1/18/20 22/100 Lamborghini Diablo

Like the F50 the Diablo was the successor to the long-standing Countach with similar fierce styling, bull names, and V-12 power, though more subdued and more powerful.  One of the benefits of this Matchbox casting released in 1990 was the lack of a rear wing and an opening rear engine cover, still available here to show off the detailed V-12 motor and its famed intake runners.  On the outside the simple blue paint with detailed front and rear lighting may seem new, and refreshing after the ill-advised Tyco recolors, it actually has been used in the ROW lineup a year before in purple.  The bodylines are nicely done with a crisp and smooth look, the edges of the side ducts visible, and the separate rear bumper that shows off the vents below the taillights.  The interior has a more refined look than the Countach with two comfy seats, flow back dashboard, and even detailed air vents in the center on a section of the dashboard that is part of the metal body.  The base shows off the lower side of the engine and the working suspension still works, though it tends to make the body lean, and on the track it is fast and very responsive though it would feel a lot better in the early releases on 8-dot wheels.  The Diablo helped push Lamborghini in the right direction with better interior materials and all-wheel drive to counter the massive power at the rear wheels in later versions, and this Matchbox casting got the best look in its last years.  Oh, and on a side note I remember finding one with the Matchbox 2000 logo, but the car was in bad shape with an apparent factory mishap that resulted in a leaning body and glue haze on the windows and paint, so I passed on that one sadly.

Specifications:

· Engine: 5.7L DOHC V-12 485 hp.

· Transmission: 6-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 4.5 sec.

· Real vehicle price: #250,000 est. 1996

Rating:  4.7 out of 5 stars