The Lamborghini Countach is an Italian legend which design gave birth to the carmaker’s modern creation. Because it was such an icon, a Countach popping up for sale on an auction would surely attract bidders. Here is one of those Countach examples, and the winning bidder purchased it for £257,000 (£230,000 bid price) at Historics Auctioneers. That may seem a bargain if not for the fact that this Countach needs a revival.
A Well-Featured Lamborghini Countach 5000 S
This certain Countach is one of the latter evolutions -- a 5000 S model (also known as LP 500S) from 1982. This was the year this model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Boasting 375 hp of max output and 302 lb-ft of peak torque coming from its 4.75-liter V12 engine, the 5000 S was a rare model since Lamborghini built just 321 examples until 1985.
This Countach 5000 S had nine owners, including a certain Daniel Sefton. Sefton who loaned the Countach to Fifth Gear (British motoring TV show) which had presenter Vicky Butler-Henderson made good use of it in the early 2000s. The seller of this legendary supercar acquired the car in July 2000 as the ninth owner. It was even featured on the front cover of the book “The Spirit of The Bull,” by Paul W. Cockerham.
Restored Extensively Until It Cannot Be
The seller commenced a restoration process for the car in 2004, when Lamborghini London removed and rebuilt the engine, installed a new clutch and a new exhaust system. Lamborghini London also did other works on the supercar, which at the time was already around 22 years. In 2005 and 2006, the Countach underwent an extensive underneath renovation on all accessible areas of the chassis. The car also had its suspension overhauled.
After such extensive and costly restoration, the seller resumed driving the car until 2008. That was the last time the seller drove the Countach, which already accumulated 61,840 km (38,425.6 miles) of distance traveler, as per the odometer reading. At the same year, the seller sent the Countach to a body shop for a full strip with all the parts removed, re-spray and interior refurbishment.
Supercar Restoration Left To The New Owner
The shop, however, closed its doors and wound up in 2008, leaving the Countach in its stripped down condition. The seller placed the supercar into storage without completing the restoration. When the seller put the Countach on sale, all its parts – including a new windscreen – are still complete and just need to be pieced back together (full restoration) by the new owner.
Source: Historics Auctioneers, Rastarossa on YouTube