• The successor to the Countach, the Diablo was produced, in various forms, from 1990-2001 and was the first production Lamborghini to crack 200mph.
• Although “Diablo” translates to Devil, it is still named after an infamous fighting bull — a known signature of Lamborghini.
• The rear-wheel-drive Diablo SV (Super Veloce) housed a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V12 that produced 510hp and featured desired styling cues from the 30 Edition Jota.
• Despite a four-year production run, only a total of 346 Diablo SVs were ever produced.
• This bull calls Wistar Motors — an exotic/collector service, sales, and storage facility in Kennett Square, PA — its home.

Enthusiasts talk ad nauseam about the right recipe. Well, try these ingredients out for size: 5.7-liter V12, 510hp, rear-wheel drive, no ABS, and scissor doors. What you have here is the makings of a Lamborghini Diablo SV which is, bar none, the most exciting platform that the renowned Italian outfit has ever made. I fondly remember playing with a yellow 1:18 scale AutoArt version of this exact car as a kid. Even at that scale, I fawned over its presence. The 335-section rear tires. The roof scoops from the SE30 Jota. The pop-up headlights. It was the Italian “perfetto” hand gesture (no, not the emoji you’re thinking of) translated into automotive form.

That would be as close as I’d ever get to a Diablo SV. Until the day that one showed up at Turn 14 Distribution HQ. This example belongs to Wistar Motors, an exotic/collector service, sales, and storage facility in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

THE SUPER VELOCE

If the “Super Veloce” (SV) is a new term to you, it’s worth taking a few moments to contextualize its history. First of all, “veloce” means “fast” (as if a Lamborghini of any kind would be anything but), but in a horsepower-hungry era where every mile per hour mattered, the SV’s 207mph top speed was significant. 

That top speed was achievable thanks to a 5.7-liter V12 that produced 510 horsepower and a slippery body that included styling carryovers from the SE30 Jota. Looking back at it now, the SV is the perfect enthusiast’s spec: lighter than its AWD siblings, more horsepower, bigger brakes, and flashier aero.

INTERVIEW WITH WISTAR MOTORS

We had the opportunity to sit down with Scott Wistar, the owner of Wistar Motors, to learn more than the Internet (or I) could tell you about his growing business and his obsession with the SV.

Thanks for making time to chat with us, Scott. Before we get into the car, could you talk through the history of Wistar Motors and its overall mission?
It’s a bit of a long story, but I’ve been admiring, buying, selling, and collecting exotic cars for quite a while. In the year 2000, I started with a 1990 Ferrari 348 and went on from there. I’ve owned many Ferraris and Lamborghinis and I learned that part of the ownership experience is really getting to know your techs (because you see them a lot!). So when my son Miles and I decided to turn our hobby into a business, we knew who to hire. We have a huge depth of talent in our service department; I trust them with every facet of service/overhaul on our car collection, so the idea is we want to treat our client’s cars in the same manner. Our goal is to be the best and most trusted source for exotic/collector service, sales, and storage in the region.

I understand that you have more than one Diablo in your collection. Could you speak about your affinity for the car, the different models you currently own, how you found this one, and what makes it special?
It started when I first saw a new Diablo in person in FC Kerbeck’s showroom in 1991. It literally knocked my socks off. I’m surprised they didn’t throw me out of there since I was loitering for so long just drooling over it. The salesman that was there at the time let me sit in it, and I knew I had to own one someday (as unobtanium as it was to me at the time). I would stop in there any time I was in the area just to see if they had Diablos around.

When I had Dumb and Dumber on VHS in the mid ’90s, I would rewind the Diablo scenes over and over. So yes, one would call it an obsession. Around 2016, I started shopping for a Diablo since they were at a price point where I could scoop one. Believe it or not, the Diablo SV in your lobby popped up on an eBay search. I ended up being the high bidder but didn’t hit the reserve. I called the owner, and we made a deal. He’s a super cool guy, and we are friends to this day. This car will always be special to me because I love the spec, and it was my first Diablo. With the prices of the Countach (Diablo predecessor) climbing, it made sense that the Diablo would also be a sound investment, so I went in search of others with unique specs. Currently, we have a Diablo SE30 (one of 150 30^th Anniversary Editions) in Black with a unique “Pesto” green Alcantara interior, a White/White 1994 Diablo VT, a 1995 in Viola with a purple interior, and #20 of 20 Diablo SV Monterey Edition in Monterey Blue with a crème interior.

Since I’m confident none of us will get a chance, could you talk to us about what it’s like to own and drive a Diablo (unique quirks, sounds, etc.)? 
Never say never! The Diablo is a very unique driving experience, and it does take some seat time to get acquainted with its mannerisms, namely, the lack of rearward visibility. It’s a handful to maneuver until you get used to it. Once you get underway, it’s a total blast to drive. There’s no need for a sound system; all the music is right behind your head in the form of that big V12 engine. Also, there are no real driver’s aids like in newer cars, so getting the tail out is easy to do, especially in the 2WD SV.

Could you help us understand how rare a Diablo SV is? 
A total of 346 Diablo SV’s built.

We can all look up the statistical differences between the “regular” Diablos and this SV, but what makes it special to you? 
It’s a more raw and powerful version of the standard Diablo, and it’s RWD. It has a more race-oriented driving character. The 2001 Diablo 6.0 (the final version), is a bit on the luxury side by comparison. I really like the look of the rooftop air intakes and the modular wheels.

Not that it needs it, but have you made any modifications to this car? If so, could you highlight them in detail? 
I feel the only mod a Diablo needs is an exhaust. The SV in the lobby has a Quicksilver straight pipe system installed in place of the massive muffler, and secondary cat delete pipes. We recently put the full Quicksilver straight pipe system in the Viola Diablo, and it sounds amazing.

Could you share your favorite memory of this car with us? 
This is an easy one. When I first got the car, my daughter was around 18 and very proficient with driving manual transmissions. I took her for a ride, and shortly after she asked if she could drive it. We switched seats, and after she got acquainted she said, “Can I mash it?” Of course, I said go for it, and when the car wailed to the redline she let out this big scream. I believe that was one of my best car moments ever. I finally had my dream car, and I got to be in the passenger seat while my daughter put it through its paces. What could possibly be cooler?

Thanks again Wistar for taking the time to chat and lending your gorgeous Diablo SV to Turn 14 Distribution for us all to admire. I’m sure I speak for everyone here: it’s been a childhood dream, fulfilled.

 

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