1993 marked Lamborghini’s 30th anniversary as a motor manufacturer. To celebrate the firm released a limited edition Diablo named the SE30 which was first launched in September 1993. This was much more than a dressed up standard model with fancy paint and a bodykit.

The SE30 was initially conceived as the homologation basis for a GT racer, unfortunately a competition variant never actually materialised, but Lamborghini still went ahead and built a batch of 150 SE30′s. Buyers could also have their cars uprated to Jota specification where the already suped 525bhp motor was tuned to an incredible 595bhp – just 28 examples received this radical treatment. The last cars rolled out the factory in late 1995.
Although unassisted steering was retained along with fixed suspension, extensive changes were made to the existing rear drive Diablo, the emphasis being on shedding weight and increasing performance. One-piece OZ Racing magnesium wheels were 18-inch diameter at the rear and 17 at the front, perforated brake discs increased stopping capability. Overall weight dropped to 1451kg compared to 1576 and 1625kg for the standard Diablo and VT respectively. Weight of the engine itself was lowered by using magnesium intake manifolds and cylinder heads, all of which contributed to the SE30 posting the fastest performance figures yet for a Diablo – 207mph flat out and 0-60 in four seconds dead. The weight-saving theme continuing with redesigned carbon fibre skirts, bumpers, front bonnet (the Lamborghini badge being repositioned from the front bonnet down to in-between the indicators), engine cover and lightweight two-piece door windows.

The SE30 produced 33bhp more than its sisters with 525bhp at 7000rpm, despite capacity remaining unchanged at 5707cc, thanks to a reprogrammed LIE engine management system and free-flow sports exhaust.
Externally the SE30 also got a number of distinctive features that marked it out as something a little bit special. A more aggressive stance was achieved thanks to bigger rear wheels, A distinctive slatted engine cover mimicked that of the Miura, other distinguishing features including an all new lightweight rear wing that came fitted as standard (identifiable by the drooping corners and adjustable Gurney flap). At the back, a new grille was embossed with a chrome logo and 30th Anniversary scripting, a reprofiled bumper capping the changes
Inside, the electric windows were junked; leather was typically exchanged for racey suede alcantara and used on the carbon fibre bucket seats, dash and central console. The drilled aluminium pedals, cockpit-adjustable roll bars, extensive use of carbon fibre and white-backed dials in a VT binnacle all added to the race car bred mix.