Lamborghini Diablo GT1, GTR and SV-R (1996–2001)
Three factory-backed racing Diablos: the SV-R one-make car of 1996, the SAT-built GT1 that raced in Japan from 1997, and the 590 hp GTR of 2000. Only about 65 cars exist across all three. Buyers are collectors and historic GT racers who want a V12 Lamborghini with real period history.
History
Lamborghini had never run a factory racing programme before 1996. That year it built the Diablo SV-R for a one-make series backed by watchmaker Philippe Charriol and organised by SRO 13. The first 28 cars were built between February and June 1996, and all 28 started the opening race at Le Mans on 14 June 12. Power rose to 540 bhp through revised injection and variable valve timing, glass became Plexiglas, and air jacks were fitted 1214. Buyers paid through a LeasePlan France package that included a season of racing and a road-legal conversion kit 15.
In August 1996 Lamborghini, then owned by Megatech, contracted Signes Advanced Technology of Toulon to build a GT1 car 21. SAT made a carbon body on a new tubular chassis, with a stroked 6.0-litre V12 rated at 655 hp 12. Two cars were built: race chassis VLA12001 and a yellow road-legal Stradale, chassis WLA12000, for homologation 12. The FIA and the Italian ministry confirmed homologation in 1998, but the European programme stopped when Audi took over the company that year 21. The race car went to JLOC in Japan and ran in JGTC GT500 from 1997 to 2000, scoring three points in 1998 3.
The Diablo GT road car of 1999 gave Lamborghini a base for a new Supertrophy car. The GTR was shown at Bologna in late 1999 and 30 cars were planned for the season opening at Nogaro on 11 June 2000 7510. The 6.0-litre V12 gained a lighter crankshaft, titanium rods and revised intake for 590 hp 87. The body was carbon except the steel roof and aluminium doors, with a frame-mounted rear wing and a 5-speed gearbox with an optional short fifth gear 5. Weight fell to 1,395 kg 9.
After the series ended in 2001, GTRs spread into the FFSA GT Cup, the Spa 24 Hours and Australian GT racing 411. Reiter Engineering ran a modified GTR in FIA GT from 2000 to 2002, scoring points once in 2001 16. JLOC rebuilt its GT1 into the JGT-1 for 2001 and kept racing it until 2004 3.
Palmarès
The SV-R raced only in its own series: 10 rounds at five circuits in 1996 and 1998, 14 rounds in 1997 13. Chassis LA12603 finished second overall in 1996 and third in 1997 14. The JLOC GT1 managed 9th, 10th and 11th places in JGTC 1998 for 3 points and 16th in the standings 3. GTR 12481 won the 2001 GTR Supertrophy and 12478 was runner-up, both under Mig Power 10. In Australia GTR number 4 won the 2002 Sandown 500 with Paul Stokell and Anthony Tratt, finished 8th in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour, and won 10 of 15 Australian GT races in 2005 with Peter Hackett 11. In the FFSA GT Cup a Riverside GTR won at Pau in May 2002 4. Reiter's FIA GT Diablo scored points once, in 2001 16.
What to check before you buy
Match the build number to the chassis and SRO records: SV-Rs are numbered to about 034 and GTRs 1 to 30. Auction catalogues name each car's number, first owner and series history, so a gap in that chain lowers the price. Find the chassis plate and engine number: On the SV-R the chassis number sits on the frame rail between engine and boot, the engine number between the cylinder heads. Confirm both are factory stampings. List every road-conversion part: Street headlights, indicators, aftermarket air conditioning and replacement cages are common on SV-Rs that lived in Japan or the US. Ask what original race parts come with the car. Ask which wheels are fitted: SV-R OZ wheels were replaced by Speedline during the series because they broke. GTRs use Speedline centre-locks. Inspect for cracks and ask for spares. Ask for the last engine, gearbox and clutch service mileage: GTR 12481 had engine, gearbox and clutch serviced at 21,200 km. On a Diablo these are engine-out jobs, so recent invoices matter more than hours since a rebuild claim. Verify the racing history against entry lists: GTRs ran in FFSA GT, Spa 24 Hours, FIA GT and Australian GT after 2001. Public results databases list team, drivers and finish for each event, so claims can be checked. Ask about Polo Storico paperwork: Lamborghini's heritage department certifies originality and makes spare parts for models up to the Diablo. A certificate or parts invoices through a dealer support provenance. Check which historic series will accept it: The 2026 Masters Endurance Legends list names the Diablo 132 GT1 but not the GTR or SV-R. The list is not exhaustive, so get written acceptance before buying for a specific grid.
Versions and evolutions
| Version | Years | What changed | How to identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo SV-R (Supertrophy) | 1996 | 5.7 L V12 at 540 bhp, stiffer Koni suspension, Brembo brakes, roll cage, Plexiglas windows, deep front spoiler, adjustable carbon wing, air jacks, no rear bumper 1213. 12 | No pop-up headlights: brake-cooling vents in their place. Four rear fins and an unmuffled central exhaust. Six-speed gated gearbox. Chassis ZA9DE22A0TLA125xx and a build number from 001 to around 034 1213. |
| Diablo GT1 (SAT) and GT1 Stradale | 1997–1998 | New tubular spaceframe, SAT carbon body, stroked 6.0 L V12 at 655 hp, 18-inch rear wheels, removable rear section. Stradale drops the large wing 12. 1 | Only two exist. Race car VLA12001 (white, later JLOC JGT-1) and yellow Stradale WLA12000. Intakes with small lights replace the pop-up headlights; air extractors in the bonnet from 1998 12. |
| Diablo JGT-1 (JLOC) | 2001–2004 | JLOC reworked the GT1 chassis and suspension with parts made for JGTC. No points scored; last outing at Tokachi in 2004 3. 3 | Single car, #88, Dunlop tyres, JLOC livery. Not a separate production version 3. |
| Diablo GTR (GTR Supertrophy) | 1999–2001 | Based on the Diablo GT: 6.0 L V12 at 590 hp and 640 Nm, carbon body with steel roof, integrated cage, 5-speed with optional short fifth, Speedline centre-lock wheels, air jacks, single seat 578. 6 | Chassis ZA9EAGTR0YLA124xx to 125xx, numbered 1 to 30 of 30. Bolt-on rear wing on the frame, Plexiglas side windows, stripped cabin 67. |
Known issues
- SV-R OZ hollow-spoke magnesium wheels cracking — Lamborghini replaced the original OZ wheels with Speedline during the series because the OZ rims were prone to breaking. Cars still on OZ wheels need crack testing before track use. 12
- Road conversions of SV-R race cars — Many SV-Rs were converted for the road in Japan and the US, with street headlights, air conditioning and even a Diablo VT 6.0 nose. Original race parts may be missing. 12
- Wings and fins migrating between cars — SV-R rear wings and fins were sold as conversion packages and fitted to other Diablos. A wing on offer may not belong to the chassis, and an original car may have lost its own. 12
- Fuel and ignition ageing on stored cars — A 2026 auction SV-R needed a new starter, fuel regulator, belts, hoses, seals, a repaired fuel sender and new coil wires after light use. Expect the same on any car parked for years. 13
- Engine-out service on the V12 — A 2003 guide quoted a tune-up at USD 1,650 to 2,400 and distributor caps at about USD 225 each, with factory maintenance behind the race career. Clutch and gearbox work needs the engine out. USD 1,650-2,400 for a tune-up (2003) 14
- GTR chassis damage from race use — Ex-Supertrophy GTRs often raced for years afterwards. Chassis 12492 had its frame measured and every part replaced or reconditioned in a 2012-13 rebuild by Reiter. 6
- GTR bodywork and Plexiglas — Panels are carbon fibre except the steel roof and aluminium doors; side windows are Plexiglas. Repairs need composite work, and a GTR with 21,350 km had its body restored in 2012-14. 10
Checklist before you buy
- Match the build number to the chassis and SRO records — SV-Rs are numbered to about 034 and GTRs 1 to 30. Auction catalogues name each car's number, first owner and series history, so a gap in that chain lowers the price. 13
- Find the chassis plate and engine number — On the SV-R the chassis number sits on the frame rail between engine and boot, the engine number between the cylinder heads. Confirm both are factory stampings. 14
- List every road-conversion part — Street headlights, indicators, aftermarket air conditioning and replacement cages are common on SV-Rs that lived in Japan or the US. Ask what original race parts come with the car. 13
- Ask which wheels are fitted — SV-R OZ wheels were replaced by Speedline during the series because they broke. GTRs use Speedline centre-locks. Inspect for cracks and ask for spares. 12
- Ask for the last engine, gearbox and clutch service mileage — GTR 12481 had engine, gearbox and clutch serviced at 21,200 km. On a Diablo these are engine-out jobs, so recent invoices matter more than hours since a rebuild claim. 10
- Verify the racing history against entry lists — GTRs ran in FFSA GT, Spa 24 Hours, FIA GT and Australian GT after 2001. Public results databases list team, drivers and finish for each event, so claims can be checked. 4
- Ask about Polo Storico paperwork — Lamborghini's heritage department certifies originality and makes spare parts for models up to the Diablo. A certificate or parts invoices through a dealer support provenance. 19
- Check which historic series will accept it — The 2026 Masters Endurance Legends list names the Diablo 132 GT1 but not the GTR or SV-R. The list is not exhaustive, so get written acceptance before buying for a specific grid. 17
Running costs 14
| Rebuild interval | Not published. One GTR was serviced for engine, gearbox and clutch at 21,200 km; most cars show 7,000 to 21,000 km total. |
|---|---|
| Typical rebuild cost | unknown for a full V12 rebuild; a tune-up was USD 1,650-2,400 in 2003 and the SV-R's factory-maintained race life left the mechanicals needing little beyond a tune. |
| Consumables | Slick or P Zero race tyres 240/645 front and 326/640 rear on the SV-R; Brembo 355/335 mm discs; the Bathurst GTR suffered seven tyre failures in 24 hours. |
| Spares availability | Lamborghini Polo Storico makes original parts for models up to the Diablo and claims coverage of over 65% of the fleet. Race-only parts (carbon panels, wings, Plexiglas, Speedline wheels) are not in that catalogue. |
Where it races today
- Masters Endurance Legends 1 · GT1 Cars, 1995-2004 group — The 2026 eligibility list names the Lamborghini Diablo 132 GT1. The GTR and SV-R are not listed; the organiser says the list is not exhaustive and asks for details by email. 17
- Endurance Racing Legends (Peter Auto) · GT1 / GT2 / Prototypes, 1990s and 2000s — Grid intended for GT1 cars such as the F1 GTR, 911 GT1 and 550. Lamborghini is not named on the series page, so acceptance must be confirmed with Peter Auto. 18
- Club track days and private racing groups · Open — The usual home for an SV-R since the Supertrophy ended; a 2003 guide noted plenty of such places to run the car. 14
Market prices
- 1996 Diablo SV-R chassis 020/34, converted for road use, RM Sotheby's Miami, sold: 698,000 USD (2026-02) 13
- 2000 Diablo GTR 18/30, chassis 12491, 6,770 km, BH Auction Tokyo, sold at hammer: JPY 122,100,000 (about 780,000 at January 2025 rates) USD (2025-01) 7
- 2000 Diablo GTR 4/30, ex-Team Lamborghini Australia, Sandown 500 winner, Shannons online, sold: 700,000 (Australian dollars, reported as $700,000) USD (2022-05) 11
- 2000 Diablo GTR 09/30, chassis 12478, 2001 Supertrophy runner-up, RM Sotheby's Munich, not sold: 775,000-875,000 estimate EUR (2022-11) 10
- 2000 Diablo GTR 11/30, chassis 12481, 2001 Supertrophy winner, Bonhams Bonmont, not sold: CHF 800,000-1,000,000 estimate EUR (2021-06) 10
- 1996 Diablo SV-R price guide, Motor Sport Magazine; one restored car asking GBP 401,100: 400,000-900,000 GBP (2021-11) 15
- 2000 Diablo GTR 19/30, chassis 12492, Reiter restoration, RM Sotheby's Monterey, not sold: 580,000-780,000 estimate USD (2017-08) 6
- 1996 Diablo SV-R chassis LA12603, 1996 series runner-up, RM Amelia Island, sold: 113,000 USD (2003-03) 14
- racingcarnetwork.com: no Diablo race cars listed; two Diablo OEM wheel sets asking 17,000 and 13,000: 13,000-17,000 USD (2026-11) 20
Between 2017 and 2022 three GTRs failed to sell against estimates of USD 580,000 to CHF 1,000,000, while cars that sold went for the equivalent of USD 450,000 to 780,000. The February 2026 SV-R result of USD 698,000 is six times its 2003 price; no Diablo GT1 has been offered publicly.
Reference prices are dated and sourced; live asking prices are in the listings above.
Frequently asked questions
How many of each were built?
Two GT1 cars (one race car, one Stradale). Thirty numbered GTRs, with Audrain quoting ten extra built and 40 spare chassis. SV-R counts vary: 28 in the first batch, 31 or 32 in most guides, and RM Sotheby's says 34. Ask for the build number and check it against auction catalogues.
Is a Diablo GTR road legal?
No. It was sold on a bill of sale only for the Supertrophy, with a single seat, Plexiglas windows and no catalytic converters. Some owners use them for track days. SV-Rs were different: LeasePlan buyers got a road-legal kit, and many were later registered in Japan or the US.
What is the difference between the GT1 and the GTR?
The GT1 was a 1997 SAT-built FIA GT1 car on a new spaceframe with a 655 hp stroked V12; only two exist and one raced in Japan. The GTR of 2000 is a production-based 590 hp track version of the Diablo GT, built in a run of 30 for a one-make series.
Can I race one in historic GT series today?
The Diablo 132 GT1 is on the 2026 Masters Endurance Legends list for GT1 cars. The GTR and SV-R are not named there or on Peter Auto's Endurance Racing Legends page, so you need a written answer from the organiser. Many owners run them at track days instead.
Where do parts come from?
Mechanical parts shared with the road Diablo come through Lamborghini Polo Storico, which makes original spares for models up to the Diablo and sells them through dealers. Race-specific items such as carbon panels, wings, Plexiglas and Speedline centre-locks are not catalogued and must be sourced or remade.
What did a sold car fetch recently?
An SV-R converted for the road made USD 698,000 at RM Sotheby's Miami in February 2026. A GTR with 6,770 km hammered at JPY 122.1 million in Tokyo in January 2025. The Australian GTR with Sandown and Bathurst history sold for 700,000 at Shannons in May 2022.
Sources
- Lamborghini Diablo GT1 - Guide, LamboCars (2006) — SAT build, 655 bhp, two chassis VLA12001 and WLA12000, bodywork, JLOC sale, end of programme
- 1998 Lamborghini GT1 Stradale, Rare Cars Only (2024-10) — 655 hp at 7,550 rpm, August 1996 announcement, April 1997 completion, homologation, chassis ZA9DE068AOWLA12000
- JLOC, Wikipedia (2026) — JGTC results 1997-2000, 3 points in 1998, JGT-1 2001-2004, Gran Turismo licence
- Complete Archive of Lamborghini Diablo GTR, Racing Sports Cars (2026) — GTR entries 2001-2003: FFSA GT Cup, Spa 24 Hours, FIA GT Estoril 2002, Pau win May 2002
- The official press release of the Diablo GT-R, LamboCars (Automobili Lamborghini press release, 2000) (2000) — 30 cars planned, base Diablo GT, 590 hp, 5-speed with short fifth, carbon body with steel roof and aluminium doors, frame-mounted wing, Supertrophy since 1996
- 2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR, Monterey 2017 lot 258, RM Sotheby's (2017-08) — Chassis ZA9EAGTR0YLA12492, 19/30, estimate USD 580,000-780,000, not sold, SRO/Autovitesse/Reiter history, 2012-13 restoration, bill of sale only
- 2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR, Super Car Auction result, BH Auction (BINGO) (2025-01) — Chassis 12491, 18/30, hammer JPY 122,100,000, 6,770 km, Bologna 1999 launch, 590 hp at 7,300 rpm, 640 Nm, Speedline centre-locks
- 2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR, Audrain Auto Museum (2025) — Titanium rods, lightened crank, 3,086 lb, integrated cage, carbon panels except doors and roof, 30 plus 10 extra and 40 spare chassis
- Lamborghini Diablo GTR (2000), DK Engineering (2024) — 590 bhp, 1,395 kg versus 1,460 kg for the GT, one of 30, recommissioning
- Lamborghini Diablo GTR, Radical Mag (2025-03) — Nogaro 11 June 2000 season start, Bonhams Bonmont 2021 estimate CHF 800,000-1,000,000 not sold, RM Munich 2022 estimate EUR 775,000-875,000 not sold, 12481 Supertrophy winner 2001 and service at 21,200 km
- Sandown 500-winning Lamborghini sells for $700,000, V8 Sleuth (2022-05) — GTR number 4, Team Lamborghini Australia, 2002 Sandown 500 win, 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour 8th with seven tyre failures, 2005 Australian GT 10 wins, Shannons sale $700,000
- Lamborghini Diablo SV-R - Guide, LamboCars (2006-03) — 28 cars February-June 1996, Le Mans 14 June 1996, 540 bhp, Brembo 355/335 mm, Koni dampers, OZ wheels breaking and Speedline replacement, Pirelli sizes, road conversions, wings reused
- 1996 Lamborghini Diablo SV-R, Miami 2026 lot 168, RM Sotheby's (2026-02) — Sold USD 698,000, chassis ZA9DE22A0TLA12584, 020 of 34, 5.7 L, six-speed, LeasePlan delivery, race calendar 1996-1998, SRO and Charriol, road conversion, 2025 recommissioning work
- 1996 Lamborghini Diablo SV-R profile, Sports Car Market (2003) — RM Amelia Island 8 March 2003 sold USD 113,000, chassis LA12603, 31 cars, 191 kg saving, tune-up and distributor cap costs, chassis and engine number locations, 1996 second and 1997 third overall
- Lamborghini Diablo SV-R: race car buying guide, Motor Sport Magazine (2021-11) — 32 built, series 1996-2002, 250 new components, LeasePlan package with road kit, price guide GBP 400,000-900,000, asking GBP 401,100
- Reiter Engineering, Wikipedia (2026) — Modified GTR in FIA GT 2000-2002, points once in 2001, replaced by Murcielago R-GT
- Masters Endurance Legends 1 Eligibility List, 2026 edition, Masters Historic Racing (2026-04) — Lamborghini Diablo 132 GT1 in GT1 Cars; 1995-2004 group; list not exhaustive; GTR and SV-R absent
- Endurance Racing Legends, Peter Auto (2026) — Grid for GT1, GT2 and prototypes of the 1990s and 2000s; Lamborghini not named
- Lamborghini Polo Storico, Automobili Lamborghini (2026) — Certification, restoration, original spare parts from 350 GT to Diablo, over 65% fleet coverage, ordering via dealers
- Search results for 'diablo', Racing Car Network (2026-11) — No Diablo race cars listed; two OEM wheel sets at USD 17,000 and USD 13,000
- File:Lamborghini Diablo GT1 Stradale.jpg, Wikimedia Commons (2022-08) — Image, author and licence
Did you know
- All 28 SV-Rs entered the first race at Le Mans on 14 June 1996 and all 28 finished 12.
- The JLOC Diablo GT1 was the first Lamborghini in Gran Turismo 3 because Sony paid JLOC for the licence; it appeared only in the Japanese version 3.
- GTR number 4 finished 8th in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour despite seven tyre failures, 40 laps behind the winning Monaro 11.
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