Long before the presidency, Donald J. Trump was already known for his real estate empire, flashy lifestyle, and taste for excess—and few things summed that up better than his 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster. This wasn’t just a car he happened to own. It was custom-ordered, factory-personalized, and driven through the streets of New York when Lamborghinis still had gated shifters and zero driver aids.
It’s rare, loud, and historically weird in all the right ways. And over two decades later, it’s become one of the most talked-about Diablos in existence—not just for how it was built, but who signed the title.
One of Just 132 VT Roadsters Made in 1997
Lamborghini didn’t build many Diablo VT Roadsters in 1997—just 132 left the factory that year. It was special ordered in a Blu Le Mans paint color, which was not offered in 1997, making it the only Diablo painted in this shade for 1997. That combination alone makes the car rare before you even factor in the name on the title.
These models were hand-built during a transition period for the brand, right before Audi took over. That gives the ’97 VT Roadsters a rawer edge compared to later Lamborghinis. They’re not just rare—they represent the last of an era where excess came standard.
It Packed a 5.7L Naturally Aspirated V12
Under the rear deck sat a 5.7-liter V12—no turbos, no hybrids, just a high-strung engine doing what it was born to do. It made 492 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
The Diablo VT Roadster could hit 60 mph in under 4.1 seconds, which was outrageous in the ’90s. It topped out at 202 mph, making it one of the fastest open-top cars on the planet at the time. It wasn’t built for comfort—it was built to flex.
Trump’s Name Was Factory-Stamped on the Car
This wasn’t just a car he bought—it was factory-personalized. The door sills were engraved with “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo,” making this one-off even more unique. It wasn’t just another Lambo with a famous owner—it was branded from the start.
That small detail turned the car into a certified collector’s item. Even among supercar collectors, having a car with a factory-engraved presidential connection is rare air. It adds a layer of provenance that even low mileage can’t match.
It Rode on an All-Wheel Drive System
The “VT” in Diablo VT stands for “Viscous Traction,” Lamborghini’s early all-wheel-drive setup. While most exotics of the time stuck with rear-wheel drive, the Diablo VT split torque between front and rear for better control under throttle.
That made it more manageable in corners and less likely to bite back if you got greedy with the gas pedal. It wasn’t soft by any means—it just gave you a fighting chance to harness the V12 instead of just hanging on for dear life.
The Bodywork Was Done in Carbon and Aluminum
The Diablo VT Roadster’s design was all about weight and airflow. The roof panel was made of carbon fiber, while the rest of the body combined carbon and aluminum. The removable targa top could be stowed behind the seats.
That setup gave the Diablo a sleek look whether the top was on or off. Trump’s version, finished Blu Lemans with a white leather interior, leaned into contrast. It didn’t blend in then—and it sure doesn’t now.
The Interior Was Flashy, Even by ’90s Standards
Trump’s Diablo VT Roadster came with a white leather interior that matched the car’s over-the-top persona. Everything inside was stitched, padded, and trimmed in a way that screamed excess, from the thick leather seats to the polished metal switchgear.
It wasn’t the most ergonomic cabin, but that wasn’t the point. The Diablo was about presence—inside and out. And this one delivered on that, pairing a clean exterior with an unapologetically loud interior. It reflected the personality of the man who ordered it.
The Car Eventually Went to Auction—Twice
Trump’s Diablo VT was first auctioned off in the mid-2010s, but it didn’t really grab attention until it came back around in 2024 through Barrett-Jackson. This time, the connection to Trump—now a former president—made all the difference.
The car sold for $1.1 million, a figure well above what even pristine Diablos usually bring. That premium wasn’t just for the specs—it was for the story, the name, and the direct ownership link. Provenance moves the needle, and this Lambo had it.
It Was One of the Last “Analog” Lambos
The 1997 Diablo VT Roadster was among the last Lamborghinis built before Audi stepped in. There were no stability systems, no traction control, and no dual-clutch paddles—just a gated shifter, a long clutch throw, and that 12-cylinder soundtrack.
You had to respect it or it would bite. It was the kind of car that demanded your full attention at any speed. For collectors, that makes it a true throwback to the untamed side of Italian supercars, before the digital age softened the edges.
It Wasn’t Just for Show—It Was Actually Driven
Unlike many cars with celebrity ties, Trump’s Diablo wasn’t mothballed or trailered around in secrecy. It was driven and serviced, with mileage on the odometer to prove it. That’s rare for a car of this pedigree.
It was spotted on the streets of New York in the late ’90s and early 2000s, often drawing attention from paparazzi and car watchers. Even in a city packed with luxury, the Blu Lemans Diablo stood out—especially when the man behind the wheel was a household name.
It’s Now a Rare Piece of Car and Political History
Most exotic cars fade into collections, but this one found new life as both a car and a piece of presidential trivia. Whether you’re into politics or not, a Diablo personally spec’d and owned by a future U.S. president is hard to ignore.
In today’s market, provenance like this drives demand—and value. For collectors, it’s a crossover between supercar royalty and pop culture. And in a world full of limited editions, this one is one-of-one in more ways than one.
Like Fast Lane Only’s content? Be sure to follow us.
Here’s more from us:
*Created with AI assistance and editor review.
Leave a Reply