The term “restomod” is thrown around a lot, encompassing a variety of different makes and models. But what Eccentrica has done with the Lamborghini Diablo is in a league of its own, and we just might need a term for it.
It all starts with the Eccentrica team. Emanuel Colombini and his team are first class. Everyone involved shares the same level of enthusiasm when it comes to building a company from the ground up and rebuilding the Lamborghini Diablo. The passion of the entire team can be felt and seen when you first lay eyes on their inaugural model. The silhouette remains the same, but as you get closer, you begin to realize all the work that’s gone into creating this masterpiece. It’s apparent in the subtle differences––the lighting and the Capristo exhaust help you realize that this is far from your average Diablo. Once you step inside, you understand that this car is something special. Only the finest materials are used throughout. The gated manual transmission is alive and well, but as you examine further, you notice the ability to change drive modes from Strada to Pista, the attention to detail on the key, the incredible retro-feeling digital dash, and the Apple Car Play that is integrated into the rear-view mirror. Everything was thoughtfully placed throughout the interior; the car blew me away before it even started.
Now this is where things get exciting: as the sound of the roaring V12 with the clickity-clack of the gated manual transmission mingles with the smell of fuel, the Diablo inspires awe and respect. It is a thrilling experience to watch the driver’s door raise and beckon you inside. Normally, not being behind the wheel dulls the experience, but in this case, as soon as the reimagined 5.7 liter V12 engine fired up, I couldn’t get into the passenger seat fast enough. The Eccentrica V12 features new cams, an electronic throttle body, and is paired with a custom 6-speed transmission with updated gear ratios. These improvements, along with power steering, help launch the car into the future. Emanuel slid behind the wheel, pressed the reverse button, pulled out into the street, and took me for the ride of a lifetime. It was two weeks ago, but I still haven’t stopped smiling––and keep in mind I haven’t even driven the car yet. When the valves opened on the Capristo exhaust, and we took off down the backroads of Bridgehampton, I thought every car alarm in New York was going to go off. The sounds this car made as it hugged the turns (thanks to its double wishbone and custom TracTive suspension) were nothing short of incredible. We pulled back into the driveway, and as the giant Brembo brakes slowed the car to a stop, I found I could not put my experience into words. I was speechless.
Only nineteen lucky people will have the chance to have an experience like I had and own an Eccentrica V12, and I will be envious of them every day. What the Eccentrica team has done has changed the restomod world and will make it difficult for others to catch up. I cannot wait to see how the first few owners decide to spec their cars.
Image Sources: @rvt3, @steviepng
