Calling the Lamborghini Countach “groundbreaking” would be an understatement. It has been one of the most recognizable cars of its time since leaving the crowd flabbergasted at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show upon its unveiling. The Miura, the predecessor to the Countach, set the industry standard for supercars when it was introduced, and the Countach showed that Lamborghini still had one more trick up its sleeve. Just like the Miura, there was nothing on sale at the time that came close to the Countach in terms of visual appeal or overall automotive panache, and it was destined to become a future classic.

Marcello Gandini’s angular design typified the design language of the 1980s nearly 10 years in advance. The car was highlighted by its eye-catching, upward-hinged “scissor doors,” and every inch of it was designed with show-stopping visual appeal in mind. It was the perfect automobile for those who could afford it and were looking to stand out from the crowd, as it was eye catching and jaw dropping in every way. While the Countach’s design seemingly evolved constantly over the car’s 16-year lifespan, it was always instantly recognizable and just as desirable as the day the cover was lifted off the car in 1971.

Fourteen years after the introduction of the initial Countach in March 1985, Lamborghini returned to the Geneva Auto Show to introduce the third iteration of the Countach, the QV, which was named for its four valve heads. The car’s V-12 featured an increase in cubic displacement to 5,167 cubic centimeters, and the compression ratio was increased to 9.5:1. This brought horsepower to 420 at 7,000 rpm for the fuel-injected models, increasing power by 45 brake horsepower over the outgoing LP5000S Countach. Cosmetically, the Countach remained largely unchanged, with the only alteration being to the rocker panels, where vents were added to extract air for the rear brakes.

The 5000 QV offered here was sold new in October 1987 by Lamborghini East, with an original MSRP of $135,850, including the factory-optional rear wing. It has benefitted from continuous ownership by enthusiasts ever since and retains its original paint and interior, both in excellent condition, as would be expected from a Countach that has been driven just over 2,800 actual miles. In fact, the only major change to the car since new has been the installation of an improved Ansi exhaust system by Evans Automotive in 2002. Even the Pirelli P7 tires are correct.

The car has recently undergone a full mechanical service and concours-level cosmetic detailing by Lamborghini specialists, and it is offered with not only its original MSO but also copies and/or originals of every title since new, ownership transfer papers from each side, all of the original sales paperwork from 1987, and the original tool kit and owner’s manual. There is also a collection of service receipts dating back to what was, presumably, the car’s first service in 1990.

Offered from its third owner in beautiful and original condition, this is a virtually pristine Countach 5000 QV, representing one of the ultimate variations of the 1980s ultimate supercar.