1999 Lamborghini Diablo GT-R
On the track, the Diablo GT-R became the ultimate expression of late-1990s Lamborghini performance. Campaigned in the Supertrophy series across Europe, the GT-R battled against other single-make legends of the era, showcasing Lamborghini’s capability to create a competitive, endurance-ready machine. Though its racing life was relatively short and niche compared to Ferrari’s Challenge cars or Porsche’s Cup racers, the Diablo GT-R marked an important turning point: it signaled Lamborghini’s seriousness in motorsport, laying the groundwork for future track cars like the Murciélago R-GT and eventually the modern Super Trofeo program. Today, each of the 30 GT-Rs is a rare artifact of Lamborghini’s racing ambition, celebrated for its rawness, rarity, and motorsport pedigree.
The Lamborghini Diablo GT-R was born out of Sant’Agata’s ambition to take the already ferocious Diablo and transform it into a purebred competition machine. Built in 1999 for the Lamborghini Supertrophy racing series, only 30 cars were produced, each hand-assembled and stripped of unnecessary weight to meet the demands of the track. The GT-R featured a heavily reworked 6.0-liter V12 producing nearly 600 horsepower, paired with a sequential racing gearbox, full roll cage, racing suspension, and massive Brembo brakes. It was more than just a modified Diablo — it was Lamborghini’s first real step toward building dedicated customer race cars, something the brand had rarely attempted before.
The interior of the Diablo GT-R is a world apart from the luxurious cabins of road-going Lamborghinis, stripped down to serve its sole purpose as a race car. Bare carbon fiber panels, a simplified dashboard with racing gauges and toggle switches, and a full FIA-spec roll cage create a raw, functional atmosphere that prioritizes performance and safety over comfort. Deep racing bucket seats are paired with Takata harnesses in our #10 example, securing the driver in place and emphasizing the GT-R’s uncompromising motorsport character.
As our restoration of Diablo GT-R #10 progresses, we’ll be sharing updates that highlight the meticulous process of bringing this rare machine back to its factory glory. From the return to its original Giallo yellow paint to the details of its racing interior and mechanical refinement, every stage will be documented to showcase both the craftsmanship and the story behind this car. Beyond the restoration itself, we’re planning extensive content with our GT-R, including photo and video shoots, and rally appearances, to give enthusiasts and collectors a closer look at one of the most significant Lamborghinis ever built. This is only the beginning of the journey for our GT-R, and we’re excited to bring the community along as we revive its legacy.
