After two decades of effort, professional wrestler-turned-actor John Cena is parting ways with a Lamborghini Diablo replica that he spent 20 years making roadworthy. Now listed for auction on Bring a Trailer, this unusual kit car comes with an intriguing backstory that dates to before Cena became a WWE superstar.
Cena commissioned the Diablo VT Roadster replica when he was an up-and-coming wrestler, but turning the dream into a reality proved far more difficult than he anticipated. The project involved countless hours in different auto shops and spanned over 20 years before the car was finally deemed roadworthy. And now, having completed the journey, Cena appears ready to move on, offering the car to the highest bidder.
At first glance, the faux Lamborghini looks strikingly similar to the real supercar, with its metallic blue paint, sleek profile, and 18-inch alloy wheels sporting Lamborghini caps. However, closer inspection reveals subtle differences, with the car’s lines and proportions not quite matching the precision of the authentic Diablo.
Inside, the replica shines as a near-perfect recreation of the original Lamborghini, complete with badges and plaques that falsely attribute the design to Marcello Gandini, the renowned designer behind the original Diablo. But the biggest difference lies under the hood, where a BMW V-12 engine powers the car rather than the authentic Lamborghini engine. The engine is thought to have been sourced from a 7 or 8 Series BMW and is paired with a Porsche-sourced five-speed manual transaxle. While it’s no match for the original Diablo’s 529-horsepower V-12, the car offers an interesting combination of components from other high-end vehicles.
The auction for this unique piece of automotive history runs until Saturday, October 5, with bids already reaching $75,000. Cena’s connection to the car, along with its quirky build, has undoubtedly captured the interest of enthusiasts.
Shawn Henry