To fully appreciate the Lamborghini Countach, one must look back to its origins in the mid-1970s, when “sports car” meant an MG or a Triumph, and the term “supercar” had only recently been coined for this car’s predecessor, the Miura. Doors usually opened only one way, outward, and bodies were still curvy, without sharp angles or wedge shapes. Engines were still usually carried in the front.

Into this world came Marcello Gandini’s design, aptly named after a vulgar Italian expression of astonishment, “Countach!” To say that it broke the mold is both cliché and understatement; it obliterated the mold. Incredibly low, flat, and angular in the best of ways, it resembled most other manufacturers’ concept vehicles—yet here it was, ready for production and available soon from one’s imported car dealer in 1974. In production 16 years, it looked as modern and fresh at the end of its run in 1990 as it had when it was introduced. The 25th Anniversary Edition introduced in 1988 was admittedly, in Lamborghini’s own view and intention, the ultimate Countach.

The Countach was restyled to the fullest extent possible without requiring re-homologation; cosmetically, ergonomically, and mechanically, the model was effectively born anew under the 25th Anniversary Edition badge. To carry out this monumental development work, Lamborghini tasked none other than in-house talents Horacio Pagani and Sandro Munari. Pagani reformed the exterior front bumper, raking rear wing scoops, lights, rear bumper and ground effects, while the interior benefitted from the integration of standard climate control, power windows and seats, improved bolstering, and a revised steering assembly. Munari implemented fine-tuned revisions to the suspension and maximized the tire dimensions front and back—a change that reportedly added sufficient grip to drop the car’s 0-60 mph benchmark by half a second. Overall, Pagani and Munari turned the Countach into a far more drivable, road-going machine than previous editions.

According to the window sticker on file, this Countach 25th Anniversary, chassis KLA12623, was delivered new to Lee Imported Cars of Wellesley, Massachusetts in May 1989 finished with an iconic and highly desirable color combination of White paint over a Red leather interior. The document further confirms the fitment of a rear wing as the only optional extra. Remarkably, the car stayed at the dealer over the next 35 years, remaining unsold and highly preserved during this period thanks to their environmentally controlled facility. After all this time, the Countach was finally sold just a few short years ago and registered for the first time to a Lamborghini enthusiast based in Long Island, New York.

Sparingly used over the past decades, just 2,382 kilometers (~1,481 miles) are displayed on this Lamborghini's odometer at the time of cataloguing. Today, the Countach presents as a true time capsule example with original lacquer paint showing the composite weave of the body underneath and a leather interior with only the most minor signs of wear. After the purchase, the car was sent to George Evans, a highly respected marque specialist, for an open-checkbook mechanical refurbishment commissioned to return Countach to complete road worthiness. The project included a thorough inspection and cleaning to identify components in need of attention. Systems were then repaired, resealed, and replaced as needed. This included the entire engine, transmission, and drivetrain; gaskets and seals; and the fuel system, injection system, brake system, cooling system, and electrical system. Significantly, Evans proclaimed this example to be “the finest, original, 1480-mile (2382 km) model he has ever come across.” It is now accompanied by its original window sticker, owner’s manual, US-market bumper, and four additional tires.

An undeniable icon of the Italian motor industry, the Lamborghini Countach cemented the brand as a true player against rival sports car manufacturers Ferrari and Maserati by virtue of its powerful 12-cylinder engine and bold, innovative design. The 25th Anniversary edition served to both refine its attributes and amplify its outlandishness to create the ultimate iteration of this must-have supercar.