The iconic Lamborghini Countach received its second major update in 1982 with the introduction of the 5000 S variant. The 5000 S was notable for an enlarged engine displacement of almost five liters, as well as styling developments including wider fender arches covering 8 1/2-inch wide Ozzeta Electron wheels, and an optional rear spoiler.

While US-specification cars were equipped with fuel injection, European cars breathed through six Weber carburetors, providing a dividend of 20 horses over their American counterparts. With just 321 examples built, the 5000 S also offered a modicum of rarity, and its clean lines and powerful specifications make it the most desirable Countach iteration in the view of many enthusiasts.

Benefitting from 28 years of fastidious care by the original owner, a celebrated figure in the Lamborghini community, this scintillating low-mileage 5000 S is surely one of the model’s most desirable examples. As confirmed by correspondence on file with a marque expert, chassis number 12730 was special ordered through marque sales director Ubaldo Sgarzi by Joe Nastasi, one of the earliest Lamborghini importers in the US.

The 5000 S was to be Mr. Nastasi’s personal car, and he therefore commissioned a special rear end treatment (despite some resistance from the factory) with the standard rear panel being replaced with a red acrylic section. Dispatched in June 1984, this European-specified example was furthermore equipped with a straight-through Ansa F1-style sport exhaust and finished in the dynamic color combination of Bianco Perlato paint over a rosso interior, with complementary Bianco Perlato wheels.

Mr. Nastasi initially displayed the striking 5000 S on his dealership floor before presenting it at the 1985 New York International Auto Show. The Lamborghini was then driven very little over the next 28 years, and when the next owner took possession, the car reportedly had accrued just over 5,000 kilometers.

In 2012 the unique Countach was sold to the second owner, a collector based in Houston, Texas, named Jose Cobian. The owner quickly commissioned a sympathetic restoration of the semi-dormant supercar, engaging the respected Autosport Designs of Huntington Park, New York, to conduct a bare-metal repaint in the original color, while also refinishing the cam covers and airbox cover. The carburetors and alternator were rebuilt; several linkages were re-plated; a new thermostat, fuel lines, and spark plugs were installed; the radio was repaired; and the air conditioning was upgraded. These restoration measures were supplemented with further attention in August 2014 by Driver Source, which reconditioned the wheels and mounted new Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tires.

In 2015 the Lamborghini was sold to its third owner, a respected collector based in Louisiana who maintained possession for six years while accruing very modest mileage. The Countach was then acquired in 2021 by a Florida-based heavyweight collector focused on high-provenance sports and racing cars. This caretaker, who maintained ownership for another five years, was the car’s fourth and most recent private owner. In July 2023, the 5000 S was submitted to Azael Motorsport for a substantial engine-out service that totaled over $38,000.

It is worth noting that, per engine stampings corresponding to factory data, this Lamborghini is fitted with its matching-numbers engine. Currently displaying an impressively low mileage of just 6,025 kilometers (~3,744 miles), the arresting 5000 S continues to benefit from the expert work conducted in the mid-2010s and 2023, and it is further distinguished by its identity as the more-powerful European-specified version.

Ideal for the marque collector in search of rare production Countach examples, this beautifully finished and presented 5000 S is accompanied by owner’s manuals and documented with correspondence and restoration invoices. It would make a stunning addition to any modern performance collection, sure to melt the hearts of Sant’ Agata enthusiasts far and wide.