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1988 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP5000 QV

This Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV is a stunning example of perhaps the definitive ‘poster car’ of the 1980s, presented in excellent condition. In the engine bay is a 449bhp 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V12, fed by six Weber downdraft carburettors, and coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. All UK-market Lamborghinis of the period were delivered with an odometer that records in kilometres, and in this car it indicates just 22,892 km (14,224 miles) from new.

In total, just 610 examples of the LP5000 QV were built, and this car is understood to be one of just 17 examples built in right-hand drive with the optional side skirts. Ordered by businessman Gerald Carroll, this Countach was specified from the factory with a number of bespoke features. The car was finished in Rosso Siviglia, with a beige leather interior. It came with a sports exhaust system, as well as red marker lights on the rear wing end panels, and twin electric aerials.

The beige door cards were trimmed with contrasting elements in black, while the steering wheel rim and gear knob were finished in burgundy leather. It had bespoke carpeting, chromed ‘Lamborghini’ branded door sill cover plates, and additional badges to the interior. It is understood that a burgundy leather gaiter for the gear lever was originally fitted, but was removed by the second owner to showcase the bare metal shift gate.

Delivered in September 1988 through Portman Concessionaires, Mr Carroll registered the car on the ‘SPY 60’ number plate. There are photos in the history file of the car coming off the transporter at Portman’s premises, and shortly thereafter pictured just outside Buckingham Palace - presumably for a fun photoshoot. In 1991, the registration was changed to ‘F818 EPW’, and there are period photos online showing the car with this plate.

It is understood that the car was changed to its current plate of ‘A7 CMJ’ in the mid-1990s. By 1998, the Countach had covered less than 21,000 km. Soon after this it was put into professional storage for around 11 years, emerging again in 2009 when it was recommissioned and offered for sale. The current owner acquired the car in 2010, and over the next year invested a large sum to bring it up to superb standard.

As the paintwork was starting to look tired, the car was stripped down and fully resprayed. The engine and running gear was refurbished, a new clutch was fitted, and a Larini manifold and exhaust system was installed. The work was fully documented and photographed at certain stages, with a total spend of more than £30,000. In 2017, the owner traded the car in against a contemporary racing model, but decided to buy it back in 2019 after hearing it was available again.

Today, the bodywork and paint presents in superb condition, and still looks fresh from its respray in 2011. All of the grilles, body trims, and light lenses are in very good order, and the window seals appear to be in great shape. The door rubbers are generally sound, though there is some cracking in the driver’s side item. There is a slight mark on the rear wing, which the seller is confident would polish out, but as the photos show this is a beautifully presented example. A new windscreen was installed in 2013, and the seller notes that the original exhaust comes with the car.

In the cabin, the beige leather is undamaged, and shows very little wear to speak of. There are some slight indentations visible along the centre console trim, and small marks around the foot wells, but otherwise the upholstery looks very smart. The burgundy leather accents add a dash of colour to the cabin, and there is also leather trim for the dashboard panel and instrument binnacle. All of the dials work as they should, and the only intermittent foible with any of the levers or switchgear is that the door locks sometimes stick.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in March 2020 by performance car specialist R&D Automotive in Manchester. This consisted of a full service, as well as minor repairs to the door mirror. Prior to this it was seen by the same workshop in March 2019 for a service, spark plugs, and a new fuel pump; and in March 2018 by Foskers in Kent, when a new battery was fitted.

Its most recent MOT test was carried out on 13 March 2020 at 22,866 km, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The wheels are shod in 225/50 VR15 Pirelli P7 items at the front and 345/35 ZR15 Pirelli P Zero tyres at the rear. They are all in excellent condition with plenty of tread remaining.

Accompanying this Countach is the original suede book wallet, housing the stamped guarantee and maintenance record. There are also various receipts for service work, as well as the cosmetic refurbishment in 2011, along with some period photos taken at the car’s original delivery. A tool roll, space-saver spare wheel, dust cover, and two keys are also present.

This Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV is an extravagant and exciting Italian exotic, which remains in its original factory specification, and has genuine low mileage. With almost unbeatable presence on the road, the Countach finds fans in every generation, and its impressive performance is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to get behind the wheel. This particular car must be among the very best examples existent, and would be a wonderful addition to any collection of supercars.

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