Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.
Chassis No.
ZA9CA05A9JLA12376
Estimate:
$275,000 - $300,000 US
The Lamborghini Countach stands tall as one of the most recognized supercars of the last 40 years. It made its way into many homes during its heyday as a television and movie star in its own right; as well as being a poster car for a countless number of admirers. All these years later, the Bertone design by Marcello Gandini may be somewhat dated, but does nothing to deter the fact that these cars are legendary and still loved by many. Most of our favorite older cars are dated; it is a badge of honor to their original integrity of the design philosophies of their respective eras.
The Countach made its public debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. The design of the ultra-low two-seater sports car took the world by surprise. Perhaps the most captivating styling elements were the doors opening scissor-style, swinging up and forward. Over the years these famous doors have become a consistent Lamborghini design feature. From 1974 to 1990, it is reported that around 2,050 Countachs were built, with about 650 of those 5000 QV’s.
Its legend grew ever more extravagant as engineers sought various measures aimed at keeping it pinned to the road in response to the ever-increasing power output from its sophisticated V-12 powertrain. Bored-out to 5.2-liters for 1985, the V-12 was also given four valves per cylinder, for a total of 48, hence the given name “Quattrovalvole”. European-specification Countach models utilized six Weber downdraft carburetors located on the top of the engine, rather than from the side, while North American models received Bosch's K-Jetronic fuel injection system. The mid-ship V-12 engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The shift mechanism is gated for smooth and accurate gear changes that are essential for maximizing the cars speed potentials.
The Countach Quattrovalvole received slight bodywork changes in late 1987; new streaked sills incorporating rear brake cooling vents were added. The interior was now furnished with central-locking, modified heater controls and much better ventilation. The rear wing could still be ordered on the Quattrovalvole, and most examples left the factory with it mounted. The Countach does not suffer from aerodynamic lift at high speeds, so the rear wing was not a requirement, but added a great deal of additional individuality to the design and made the car immediately recognizable to most. The wing was an expensive option at about U.S. $5,000, but with the increased drag promoted a slightly lower top speed.
This car comes from an estate and although it appears to be in need of attention, the approximately 13,500 kilometers are shown to be original. The car is finished in an attractive blue/gray tone that is richly paired with a cream interior. Equipped with the appropriate OZ “phone dial” alloy wheels and functional tall rear spoiler; this example is thought to have air conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and power four-wheel disc brakes. Harken back to the days when the sweet sounds of high-revving V-12 engines reigned supreme over the high-speed lane.
