1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV
Seller's description
MODEL HISTORY
The Lamborghini Countach is a mid-engined, V12 sports car produced by Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. Its design pioneered and popularised the wedge-shaped, sharply angled look popular in many high-performance sports cars. It also popularized the “cab forward” design concept, which pushes the passenger compartment forward to accommodate a larger engine.
The Countach’s styling and visual impression made it an icon of great design to almost everyone except automotive engineers. The superior performance characteristics of later Lamborghini models (such as the Diablo, or the Murciélago) appealed to performance car drivers and engineers, but they never had the originality or outrageousness that gave the Countach its distinction. The different impressions left by the various Lamborghini models have generated numerous debates and disagreements over what constitutes “classic” or “great” automotive design (elegant looks and style, versus technical and engineering superiority). Despite the impracticality and (required/needed) updating over time, one should note that the basic iconic shape of the first Countach prototype revealed in 1971 remained virtually unchanged over an exceptionally long 19-year lifespan.
The continued evolution of the car brought updates in 1985 where the engine was bored and stroked to 5167 cc and given four valves per cylinder—quattrovalvole in Italian, hence the model’s name, Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole or 5000 QV in short. The carburetors were moved from the sides to the top of the engine for better breathing – unfortunately this created a hump on the engine deck, reducing the already poor rear visibility to almost nothing. Some body panels were also replaced by Kevlar. In later versions of the engine, the carburetors were replaced with fuel injection.
Although this change was the most notable on the exterior, the most prominent change under the hood was the introduction of fuel injection, with the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, providing 414 bhp rather than the six Weber carburetors providing 455 bhp used in the previous carbureted models. 610 cars were built.
EQUIPMENT
Electric windows, AC, Reversing camera, Dogleg gearbox, Veglia digital clock, AM/FM Cassette, Ash tray.
EXTERIOR
The ultimate in ’80′s excess there is simply nothing quite like the Countach, upholding an incredible impact that is eternally established as one of the most defining styling exercise ever conceived. Firmly established in the annals of Supercar history, it is arguably the 5000 QV with rear wing that is best known; especially after becoming immortalised in the opening credits of the Cannonball Run film (two catsuit clad models not included). This Nero Tenebre example has enjoyed single ownership from new and whilst having an exemplary service record has been lovingly cared for and carefully stored when not in use. As such the paintwork shows consistently well around the car with nothing of note to detract from this wonderfully presented example.
Scissor door operation is swift and smooth whilst trims and rubbers have survived well – an impressively preserved example.
INTERIOR
It was always going to be a tough job for the cabin to match the exterior styling, although with a low-slung driving position and that panoramic view out of the steeply raked windscreen you instantly feel you’re behind the wheel of something very special. The dashboard arrangement follows a function over from mantra with key operating gauges and dials clear and easy to read. The sculpted seats offer a touring style comfort and remain in excellent condition commensurate with single ownership from new.
Awash with Nero double stitched leather the huge gearbox tunnel-like sills and dashboard top show excellent colour and integrity, areas that can so often let these cars down.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
This US spec fuel injected V12 starts with a gruff howl and settles to an initmidating idle almost immediately. The car is rather pleasingly approachable and drives as tight as the mileage suggests. With huge torque the car is happy to grumble around at street speeds and surprisingly competent on the back roads with compact dimensions, a forgiving suspension set up and a tall tyre profile. However, winding up the rev range is where you and the car would rather be; just pure theatre!
Gearbox and clutch do require some deliberation, to be expected with a 400bhp Supercar of the this area whilst the gear gait features a clip; preventing an expensive up shift into reverse.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The Teledial wheels are written into Lamborgini folklore and look fantastic against the black bodywork; unmarked in gold with a concave dish and displaying the correct Ruote O.Z. stickers. The teledial holes on the rear are pronounced further, home to the largest rear rubber fitted to a production car of that era – an enormous 345/35 section tyre.
Brake pads show plenty of life with discs free of lipping or scoring, pulling the car up with a minimum of fuss.
HISTORY FILE
Sold new in the US in 1988 the car would accompany the original owner upon moving to the UK in 1991. Every single service invoice and MOT track each and every one of the cars movements, with official importer Portman Concessionaires, Lamborghini London, Modena Cars and latterly esteemed specialist Colin Clarke all spending considerable time striving for aesthetic and mechanical perfection ensuring it is one of, if not, the best examples available today.
With single ownership, low miles and an extensive service portfolio this Countach wants for nothing and is ready for it’s new custodian to enjoy and admire.
Contact The Octane Collection for more details.
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