An ultra-rare Lamborghini Diablo GT will lead Bonhams’ inaugural Laguna Seca auction on 13 August. One of just 80 examples built, the GT represents the ultimate evolution of Lamborghini’s pre-Audi flagship and is widely regarded by collectors as the most focused and analogue expression of the Diablo line.
Inspired by contemporary GT2 racers, it featured extensive carbonfibre bodywork, a stripped-out interior and a 575bhp 6.0-litre V12 capable of propelling the car to 215mph. Chassis 74, finished in Black Rage with Nero leather, is estimated at $1.95m-2.45m and is offered with a rare factory-supplied leather briefcase.
The Diablo is joined by a trio of notable competition cars spanning four decades of motor sport. Among them is BMW Motorsport E46 GT chassis 00/001, the development car for BMW’s North American E46 M3 racing programme. Built by Prototype Technology Group, it was driven by Hans-Joachim Stuck, Boris Said and Johannes van Overbeek at events including Sebring, Silverstone and the Nürburgring before embarking on a second career with Alegra Motorsport. Restored in 2009 and retaining its original livery, it carries an estimate of $400,000-500,000.
Another intriguing entry is the 1963 Jaguar E-type Competition Coupé known to West Coast historic racers simply as ‘No 46’. Developed by Bernard Juchli into a lightweight racer producing close to 400bhp, the car claimed three VARA B Production titles and 19 race victories. Later owned by actor Nicolas Cage, it was used to hone his driving skills ahead of filming Gone in 60 Seconds. It will be offered without reserve at $175,000-225,000.
Completing the trio is a 1956 Lotus Eleven Le Mans, one of around 150 Series 1 cars built and delivered to the United States. Retaining its original chassis and aluminium bodywork, and powered by the desirable Coventry Climax FWB engine, the car has enjoyed a long historic racing career and is estimated at $120,000-160,000.
They join the previously announced Lola-Ford T70 MkII Can-Am car driven by Dan Gurney and Jim Clark’s 1967 Vollstedt-Ford IndyCar, ensuring Bonhams’ first auction at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca promises to be one of the highlights of Monterey Car Week.
For more info, see bonhams.com
