1987 Lamborghini Countach Coupe

1987 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV
Design by Marcello Gandini - Bertone
VIN. ZA9CA05A6HLA12152
Engine no. 1359

5,167 CC DOHC 48-Valve V12 Engine
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
420 bhp at 7,000 rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes

*Well-preserved condition, with just 2,256km shown at cataloguing
*One of a reported 66 fuel-injected, US-Spec QV's produced
*Stunning special-order color scheme of Bianco Perlato paint over Panna (white) leather
*Ultra-desirable spec includes white wheels and rear-wing delete
*Delivered in North American Specifications, updated with preferred Euro bumpers
*Accompanied by ownership documents, history, tools, original gloves, and receipts
*An exceptionally low-mileage, collector-quality Countach
*The defining poster car of a generation


THE LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH

In 1966, Lamborghini gave birth to the modern 'supercar' with its breathtaking Miura. An instant icon, the mid-engine twelve-cylinder sports car, with its staggering performance and looks, instantly put the nascent carmaker on the map. Following in the Miura's footsteps would never be easy, yet Lamborghini somehow surpassed the Miura's shock and awe. The sensation of the 1971 Geneva Salon was the Countach, which like its predecessor, was styled by Bertone's maestro, Marcello Gandini. Drawing from his revolutionary Lancia Stratos Zero concept from the year before, Gandini penned the new LP500 Countach as an angular wedge with folded-paper lines and dramatic geometric shapes. A difficult gestation meant the initial LP400 production version would not be seen for another two years, with deliveries commencing in 1974.

Lamborghini used the same four-cam V12 engine for the Countach but mounted it longitudinally behind the cabin in the spaceframe chassis. To optimize weight distribution and handling, designer Paolo Stanzani placed the five-speed gearbox ahead of the engine between the seats, and the differential driven by a shaft passing through the sump at the rear. The result was a delightful gear change and a better-balanced car than the Miura. When production began in 1974, the Countach sported an improved chassis and the standard 4.0-liter engine, instead of the prototype's 5.0-liter. Even with the smaller engine producing 'only' 370bhp, the lightweight Countach could attain 170mph and, as the looks suggested, offered incredible road holding and maneuverability.

The first upgrade appeared in 1978 as the 'LP400S', with the addition of flared wheel arches to accommodate Pirelli's massive new 345 mm rear tires for increased grip and stability. A large rear aerofoil was an option that further accentuated the outrageous styling of the Countach and was, unsurprisingly, the choice of most customers, despite it reducing the car's top speed.

The Countach's largest potential market, the USA, remained untapped until the arrival of the 'emissions friendly' LP500S in 1982. While horsepower remained the same as the smaller engine, the updated 4,754cc unit delivered a welcome boost in torque. The final iteration of the Countach debuted in 1985 as the Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, named for its thunderous 5,167cc engine and new four-valves-per-cylinder heads. This 420-horsepower version was capable of an astonishing top speed of 300km/h, making it at the time - the world's fastest car. And it sure looked like it, even at a standstill.


THE CAR OFFERED

Proudly owning its 1980s icon image in this fantastic special-order livery of Bianco Perlato on Panna leather, this 1987 Countach LP5000 QV is an extraordinarily low-mileage example showing just 2,256 km (just a shade over 1,400 miles) from new, recorded at the time of cataloguing.

Factory archives and registry information list this fuel-injected QV as production number 1604. Lamborghini produced 631 LP5000 QV models in total, and some sources say that of those, just 66 fuel-injected US-spec cars were delivered. Records indicate this car was reportedly sold to 'Carrie E.', and noting it came via Albert Silvera on May 21, 1987. While the connection to Silvera is not completely clear, he was a fascinating character and a Lamborghini VIP client with direct access to Ferruccio. Silvera was a wealthy hotel owner, diplomat, and playboy with close ties to the notorious Duvalier family in Haiti. He had a penchant for wild special-order cars from Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Rolls-Royce often displaying them outside his El Rancho Hotel near Port-au-Prince. While the identity of the first owner and the ties to Silvera are somewhat murky, the car was undoubtedly ordered in spectacular specification and cherished from Day One.

Early in its life, the car was in California, and reports from previous owners suggest that despite being used sparingly, it received regular maintenance from local experts including Blackhorse Motor Sports and Franco's European Sports Cars. In the hands of the second owner, circa 2005 and with about 580 km, the original (and ungainly) US bumpers were removed and the car converted to the cleaner European bumpers at considerable expense, requiring some minor paintwork. In 2008, it was photographed at a concours in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where the odometer was captured showing 628 km. Shortly thereafter, the Countach was acquired by a collector in Italy, where it remained for a few years prior to going to France. There, it joined one of the country's premier collections its originality and low miles capturing the attention of the owner. It accrued a few more kilometers along the way, while continuing to be well-maintained. An invoice on file from 2022 documents and oil, fluid, and filter service as well as the fitment of new, period-correct Pirelli tires.

An accompanying inspection report prepared prior to the vendor's acquisition shows the car in France remaining remarkably well-preserved, and displaying 2,211 km. In current care, it remains in superb order, reflecting its incredibly low mileage and history of expert care. It remains as jaw-dropping as the day it rolled out of the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory gates, with its matching pearl white wheels shod with period-correct Pirellis. Factory details abound, including the original space-saver spare and tool kit, factory Raid steering wheel, original driver's gloves, owner's manual and service guide, and even the original Alpine 7273L AM/FM/Cassette deck.

As one of a reported 66 cars in this mechanical spec and with astonishingly low mileage (just over 1,400 miles) this is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire an incredible Countach for your collection. At the time of writing, the vendor reports it to be in strong mechanical health, and should you be willing to add to the odometer, the car is willing and up to the task. Fabulous in its all-white livery and with a bite that lives up to the bark, this is quite possibly the quintessential 1980s supercar.

It's in full running condition. Could probably go cross country.