To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 5 March 2022.
Estimate:
$500,000 - $600,000 USD

• An exceptionally well-preserved example of the iconic Countach
• Just 9,019 km (~5,605 mi.) at the time of cataloguing
• Fuel-injected 5.0-liter V-12 with over 400 hp
• Fanatically maintained, including a recent full engine and transmission overhaul
• Extensive service records and photos on file

Calling the Lamborghini Countach “groundbreaking” would be an understatement: It has been one of the most recognizable cars of its time since leaving the crowd flabbergasted upon its unveiling at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. The Miura, the predecessor to the Countach, set the industry standard for supercars when it was introduced—and the Countach showed that Lamborghini still had more tricks up its sleeve. Like the Miura, there was nothing on sale at the time that came close to the Countach in terms of visual appeal or overall automotive panache; it was destined to become a future classic.

Thanks to Marcello Gandini’s angular styling, the Countach typified the design language of the 1980s nearly 10 years in advance. The car was highlighted by its eye-catching, upward-hinged “scissor doors,” and every inch of it was designed with show-stopping visual appeal in mind. For those who could afford it and were looking to stand out from the crowd, it was the perfect automobile, as it was -dropping in every way. While the Countach evolved constantly over the model’s 16-year lifespan, it was always instantly recognizable and just as desirable as the day the cover was lifted off the Geneva show car in 1971.

In March 1985, 14 years after the introduction of the initial Countach, Lamborghini returned to the Geneva Motor Show to introduce the third iteration of the model, the Quattrovalvole, or QV (so named for its four valves per cylinder). The car’s V-12 featured an increase in cubic displacement to 5,167 cubic centimeters, and the compression ratio was increased to 9.5:1. This brought horsepower to 420 at 7,000 rpm for the fuel-injected models, increasing power by 45 brake horsepower over the outgoing LP5000 S Countach. The fuel-injected QVs are known for their superior reliability and rear visibility over their carbureted counterparts.

Many of these cars lived hard lives, but that could not be further from the case for this 1987 Countach 5000 QV. This example was delivered to David Goler of New York and was ordered in red in light beige interior. Ultrasmith Systems did some minor modifications on the car for Mr. Goler shortly after delivery in 1987 with chrome-plated wheels, red interior accents, larger sills, and most interestingly, a James Bond-style rear license plate flipping system. Although few cars on the road in the 1980s would have been able to keep up with a Countach, the driver can select between four different license plates at a moment’s notice to aid in evasion.

Due to its limited mileage and nature as a cherished collector vehicle, this Countach was left on its manufacturer statement of origin until it was finally titled in 1999 by its then-owner (believed to be its third) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Countach remained in Nevada with this owner for over two decades until it was purchased by its current owner.

Always enthusiast-owned, this Countach today shows just 9,019 kilometers (~5,605 miles) at the time of cataloging. It remains in fantastic condition and has benefited from a substantial amount of maintenance despite its low mileage. The engine and transmission were recently removed under the previous owner’s care, entirely disassembled, repaired, re-sealed, and reassembled. Extensive receipts and photos document the process, and these can be found in the file for the car. The interior and paint are in consistent condition for a well-kept car with just over 5,600 miles, showing very little wear. The car is even still on its original Pirelli P7 tires, further verifying its low mileage and pampered life.

The Lamborghini Countach is arguably the most iconic car of its era and is a thrill to drive. Very few Countachs have been as well-cared-for as this example, making it a great addition to any supercar collection. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am22.