Trump’s Unique Lamborghini Diablo Fails to Win Bidders’ Votes
A 1997 Lamborghini Diablo Roadster VT once owned by Donald Trump, finished in a rare Le Mans Blue, struggled to attract buyers despite its distinctive provenance and low mileage.
A 1997 Lamborghini Diablo Roadster VT originally ordered by Donald Trump failed to generate the expected interest at auction, despite its celebrity provenance and rare specification. The car, finished in Le Mans Blue, is claimed to be the only 1997 Diablo in the world painted in this colour from the factory.
The car’s current owner stated that Trump specified the Le Mans Blue paint when new, making this Diablo a one-off for its year. The Roadster VT is powered by Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V12, producing 492hp and driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The Diablo VT shares its viscous traction all-wheel-drive hardware with the LM002, adding to its mechanical appeal for collectors.
Despite the car’s rarity and the Trump connection, it struggled to find a buyer at auction. The odometer showed just 15,277 miles, and the car appeared to have been kept in near-original condition. Features included optional 18-inch wheels, a removable carbon fibre roof panel, and paint protection film on the bodywork. The interior, finished in two-tone leather, was described as being in pampered condition, with all original books, tool bags, keys and window stickers present.
Celebrity provenance and collector appeal
Cars with celebrity ownership often command a premium, but in this case, the Trump name did not translate into higher bids. The Diablo’s appeal remains strongest among enthusiasts who value its naturally aspirated V12, manual gearbox and open-top driving. The unique colour and low mileage add to its collectability, but the market did not respond as the seller had hoped.
For collectors, the combination of rarity, originality and a well-documented history is usually a strong draw. In this case, the Trump connection may have been less of a selling point than anticipated. The car remains a rare opportunity for Lamborghini enthusiasts, especially those seeking a Diablo with a story.
For a look at another Diablo in the news, see Lamborghini Diablo suffers heavy crash in Australia.
