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, and 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.

This Rosso Siviglia over champagne leather chassis is a US-delivery example which now features the desirable Euro-spec “slim” bumpers, along with optional fog lights, and the signature, massive rear spoiler. As Lamborghini continued to deliver US-market cars with metric instruments well into Diablo production, the mileage indicated at time of cataloging is believed to original, with just short of 10,730 kms displayed since new. Built in June of 1989 at the company’s Saint Agatha Bologna plant, this chassis was delivered stateside shortly thereafter and sold to it’s first owner by August of 1989. Though early history is scant, records indicated that the car was present in the Eastern United States until recent years. The staggered 15” OZ Racing forged alloy wheels are presently shod in fresh Pirelli high-performance tires befitting of the massive rear track and body width. The 425 hp, 5.2-liter V-12 engine boasts a late-series Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system which has been recently overhauled--along with the transmission and brakes--by Kessel Auto of Lugano, Switzerland. With invoices declaring over 50,000 CHF worth of recent servicing, this stunning and low-mileage Countach is a sure to provide many thrills, transfixed gazes, and ofcourse,--exclamations of astonishment--to a lucky new owner.