Garage R. Affolter Lamborghini Diablo Masterpiece

Unique ONES - When we talk about iconic supercars, the Lamborghini Diablo is a name that always stands out. Manufactured between 1990 and 2001, this car marked a turning point in the world of mid-engined sports cars. Its aggressive design and performance left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts, breaking the 200 mph barrier and producing a total of 2,884 units. The Diablo paved the way for what would later become the Lamborghini Murciélago, cementing its place in the annals of automotive history.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution GTR Roadster by Garage R. Affolter is the last variant built by the Swiss company in the late 1990s, based on the Diablo SV Roadster. (Picture from: Carswp)

The Diablo's design and performance have inspired many custom car builders to take this already legendary car and push it even further. The latest example comes from BorromeodeSilva's design for Emanuel Colombini of Eccentrica Cars, based on the Diablo. This isn't the first time the Diablo has been given a unique makeover. Over the years, the Diablo has been the canvas for various custom creations, such as the controversial design by Vittorio Strosek and the unique Lamborghini Coatl, which brought a Latino flair to the Diablo's lineage.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution GTR by Garage R. Affolter is the highest-performance variant ever built by the Swiss company in the late 1990s, based on the Diablo SV. (Picture from: LamboCars)

Another notable customization comes from the Swiss coachbuilder Garage R. Affolter of Roland Affolter, Their work on the Diablo took the car's already stylish appearance to a whole new level, adding both aesthetic and performance enhancements. With Affolter’s modifications, the Diablo became not just a high-performance car, but also a luxury piece of automotive art that fetched higher prices than the standard versions. Depending on the customer’s budget and desires, Garage R. Affolter could offer a range of customizations to suit different tastes.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution GTR by Garage R. Affolter is the highest-performance variant ever built by the Swiss company in the late 1990s, based on the Diablo SV. (Picture from: KldConcept)

Garage R. Affolter’s specializations included bold body kits and mechanical upgrades that could push the Diablo’s power to an impressive 620 bhp. However, for those who felt the standard 492 bhp was already more than enough, Affolter also offered body kits without touching the engine. These kits guaranteed that the Diablo would turn heads wherever it went. But for those wanting the ultimate upgrade, Affolter could install twin or even quadruple turbochargers, boosting the power to 620 horses. This upgrade enabled the Diablo to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 203 mph.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution GT1 by Garage R. Affolter was designed for those who wanted to stand out even more, with its over-the-top bodywork featuring countless scoops, slats, and spoilers. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)

One of Affolter's standout offerings was the Diablo Evolution, an entry-level model that featured carbon-fiber panels and more aggressive styling lines than the standard version. This package was available for both the Coupé and the Roadster. For those wanting something even more unique, there was the Miami edition, which featured a tinted glass roof for the Coupé and an extra-menacing look with black wheels, headlamp covers, and other dark details. With 620 bhp as standard, the Miami edition ensured that the Diablo would be a true showstopper.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution GT1 by Garage R. Affolter was fitted with four exhausts exiting from the center of the rear panel, and the car’s extra-wide wings included cooling scoops to keep the brakes from overheating. (Picture from: BelowTheRadar)

For those who wanted something even more extreme, Garage R. Affolter offered the Diablo Evolution GT1. This version was designed for those who wanted to stand out even more, with its over-the-top bodywork featuring countless scoops, slats, and spoilers. The GT1 was fitted with four exhausts exiting from the center of the rear panel, and the car’s extra-wide wings included cooling scoops to keep the brakes from overheating. The car was equipped with massive 10.5-inch front wheels and 13.5-inch rear wheels to ensure that all of its power could be transferred to the road.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution by Garage R. Affolter was an entry-level model that featured carbon-fiber panels and more aggressive styling lines than the standard version. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The GT1 was not just about looks—it was built for performance. With four turbochargers pushing the engine to 620 bhp, the GT1 could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and it boasted a top speed of 216 mph. To handle such speeds, the car was fitted with 380 mm ventilated discs and four-pot calipers all around, ensuring that it could stop as impressively as it could go.

The Lamborghini Diablo Evolution by Garage R. Affolter seen at the 2023 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Affolter’s custom Diablos began making their mark as early as 1991, starting with the first Evolution model. Over the next few years, several more modified Diablos followed, including one sold to Rene Leimer, a former co-owner of Lamborghini. In the late 1990s, Affolter introduced a small series of GTR models based on the Diablo SV, with the final car being completed in 1999. This last edition, based on a Diablo VT Roadster, was a slightly more restrained version of the earlier, more outrageous designs but still carried the unmistakable touch of Garage R. Affolter.

The Lamborghini Diablo remains a symbol of high-performance automotive excellence, and its legacy lives on through the custom creations that continue to push the boundaries of design and performance. For those lucky enough to own one, the Diablo represents more than just a car—it’s a piece of art on wheels, constantly evolving and redefined by the hands of passionate car builders like Garage R. Affolter. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GARAGERAFFOLTER  | BELOWTHERADAR | LAMBOCARS ]

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