Lamborghini Diablo SE30 30th Anniversary
The Lamborghini Diablo SE30, produced in 1994-1995 to celebrate Lamborghini's 30th anniversary, was the first truly special edition of the Diablo range. Limited to 150 examples, the SE30 represented a significant step up from the standard Diablo in terms of performance, with a more powerful engine, reduced weight, and track-focused suspension tuning.
The SE30's 5.7-liter V12 engine received revised camshafts, lighter flywheel, reprogrammed fuel injection, and a free-flowing exhaust system that boosted output to 525 horsepower, a meaningful increase over the standard Diablo's 485 horsepower. More importantly, the engine felt sharper and more responsive, with quicker throttle response and a more aggressive exhaust note.
Weight reduction was a priority. The SE30 deleted the standard car's power steering, power windows, sound deadening, and carpeting, replacing them with lighter alternatives or simply doing without. A carbon fiber rear wing, lighter seats, and reduced equipment brought the curb weight down to approximately 1,378 kilograms, a significant saving over the standard car.
The suspension was revised with stiffer springs, firmer dampers, and a lower ride height, transforming the Diablo's handling from capable grand tourer to focused sports car. The steering, without power assistance, was heavier but provided significantly more feedback. The overall driving experience was rawer and more demanding than the standard Diablo, rewarding skilled drivers with greater involvement and performance.
Visually, the SE30 was distinguished by its unique body kit that included redesigned front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and the prominent carbon fiber rear wing. A special plaque on the center console identified each car's production number. Interior trim was minimalist compared to the standard Diablo, with exposed carbon fiber and lightweight materials replacing the usual leather and alcantara.
A further enhanced Jota version was available for an additional cost, adding even more power and track-focused modifications. The SE30 Jota is among the rarest and most valuable of all Diablos, with only about 28 examples produced.
The SE30 marked the beginning of Lamborghini's tradition of creating limited-edition, performance-enhanced variants of its flagship models, a practice that continues to this day with models like the Aventador SVJ and Huracan STO.
Verify the car's production number against Lamborghini records. Check that the SE30-specific components (body kit, carbon wing, lightweight seats) are present and correct. The lack of power steering means the steering is heavy at low speeds. The V12 engine is robust but service intervals must be observed. Check for corrosion in the chassis and body panels. Verify complete service history. The Jota version is significantly more valuable.
Exactly 150 SE30 units were produced, with an additional 28 or so SE30 Jota models. The anniversary edition deleted power steering, windows, and sound deadening for weight reduction. The Jota added further performance enhancements including approximately 595hp. Each car was numbered with a plaque. Production ran from 1994-1995.