Chassis No. ZA9CA05A5JLA12276

The legendary supercar from the 1970s, the Lamborghini Countach grabbed the attention, and more importantly the hearts, of automotive enthusiasts never letting go. The Countach needs no introduction, however, this 1988 5000 QV model is certainly a noteworthy example, one that is certainly worth expounding in detail.

Constructed in November of 1987, this 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is said to have been the New York Auto Show car that year. According to Lamborghini factory build documentation it was finished in a dark red metallic shade described in Italian as Rosso Perlato Chiaro and is perfectly complemented by gold Campagnolo aluminum wheels. The interior is covered in Champagne-colored leather with Filettie Inserti Rossi or inserts and piping in dark red leather. An uncommon exterior and interior paring for a Countach, but one that suits the shape and style perfectly. Additionally, the factory paperwork officially notes its "Salone" specification, styled and built at the factory to wow even the most jaded 1980s supercar aficionado. After dazzling the crowds at the New York Auto Show, it is said to have had two owners before landing with Frank Drendel of Hickory, North Carolina with 5,877 kilometers noted on the odometer in January 1997. Ever the automotive enthusiast family, Frank's son Matt would build a hugely accomplished collection of turbocharged Porsche racing and street cars over the next decade.

A year later the car was sold to Al Burtoni of Milano Imports of Gilroy, California. Once with Burtoni, the Countach received modifications and parts raising engine power to a corrected brake horsepower (Cbhp) of 538.4 at 7,250 rpm on TRD USA's dyno in Gardena, California. The modifications utilized all manner of new parts from ABD including new pistons, camshafts, ignition, and exhaust system. Additional engine modifications included special connecting rods, European headers, and Weber carburetors. The included photo binders showcase additional restorative work performed to this special Countach including paint and the removal of the US-specification bumpers, replaced with Rest-of-World items. During the upgrade and restorative process, Dick Rasmussen noticed the car, purchasing it during the upgrade process, eventually taking delivery later that year in Wisconsin on 4 September 1998. Rasmussen was no stranger to exotics from Sant'Agata Bolognese. In fact, at the time he owned both a Muria and a Diablo entrusting them to Milano Imports for servicing. Rasmussen was clearly pleased with Burtoni's work noting that it had no issue drawing a crowd in "cheesehead country" especially with a vanity plate "DA BULL."

Rasmussen would keep his Countach for the next 25 years until his passing in January 2023. He maintained strict instructions that the new owner should be properly vetted and as a result, the new owner went through a lengthy application process with the family in Wisconsin before purchasing the car. Today, this powerful Countach features 12,295 kilometers, or approximately 7,640 miles, appearing as it did upon leaving Milano Imports 25 years ago. On display in front of adoring crowds once again during Broad Arrow Group's Radius auction and Hagerty's Motorlux party during Pebble Beach Car Week the car was noted by a Broad Arrow Group car specialist to be significantly more powerful than a normal 5000 QV and an impressive drive as well.