This is the out-of-this-world 1998 Lamborghini GT1 Stradale (ZA9DE068AOWLA12000) photographed by @anytimespy, @fqogil and @famoia76. The story behind this car begins in the early 90’s under Indonesian company MegaTech ownership, Lamborghini would begin to develop interest in creating a racing version of the Diablo to compete in GT championships. In 1996, Automobili Lamborghini SpA got in touch with Signes Advanced Technology (SAT), a French company with history designing and building prototypes and race cars, seeking assistance in order to begin this unprecedented racing project. For the first car built, chassis VLA12001, Lamborghini would work directly with Isao Noritake (Japanese Lamborghini Owner Club President) to create their first GT1 car based on the Diablo. On August 2nd of 1996, Lamborghini formally announced the Diablo GT1 project and work would begin in October of that same year. SAT would begin constructing this car under the leadership of Alain Marguet as the Manager and Michel Costa as the chief engineer of the project. Lamborghini would supply the custom V12 racing engine & SAT would handle all of the cars bodywork & aero, which shared some resemblance with the standard Diablo, but was really an entirely new build. Other features included a purpose built racing interior, plexiglass windows, & an integrated roll cage. The Diablo GT1 project was completed in April of 1997 while both the Italian Ministry of Transport and the FIA confirmed the car for homologation. With all going great, a bright yellow homologated road car was produced (shown here), and wasn’t as race-oriented as the 1st JLOC GT1, losing some key touches such as the large wing. The race variant was used in the JTGC (Japanese Grand Touring Championship) from 1997-2002, but was never quite successful scoring only 3 points (all in the 1998 season) and a best result of 13th at Fuji.
How many made? 1 of 1 as a road-homologation variant, 1 of 2 as a Diablo GT1.
Engine: modified 6.0L V-12 producing 655 hp at 7,550 rpm
Debut: Lamborghini Factory - April 1997
Top Speed: 217+mph
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: @anytimespy, @fqogil and @famoia76
Research: @rarecarsonly
1998 Lamborghini GT1 Stradale
03.10.2024
Lamborghini