The word Countach has its origins in a phrase that Piedmonese men used to describe the moment of setting eyes on a beautiful woman, and so it was that it was chosen as the name for the ground breaking Lamborghini LP400 ‘Countach’ when it was launched in 1974.

Few cars before or since have had the immediate impact that Marcello Gandini’s outrageous design had when it was unveiled to the public. Free from having to incorporate fripperies such as ergonomics, or user friendliness, Gandini let his imagination run wild with the Countach and he styled one of the iconic cars of the 20th Century and the origin of the string of V-12 engined Lamborghinis that followed: the Diablo, Murciélago and Aventador.

This particular example is one of the Anniversary edition cars, built in 1989 to celebrate Lamborghini’s 25th year as a manufacturer. Although very similar mechanically to the 5000QV and featuring the same 5.2-liter quattrovalvole V12 engine, the anniversary cars did receive significant fettling under the watchful gaze of none other than Horacio Pagani. The upgrades make them the most refined and possibly fastest of the model type, able to sprint from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 183 mph.

A U.S. delivery example, this Countach’s first private owner acquired the car in 1997, before which it had been owned by its supplying dealer and extensively photographed for exotic car calendars in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2007 and 2017, copies of which are included with the sale. If nothing else, they are a testament to the perfect condition in which the car was kept during the 1990s. Since 1997 it has only been used on fine weather days, always garaged and maintained in a manner befitting of such a magnificent car. It has accrued just 9,416 km to date. Original dealer installed the Euro-spec front bumper and rear wing, In 2011, Evans Automotive provided the air conditioning system overhaul. With new tires which were road force balanced in 2014, there are less than 2000 miles on the tires. Routine service work has been carried out by Evans automotive in Columbus, OH and also by Lambostuff in Xenia OH and the car is accompanied by an Euro-spec exhaust system and its original U.S.-spec bumpers which are included with the sale.

Enviably specified in the timeless combination of black paintwork with tan leather interior, it oozes menace and is the ultimate expression of one the all-time great Lamborghinis.