Vehicle Description
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.
