If you’re a Lamborghini fanatic like me, the name Pregunta probably rings a bell as one of those elusive concepts that feels like it came straight out of a ’90s dream. Built in 1998, this one-off Diablo-based beast was the last wild child from Lamborghini’s pre-Audi days, and now it’s hitting the block at the Zoute Concours Auction in 2025 with an estimate of €2.5 million to €3.5 million. I’ve spent years chasing stories of forgotten supercars, and the Pregunta stands out for its fighter-jet vibes and cutting-edge tech that was ahead of its time. Retained by a single owner for nearly 20 years and even Polo Storico certified, it’s a piece of history that’s drivable and ready to thrill. Let’s dive into what makes this carbon-fiber wonder so special, from its Heuliez coachwork to that roaring V12, and why it’s got collectors buzzing.
A Pre-Audi Swan Song: Born from the Diablo’s Spirit
Picture this: it’s the late ’90s, Lamborghini’s still flying solo before Audi swoops in, and they’re handing over a Diablo chassis, engine, and gearbox to French coachbuilder Heuliez-Torino for some creative freedom. The result? The Pregunta, styled by Marc Deschamps (the guy behind the Jalpa and R5 Turbo), a radical vision that previewed the bold designs of the 2000s. With chassis number ZA9DE07A0KLA12005 and engine L522/1352, it’s essentially a Diablo prototype reworked for rear-wheel drive only, radiators shifted forward for better balance. Debuting at the 1998 Salon de Paris—just a month after Audi’s takeover—it was a bittersweet farewell to the independent era, later shown at Geneva and even the Lamborghini Museum. After Retromobile 2007, Heuliez sold it to a private collector who kept it for 18 years, including a stint at the 2008 SpaItalia Rally and laps at Spa-Francorchamps. Inspected and serviced by Polo Storico in 2021, it’s got that fresh certification, making it a museum-worthy icon.
Fighter-Jet Flair: Design Inspired by the Dassault Rafale
What blows my mind about the Pregunta is its aviation roots—styled after the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, right down to the Matt Dark Grey carbon-fiber body borrowed from the plane’s paint. The wraparound canopy glass, scissor doors that mimic a jet cockpit, and removable polycarbonate roof panels create an enclosed bubble for the driver. It’s all carbon fiber, lightweight and futuristic, with OZ wheels and a brutal Quicksilver stainless steel exhaust (no catalytic converter for that raw roar). Proportions are extreme, blending Diablo aggression with ’90s excess, and it’s one of the most radical concepts from that decade. Displayed alongside the Acosta and Canto, it influenced the Murciélago, but stood alone as the final Diablo-based one-off.
Tech That Was Way Ahead: A Cockpit from the Future
Step inside, and it’s like entering a jet simulator. The cockpit splits into a focused driver’s zone and a cozier passenger area, with aviation-style seats in Azure blue Alcantara and black accents, plus Schroth four-point harnesses. Tech-wise, it was groundbreaking: rear-facing cameras feeding a central LCD instead of mirrors, Cristine GPS by BCI, DGA fiber-optic ambient lighting, and a Magneti Marelli digital gauge cluster in seat-matching colors. An Alpine stereo rounded it out, making it a high-tech haven for 1998. Powered by the Diablo’s 5.7-liter V12 (537 PS, 605 Nm torque) and a gated five-speed manual, it sprints 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, a standing kilometer in 20 seconds, and tops 333 km/h. That unfiltered soundtrack? Pure Lamborghini poetry.
From Concept to Collector’s Gem: A History of Exhibition and Rarity
Under Chrysler’s watch initially, the Pregunta’s launch was delayed by ownership shuffles in the ’90s, but it finally shone at Paris ’98 as a bold future tease. Audi shelved it post-takeover, but Lamborghini’s deal with Heuliez let it tour shows until 2008. Its last hurrah was Retromobile 2007, then off to private hands where it stayed for nearly two decades. The 2008 rally and Spa laps proved it’s drivable, not just a showpiece. With Polo Storico’s blessing in 2014 and a 2021 service, it’s primed for a new owner. Fresh to market after over a decade, this is your shot at a unique slice of Lamborghini lore—the bridge from wild independence to modern mastery.
Why the Pregunta Is a Must-Have for Supercar Fans
As someone who’s ogled Lambos at shows and dreamed of owning a piece of history, the Pregunta is the ultimate collector’s unicorn. It’s not just a concept; it’s a drivable testament to Lamborghini’s rebellious spirit, with Rafale-inspired flair and tech that still turns heads. At €2.5M-€3.5M, it’s an investment in rarity—the last pre-Audi concept, a one-off Diablo evolution. If you’re bidding at Zoute 2025, this could be your chance to own a supercar that asked big questions about the future. What do you think—worth the chase? Share in the comments; I’d love to hear from fellow Lambo lovers.
Source-broadarrowauctions.com
