An enduring 17-year production run for the showstopping Countach entailed the mid-engined poster star undergoing a string of evolutions between 1974 and 1990 to keep pace with the competition. The original LP400 made way for three series of the S model, before LP500 S, Quattrovalvole, and finally 25th Anniversary editions arrived. From the prototype debuting at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show through to the last Countach leaving the Sant’Agata factory, Lamborghini also transitioned through five ownership structures while Ferrari had introduced two all-new V-12 rivals by way of the 365 GT4 BB (plus 512 BB and BBi) and Testarossa.

In 1985, to rage against the then-new Testarossa, Lamborghini offered its aging Countach in 5000 Quattrovalvole form. The motor, having already grown from its initial 4.0 to 4.7 litres, was now bored and stroked to 5,167 cc. Switching to four valves per cylinder and a revised downdraft carburettor configuration, identifiable by the ‘power dome’ on the engine cover, further meant a colossal hike from around 375 to approximately 456 brake horsepower—comfortably leapfrogging the most potent of European-specification Testarossas that generated circa 395 brake horsepower. As a result, the launch from 0 to 60 mph was over in just 4.1 seconds and, without the statement rear wing fitted, a top speed of 195 mph was claimed. For this remarkable turn of 1980s speed, the 5000 Quattrovalvole is considered by many to be the best Countach to drive.

But the iterations didn’t stop there. During the life of the 5000 Quattrovalvole, Lamborghini also launched the ‘88½’. Softly previewing the design of the forthcoming 25th Anniversary cars, out went the round-belly design in favour of straked side sills that fed fresh air into the rear wheel arches to help cool the brakes.

The 5000 Quattrovalvole offered here was, as an ‘88½’, built in 1988 and is the last of only 17 such examples that were produced in right-hand drive. Dispatched on 3 August, the Countach was delivered new to the United Kingdom via Portman Lamborghini London. Finished in Blu Acapulco, chassis number 12420 is one of just two right-hand-drive cars in this colour—per the Lamborghini Registry. The stunning paint was complemented by a Panna Con Filetti Blue leather interior, while the fitment of the Formula 1-derived rear wing and gold badging cap off the incredible specification.

Registered in August, the Countach was initially handled by Transcar UK, which worked as an agent for the Brunei Royal Family. The car was then stored in a workshop at Pininfarina in Italy (it is unknown if there were plans to dress chassis 12420 in new bodywork). But, when the Royal Family moved away from its exclusive projects with the famed coachbuilder, the Lamborghini was purchased in 2000 by Cars International Associates. Reportedly, it had only covered around 2,000 kilometres by this point.

Remaining in the UK ever since, the 5000 Quattrovalvole was acquired by the consigning owner in April 2023. It displayed 9,058 kilometres at the time of cataloguing; the reading is supported by an MoT history that dates to 2006, when the odometer was noted at 8,327 kilometres.

The Lamborghini Countach will forever be remembered and revered for its outrageous styling. This stunning Blu Acapulco example only accentuates Marcello Gandini’s wonderful work. What’s more, as a rare right-hand drive ‘88½’ version of the much-loved and powerful 5000 Quattrovalvole, the car offers a compelling driving experience to prove that beauty is more than skin deep. Further holding an intriguing origin story, chassis 12420 is sure to capture—and indeed hold—onlookers’ attention wherever it is driven or displayed. It would therefore make for a worthy addition to any esteemed collection.