1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole in Fort Lauderdale, FL

To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Fort Lauderdale event, March 31-2, 2017.

Chassis No.
ZA9CA05A2JLA12218

Estimate:
$350,000 - $400,000 US

As the successor to what is considered the world's first supercar - the Lamborghini Miura - the encore begged to be nothing short of sensational. That it was . . . and more. When the Lamborghini Countach was revealed in 1971, the automotive world was once again set on its ear. Countach - Torinese for the exclamation "Oh My God" - was at minimum appropriate. Astonishing is perhaps, the best adjective used to describe the Countach, as no one had ever seen anything like it. Along with posters of actress Farah Fawcett, college dorm rooms everywhere were decorated with this disco-era icon. Remarkably, it remained in production with 4 versions over 16 years - quite literally keeping Lamborghini alive. Some 45 years later, the car looks like something out of the future; words that describe few, if any, other vehicles ever produced.

Its origami shape was attributed to Marcello Gandini of Bertone Design and its various scoops, scallops, and spoilers only added to the muscular if not menacing design. As if the geometric lines were not enough, the Countach was fitted with semi-gullwing doors which have since been copied time and again by tuners, designers, and purveyors of fast machinery alike. More importantly, this is one vehicle that offered "go" to match the "show."

The 5000 Quattrovalve was first introduced in 1985 increasing engine capacity to 5157-cc along with four-valve cylinder heads. Horsepower rose from 375 to 420. In addition, suspension and brakes were revised along with a 0.9 in increase in wheelbase. A total of 610 were produced before the final 25th anniversary Countach was introduced in 1988.

This superb example was imported to the United States by Joe Nastasi, a noted and prominent collector of Italian sports cars and race cars. Nastasi, a Lamborghini distributor, was able to acquire this unique example believed to be the only 1988 example painted Giallo Fly with a stunning white leather interior. In addition, it is equipped with factory air conditioning and fitted with the optional and distinctive rear wing. Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni has signed the car adding to its uniqueness and desirability. And, to aid in both parking and rear visibility, the radio head unit has been upgraded with a rear camera.

The odometer shows just 13,860km/8,600 miles. The consigner purchased this car in 2007, selling it in 2009 to another collector who put just 300 miles on the car before purchasing it back from him in 2012. It has been pampered its entire life and the consigner notes it has had all its services and runs great.