The 2000s weren't a great time to spend on ostentatious displays of wealth. A hot single could lead to endorsements, sold-out tours, and piles of cash, but the cars and houses available to make a splash didn't have the quality on the inside to match the flash visible from the outside. The early Diablo would fall squarely within this category of lackluster quality propping up an impressive design.

Somewhere along the line, high-quality and durable goods became status symbols. Say what you will about the cost to repair, but a modern Rolls-Royce Ghost, designed and manufactured by BMW, must pass the same durability tests as a lowly, high-volume 1-series. The result is a pretty appealing product that can boast of innovative technology and first-class engineering as much as it can of exclusivity. And, just take a look at the sorts of mansions that rappers are building today. In the 2000s, 50 Cent basically had his home appointed with the same level of construction that you'd see in a bowling alley or chain restaurant - bespoke, but just vinyl stapled to particle board at the end of the day. Today, you see Drake building a Limestone mansion in Toronto; the contrast in quality is stark.

Year: 2001
Model:  Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0
Engine: 6.0L V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage:  9,916 mi
Price: $399,750 BIN
Location: Spring, Texas

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

Unlike its predecessors of the same name, the 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 was crafted during the years that its replacement, the Lamborghini Murcielago, was in development. As a result, the VT 6.0 features a unique hybrid design, exhibiting attributes of both its Diablo ancestors and Murcielago descendants. On the outside, the VT 6.0s front bumper sports two large air intakes that foreshadow the Murcielagos own front end decor. The back end of the vehicle remains much the same as other Diablo models, but the tail light surrounds are body-colored (instead of red or black) and the tail light lamps mirror the configuration of the Diablo GT variant. All things considered, the Diablo VT 6.0 is a mishmash of old and new: the best of the past and a hint of the future. This chassis number A12508 is one of few VT 6.0s painted in a gorgeous and exceedingly rare arancio atlas orange. If the prestige of the lamborghini make isnt enough to turn heads, this fabulous color will be. The A12508 is also equipped with a carbon fiber spoiler that appears standard from a distance, but, upon closer inspection, possesses a dazzling ocean blue-tinged shade. Lastly, the retro 5-hole phone dial design wheels provide the A12508 with a detail that reminds onlookers just how far technology has come. Specs 550 hp 6.0L V12 engine, 1.2 bar pressurized water cooling system, 5-speed manual transmission, Lightened carbon reinforced chassis, Four-wheel drive, Brembo servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch OZ wheels with 5-hole phone dial design, Blue-tinged carbon fiber spoiler.

The Diablo VT 6.0 was the result of the new Audi ownership civilizing the Diablo. The engine was refined with variable valve timing to broaden the power band, allowing for an eye-catching peak power number while improving drivability at lower engine speeds. The interior and the exterior were refined as well, and the work all coincided with the development of the upcoming Murciélago. The flash was still present, but Audi had pried their way in to make for a more durable and useable product, a trend that would continue on throughout the Lamborghini range, especially in the Gallardo.

To us, this is the most drivable Diablo, and as such, the least collectable. So, we don't really see the point in spending so much cash on such a refined Diablo just to see it parked in a garage. Ironic, then, that the early cars, wilder in nature, would be better candidates for something to enjoy more often. The seller is certainly not presenting this example with the care required for a car at this price - see the grainy photos, the lack of engine bay or underbody shots, and the wikipedia description if you don't believe us. Thanks for telling us the pressure of the cooling system? Still, we dig these VT 6.0s, especially in orange.

-Graham