- Having raced with Max Cohen Olivar

- Ex-Shalom Racing

- Sold new in Paris

- Matching numbers

Introduced in 1996, the Lamborghini Diablo SV-R represented an important milestone in the brand's motorsport history. Designed specifically for racing, it was the first modern Lamborghini developed as part of an official customer racing programme. Derived from the Diablo SV, the SV-R was radically different, with its exclusive focus on motor sport and targeted technical developments.

It is powered by Lamborghini's naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V12 engine, mounted transversely at the rear. Producing around 540 horsepower, this engine has been specifically tuned for intensive racing use. It is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission which delivers engine power to the rear wheels only, in line with the purest and most demanding driving architecture fit for racing.

Weight reduction was a key part of this project. Stripped of all non-essential equipment, the Diablo SV-R weighs around 1,380 kg, significantly less than the road versions. The interior was completely redesigned: welded roll cage, bucket seat, harness, simplified instrumentation and a total absence of trim or comfort features. Each component serves a specific purpose: performance, safety and efficiency.

Aerodynamically, the SV-R features a radical design. The imposing adjustable rear wing, front splitter and perforated bonnet are designed to improve downforce and cooling during long racing sessions. The chassis and suspension have been specifically tuned for optimal performance on track and high precision handling.

The Diablo SV-R is not approved for road use. It is exclusively intended for the Lamborghini Supertrophy, a single-make championship launched by the brand to offer private drivers a consistent racing environment. All cars are strictly identical, ensuring mechanical equality and highlighting the driver's talent.

Production is deliberately limited to 31 examples, 30 of which were delivered to customers and one retained by Lamborghini. This extreme rarity, combined with its status as a true factory-customer racing car, now places the Diablo SV-R among the most sought-after models of the Diablo era.

Acquired new in Paris by William Illouz to race in the Lamborghini Supersport Trophy between 1996 and 1998, the No. 23 car (one of only 31 ever made) took part in the Challenge under the colours of the Shalom Racing Team. Founded in 1996 by Illouz and based in Jerusalem, this was Israel's first motorsport team. The two drivers are Hichem Ameur and Max Cohen Olivar (20 entries in the 24 Hours of Le Mans). The team has achieved several podium finishes, including two third places on the prestigious Spa-Francorchamps circuit and one on the French circuit of Nogaro. Beyond its sporting results, Shalom Racing has always carried a strong message: to use sport as a vehicle for peace, tolerance and coexistence between cultures and religions. The car was stored after the Trophy and acquired by the current owner. It was kept at SRO in Le Castellet and then in his workshop in the east of France, where he services his racing cars. The car will be delivered with its crates containing all parts needed to convert it back to road specification (bumpers, interior equipment, etc.). With a mileage of 16,640 km, the car does start but will need a full service before going back on the track.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Diablo SV-R, the most extreme version of this model, one of 31 examples that took part in the Philippe Charriol Supersport Trophy at the time. It symbolises a pivotal era in which Lamborghini still combined a naturally aspirated V12 engine, analogue design and a resolutely performance-oriented approach.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout