A worn out Lamborghini Diablo replica based on a Toyota MR2 popped up on Craigslist earlier this week.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but that doesn’t usually translate well when it comes to replica cars of more expensive models. According to some keen-eyed auto enthusiasts browsing their local Craigslist earlier yesterday (Dec. 8, 2017) this Lamborghini Diablo replica caught more than one eye with its wide body and iconic styling. Upon closer inspection, shoddy paintwork, mismatched body panels, a four-figure price and the words “replica” in the ad, all hopes were dashed that there was an exotic for sale in Lancaster, Calif.

The Lamborghini Diablo was a special exotic vehicle in its own right. Riding the wave of success from its more rough and tumble predecessor, the Countach, the Diablo delivered all the performance and over-the-top styling that people expected from Lamborghini. With more than 500 HP and 400 lb-ft coming from a naturally aspirated V12, the Diablo was the real deal when it came to early 90’s supercar speed.

The cheapest Diablo came out to about $220,000. Right now, if you wanted a Diablo, expect to pay close to the original amount even for a used one. According to the DuPont Registry, even the cheapest Diablo, a 1992 model year with close to 13,000 miles on the odometer, will set you back at least $150,000.

Then comes in replica kit cars like this. A brand new Diablo body kit to be placed on a cheaper car can set you back a couple thousand, not to mention the cost of a used donor car. All in, for the looks of an exotic at a glance from 20 feet away, you’re looking at around $15,000 to pull off the look. That’s not even counting a decent paint job and a clever looking interior to fool the interested passerby.

This Diablo replica for sale, however, needs some serious work if it want to fool anybody. For one, the front replica headlights don’t even match with the front end hole openings. The wheels are another dead giveaway with the stock MR2 wheels obviously showing how much a bigger wheel with the proper offset you’ll need. The unpainted spoiler isn’t doing anyone favors. And to top it off, a proper respray with some decent clear coat, at least, will be needed as this single stage red paint isn’t going to cut it.

The asking price is a bit much in my opinion, and with any project like this, there’s bound to be a little wiggle room in the asking price. But if you want to pull off that exotic look without forking over six figures, this MR2 based Diablo replica might just be your ticket!

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