San Marino-based restomodder Eccentrica has turned its new-look Lamborghini Diablo into a V12 roadster.

It has retained the underpinnings of the Diablo, including the mid-mounted engine, but entirely overhauled the 1990s supercar to bring it up to modern standards.

The steel spaceframe chassis, for example, has been reinforced with carbonfibre braces and there's all-new carbonfibre bodywork.

Its track is wider than the original to improve handling while also exaggerating the Diablo’s signature proportions.

Eccentrica said it has also worked on the car’s aerodynamics to channel turbulent air around the cabin, rather than buffeting the driver and passenger.

The 5.7-litre V12 has been fettled for sharper responses, sending 542bhp and 442lb ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

It can hit 62mph from rest in 3.8sec, putting it on a par in performance terms with many modern sports cars.

The Eccentrica V12 Roadster’s engineering was led by Maurizio Reggiani, the former chief technical officer of Lamborghini.

In that role he was responsible for the Huracán and Aventador, having previously performed key roles in the development of the Gallardo and Murciélago.

The V12 Roadster will make its debut at The Quail gathering – a part of Monterey Car Week in the US – on 14 August.  

Prices are expected to tip £1 million, while the cost of a donor car ranges from around £200,000 (for a coupé) to £500,000 (for a roadster).