1997 model finished in Blu Le Mans, thanks to the then-businessman’s special connection with Lamborghini at the time. It also has a special ‘Donald Trump 1997 Diablo’ plaque on the door and it remained in his possession until 2002.
Barrett-Jackson says that the crowd at the event “rose to its feet and cheered when a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT roadster (Lot #1407) previously owned by Donald J. Trump set a new auction world record with its $1.1 million sale.” It took roughly 90 seconds for bidding on the car to go past the $1 million mark.
@thestradman Crazy price for a Diablo VT Roadster #Lamborghini ♬ original sound – TheStradman
Some context is needed to demonstrate just how absurd it is for this Diablo VT Roadster to sell for seven figures. Trump’s car was sold with 15,431 miles (24,834 km) on the odometer and in April last year, a red 1998 Diablo VT Roadster with 42,538 miles (68,458 km) was sold by Mecum Auctions for $291,500.
Read: One Of Just Two Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadsters Is Up For Sale
In early 2023, a 1999 example with 18,716 miles (30,120 km) fetched $456,000 at an RM Sotheby’s auction while last November, a very low-mileage 1997 example with just 1,500 miles (2,414 km) was sold for $520,000 on Bring a Trailer, indicating that prices have been on the rise.
While the paint finish of the former President’s Italian supercar is extremely exclusive, the interior is a little more restrained and combines areas of cream-colored leather and black leather. The Diablo was sold with the original manuals, books, two tool bags, and a car cover.
