In the world of supercars, perhaps no name looms larger than Lamborghini. Some may argue that Ferrari is the apex of the Italian stable of horsepower, but Franklin resident Randy Brown would disagree.
Not all “Lambos” are fast, however, as the company began by manufacturing tractors. Rumor has it that Founder Ferruccio Lamborghini shifted his business to supercars only after purchasing a Ferrari and being disappointed. After offering some unsolicited criticism that Enzo Ferrari promptly dismissed, he decided to build his own supercar starting in 1963.
Since then, Lamborghini has been the gold standard of speed and performance. With several iconic models such as the Miura, Countach, Diablo and Revuelto, the company has continued to innovate and impress. The Diablo was particularly known for its brute strength, design and attitude. Its name, meaning “devil”, spawned from Ferruccio Lamborghini’s love for Spanish bull fighting, and is the reason the raging bull emblem adorns all Lamborghini models.
Brown is the original owner of his beautiful 1999 Diablo VT Roadster MOMO Edition, having traveled to Springfield, Missouri, to purchase it new from Motorcars International. The MOMO edition was a limited edition of 12, with six being painted red and the others yellow. Brown’s is number four, and is only one of two red models still on the road, making it extremely rare and valuable. The MOMO edition was a standard Diablo VT Roadster, but it featured special upholstery, MOMO four-point seatbelt harnesses, and MOMO chrome wheels.
Equipped with a 530 horsepower V12 with variable valve timing, a five-speed gated transmission, and viscous traction that transfers power to the front wheels, this red devil can rocket to a top speed of 206 miles per hour!
Brown’s beauty has only 8,000 miles on the odometer despite being entered in car shows all across the United States over the last 25 years. He frequently trailers the car to keep the mileage low. The Diablo is always a crowd favorite at every show including the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in Monterey, California, where famed Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni signed Brown’s owner’s manual and inner trunk panel.
There are many things to love about this bright-red behemoth, and Brown’s favorite thing is the smiles, as well as the drools from spectators at car shows – especially the kids. “It’s a good reason to stay in school,” he often tells them as they admire their dream car – good advice, as this ultra-rare exotic is valued in the seven-figure range (that’s more than one million dollars, kids).
Brown is often noted as the guy who brought the super car to Franklin, where sightings of Italian performance cars on the streets are rare. Despite its incredible power and intimidating profile, Brown says the Roadster is so refined that a grandmother could drive it (perhaps “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena” from the Jan and Dean mega hit about a drag-racing grandma).
Keep a sharp eye out in the coming summer for this ferocious red Italian bull prowling the streets of Franklin. Maybe you could even buy it, as Brown says “everything is for sale” with a devilish grin. Of course you better have stayed in school, and have a fat wallet.
Until then…keep cruising!
