1983 Lamborghini COUNTACH

Estimated Price: £700,000 - £900,000

It is both a privilege and a great pleasure to offer this extremely rare 'One Off' Lamborghini in our upcoming Iconic Sale. We believe it's the only LP 5000S Countach in the World to be signed by the late Marcello Gandini, making it extremely collectable.

Designing a successor to the remarkable Lamborghini Miura was something of a challenge for its internationally respected designer, the late Marcello Gandini, however, with the arrival of the 'Countach' in 1971, he demonstrated to the world that his ability to create automotive drama was alive and well. In fact, the word 'Countach' is Piedmontese slang for something that visually shocks and has no direct translation but 'Wow' is probably the most polite.

The first Countach appeared at the Geneva Show in 1971, big, bright and brash like the rest of the 70s, and was to remain in production, through various iterations for 15 years. With hindsight, it's clear that the car's 'flying wedge' design, with a sloping nose that appeared to descend directly from the windscreen, and dramatic 'scissor doors', became a template for every 'supercar' that followed.

Lamborghini's four-cam V12 engine was retained for the new car, though this time installed longitudinally. To achieve optimum weight distribution the five-speed gearbox was placed 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 the car was generally regarded as being better balanced than the Miura. When production began in 1974, the Countach sported an improved spaceframe chassis and a standard 4.0-litre engine, instead of the prototype's 5.0-litre unit. Even with the smaller engine producing 'only' 375bhp, the aerodynamically efficient Countach could attain 170mph and, as one might expect, offered impressive road-holding to match.

In 1977, the first major update of the Countach, the LP400S, was prompted by the arrival of Pirelli's P7 tyre which, when mounted on cast alloy Campagnolo Bravo rims dramatically improved the car's dynamics. The surrounding bodywork, arches and spoilers all grew in size adding to the drama of the head-turning scissor doors. With the new wheels came larger (11") discs and shock absorbers, and the suspension geometry was redesigned to suit. Power and torque from the 3,929cc, V12 were increased and a rear wing, which was about the size of Wales, was a $5,000 optional extra.

Introduced in 1982, the LP5000 S (also frequently referred to as the LP500 S) represented a substantial developmental leap, primarily focused on upgrading the engine to keep pace with evolving emission standards and market demands whilst increasing performance. Fuelled by six twin-choke Weber 45 DCOE carburettors positioned horizontally in a side-draught configuration, this complex induction arrangement was directly responsible for the engine's fierce acoustic profile and immediate, mechanical throttle response.

This, left-hand drive Countach 5000 S is really rather special indeed. Built in 1983, and one of only 321 examples, it's optioned with the remarkable rear wing and finished in the classic Lamborghini colour scheme of the day, Rosso Siviglia (Seville Red) with Pelle Bianco full leather upholstery. The white leather is immaculate today and even includes the steering wheel which is an unusual feature in itself. The paintwork and bodywork remain in exceptional condition, consistent with the car's mechanical condition having benefitted from occasional but regular use.

The current UK private owner acquired the car from Straight Eight in London during 1985 /early 1986 and has owned it ever since. Its original registration number, to which it will return pre-sale, is A928 TYN and, for clarity, the Cherished Registration in our images does not form part of the sale. During this tenure of over 41 years, the car has been maintained regardless of expense by well known marque specialists and it presents today in truly outstanding condition, both physically and mechanically. It's accompanied by a comprehensive history file documenting all expense and maintenance by a recognised leading Lamborghini specialist, right up to the current day.

As part of the car’s back story, this actual Countach appeared in a TV advert made in 1989 by Citroen for their BX GTi 16S road car, which itself had also been designed by Marcello Gandini. In order to make this little Citroen more appealing, the advert was themed around the fact that Gandini had styled the 1980s classic Countach 5000 and now he had designed this fashionable new Citroen. The car was taken to Italy in order to film the advert in 1989 and whilst on the set, in our Vendor's own words " I received a phone call from Marcello (how amazing) who told me how much he loved my car's specification and that he could remember the car being built at the factory (that’s why he’d asked for my car to appear in his advert) telling me that the 5000S side-draught 45DCOE carburettor cars are the “Model to Keep” and “do not” swap it for an Injection car. As you can see, over 40 years later I took his advice and have still got the car. He then asked me if I would like him to “sign my Countach?" It was one of those moments I will never forget, actually talking to one of my legends and I obviously accepted his offer. I still get goose-bumps today when I think about it."

When the car was returned to the UK, this signature was preserved and is still extremely clear and bright today. So, if you are in the market for what many regard as the ultimate Countach, signed by its legendary designer, this is the car for you! There will never be another as Marcello sadly passed in 2024.

At the time of photography, the odometer indicated 25,013km - equivalent to 15,542 miles.

Looking at recent sales of similar cars, and future offerings around the world, the market suggests a seven-figure value is realistic today with plenty of scope for growth. However, this stunning, one of a kind, Marcello Gandini-signed, Countach 5000S is here to sell and presents as an exciting opportunity to own, enjoy, use and keep as a long-term opportunity. Any pre-sale inspection is welcome and can be arranged now, as we are storing the car until the forthcoming sale at the NEC.