Lot 252

Monterey 2018

1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV by Bertone

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$300,000 - $375,000 USD | Not Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
ZA9CA05A2JLA12218
  • One of 610 5000 QVs produced
  • Believed to be the only example delivered to the U.S. that year in Giallo Fly over White leather
  • Anti-smog air pump removed but included with the sale
  • Signed by Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni
  • Less than 14,000 km/8,700 miles from new
Addendum: Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.

After you dazzle the automotive world with your first supercar – the Lamborghini Miura – what do you do for an encore? In the case of Lamborghini, you introduce the sensational Countach. First shown in prototype form at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971 as the LP500, it wowed show goers and the motoring press alike. The production version arrived in 1974 with the moniker Countach LP400. Large-scale photos of it quickly became the dorm room poster of choice alongside Farrah Fawcett, both quickly becoming icons of the disco era. The name Countach – a vaguely vulgar Torinese exclamation of astonishment – was unabashedly appropriate. Remarkably, it remained in production over 16 years through four model generations.

The striking origami shape was attributed to Marcello Gandini of Bertone Design. The various scoops, scallops, and spoilers were deemed necessary to adequately cool the 4.0-liter, 375-bhp V-12–mounted midship. Engineers fitted the Countach with semi-gullwing “scissor” doors, which have since become de rigueur. This was truly the supercar of and for the 1980s.

The 5000 Quattrovalvole, introduced in 1985, upped engine capacity to 5,157 cc along with four-valve cylinder heads, increasing horsepower from 375 bhp to 420. Suspension and brakes were revised along with a 0.9-in. increase in wheelbase, too. A total of only 610 were produced.

This striking example was originally imported to the U.S. by Lamborghini distributor Joe Nastasi, a noted and prominent collector of Italian sports and racing cars. It is believed to be the only 1988 example painted Giallo Fly and trimmed with a dazzling white leather interior. Factory air conditioning and the distinctive optional rear wing are fitted. Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni has signed the car, adding to its uniqueness and desirability. To aid in both parking and rear visibility, the radio head unit has been upgraded with a rear camera.

The consignor purchased this car in 2007, selling it in 2009 to another collector who put just 300 miles on the car before purchasing it back from him in 2012. In total it has traveled less than 14,000 km (8,700 miles) from new. Having lived a pampered life, the consignor notes that it has been recently serviced and runs great.