Vehicle Description
1982 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP500S
COACHWORK BY BERTONE
Chassis No. ZA9C00500CLA12472
- The First LP500S/LP5000S Lamborghini Countach; Possesses Rare
Early Production Features
- Exhibited on the Lamborghini Stand at the 1982 Geneva Motor
Show
- Offered with Period Photos & Lamborghini S.p.A Press Release
- Owned by Quiet Riot Guitarist Carlos Cavazo for 35 Years
- An Exciting Discovery of the "Lost" first 5L Countach & Geneva
Auto Show Car
- Accompanied by Unmounted Factory Rear Wing, Tool Roll, Spare
Wheel, Service Records, and Factory Literature
Having already made its mark in less than a decade of existence
with a succession of GT models and the breathtaking Miura -
regarded the world's first supercar - Automobili Lamborghini
dramatically revealed its future at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show.
There, the stunning Countach prototype was unveiled, with its name
a loosely translated and risque Piedmontese expression of shock and
disbelief. Styled by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, the Countach
drew inspiration from his Alfa Romeo Carabo show car of 1968 and
the futuristic Bertone Zero concept of 1970.
Development from the show car to production required special
materials in its construction and mechanical updates providing a
modicum of practicality. Deliveries to breathless buyers commenced
by 1974 and, following production of 150 LP400 models, progress
continued through the updated and uprated LP400S by 1978 as
Lamborghini's counter to archrival Ferrari's 512 BB.
For its next major evolution, famed engineer Giulio Alfieri
massaged the Countach into the LP500S - alternatively known and
badged "LP5000S" - by 1982. Lamborghini's legendary DOHC V-12
powerplant was now upsized to 4.8 liters (4,754 cc) with a bore and
stroke increase compensating for slightly lowered 9.2:1
compression, plus larger Weber twin-choke carburetors.
Factory-advertised output was now 375 bhp at a screaming 7,500
engine revolutions and carefully selected gear ratios maximized
performance. Acceleration from rest to 60 mph took less than 5.0
seconds with the fortified Countach, and top speeds of up to 182
mph were quoted in various sources, depending upon road length and
driver skill. Flared fenders, a new front spoiler, and revised
rearward styling produced what is arguably the first 1980s "poster
car" and an enduring icon.
A Significant Offering
This LP500S carries extremely fascinating provenance as
Lamborghini's 1982 Geneva Motor Show car. It is one of the first
five LP500S examples produced of the updated model's 321-car run,
and one of five early cars fitted with the "5L" logo to the rear.
According to known provenance, it was sold new in Italy to Aaron
Rosen, who then shipped it to Germany, before exporting it to the
US. In 1985, it was purchased by Carlos Cavazo, lead guitarist for
the wildly successful glam-metal group Quiet Riot, who first saw
the Countach for sale on Robertson Boulevard, the epicenter for
entertainment superstars in the 1980s. In order to register the
Countach in California and pass the required emissions testing, the
Weber carburetors were swapped for a BMW-type electronic
fuel-injection system. In a recent online interview, Mr. Cavazo was
said he was a relatively careful driver, reportedly having only
once taken the car to about 150 mph.
The Countach displays 66,198 kilometers (41,100 miles), mostly
apparently accumulated by Mr. Cavazo before the year 2000, at which
time the car was placed into long-term storage in Van Nuys,
California at Franco Barbuscia's noted exotic-car shop, Franco's
European Sports Cars. Records on file confirm the Lamborghini was
towed to Barbuscia's shop in December 2001 for service. Due to
family and musical commitments, the Countach remained there for the
next two decades, and was in line for restoration before Franco
Barbuscia's eventual passing in 2021. Today this significant early
Countach is offered in "as-discovered" condition.
Known in the Countach registries as the first LP500S/LP5000S and
the Geneva salon car, this extremely special Countach was
relatively hidden from sight for approximately 20 years in
California, quietly "off the radar." Recently, a photo of the car
at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show has been discovered, as well as an
official letter issued by Lamborghini, dated March 1982, announcing
the company's reorganization and the 1982 introduction of the new
LP5000S/LP500S Countach at Geneva. Today, the Countach appears to
remain in highly original and complete condition overall. The
factory-original Weber carbureted induction system was swapped out
for fuel injection back in the mid-1980s when the car was
federalized under Mr. Cavazo and is no longer with the car. A
visual inspection by Lamborghini factory test driver Valentino
Balboni confirms the cars pedigree and early features. Original
details include the body number, 72, stamped on the boot lid and
engine covers, plus early and special features including the
Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels, early "5S" badging, and
LP400S-type fender flares.
A glorious celebration of unbridled design and engineering
creativity and the unqualified object of automotive desire
throughout its existence, Lamborghini's Countach remains the
signature product of Automobili Lamborghini over 30 years after
production ceased in 1990. With its unmistakable appearance,
stunning performance potential, and low mileage, this first-year
LP500S Countach is a true, investment-grade supercar legend on all
levels. For Lamborghini marque enthusiasts and collectors of iconic
supercars, this fascinating "Holy Grail" 1982 LP500S Countach
offers the next caretaker the long-awaited opportunity to restore
and own one of the most important examples extant.
$695,000.00 FIRM
WILL NOT LAST!
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knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided
'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed
or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only.
Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
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