Lot 214

Monterey 2019

1984 Lamborghini Countach LP500 S by Bertone

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$313,000 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
ZA9C00500ELA12674
  • One of only 321 units produced
  • Beautifully restored by Lamborghini specialists
  • Eminently drivable example of an iconic supercar
  • Striking black-over-black color combination
Addendum: Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.

Ferruccio Lamborghini introduced his exotic Countach prototype at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show. The car’s wedge-shaped styling—created by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone Design Studio—seized the attention of the automobile cognoscenti. The powerful mid-engine sports car was wide and low with sharply angled panels, “scissor” doors, and a forward-placed passenger compartment to allow for the large V-12 engine. The body was light and strong with aircraft-grade aluminum skin over a tubular space frame.

Once production began in 1973, the distinctive styling put the Countach in its own class. The combination of standout design, performance characteristics, and its stratospheric price tag quickly earned the Countach its “supercar” status. Throughout its production life, 1971–1990, the Countach was continuously refined. A key enhancement came in 1982 with the debut of the LP500 S model and its larger 4,754 cc, 375-horsepower engine capable of taking the car to a top speed of 160 mph.

The rare 1984 LP500 S presented here is a particularly appealing example of the groundbreaking Countach. The car is believed to have been delivered new in Pennsylvania. It was eventually stored and not driven for more than 20 years until it was acquired by an enthusiast in New York. The car was then sold to its now former owner, who undertook a comprehensive restoration. The Lamborghini was entrusted to the Lamborghini specialists at Rico Tenni’s Valtellina Automobili in Sausalito. The engine, its six Weber carburetors, and the suspension and disc brakes—with new rotors—have all been rebuilt. New factory-correct Pirelli P Zero tires and original-look gold wheels were also installed.

While in storage, the car’s original lacquer paint began to show signs of wear. The previous owner corrected that by completely repainting the car to return it to its dramatic Lamborghini-black finish. The interior was also meticulously redone. The seats were dispatched to Italy for reupholstering in black leather by the same craftsmen who did them originally, sourced through Re-Originals, Inc. of Goodrich, Texas. The seats feature model-correct patterns including unique perforations between panels. Leather has been used on the steering-wheel rim and shift knob, and the dashboard has been restored in the original Lamborghini mouse-hair material. The windshields and door glass are all original.

The Countach was then acquired by its current owner approximately four years ago. He notes that the car was equipped with a factory-optional wing, but that it was removed for a cleaner look. Similarly, the original U.S. front corner markers have been replaced by European markers, and the rear U.S. corner markers have been removed. The original wing is otherwise included, along with restoration receipts and other documents that accompany the car. The owner reports that the Countach currently runs and drives well and expects there will be fewer than 34,000 original kilometers on the odometer at the time of sale.

There were only 321 Lamborghini Countach LP500 S models ever produced, and this charismatic Countach is waiting to be enjoyed by the right Lamborghini connoisseur.