Lamborghini Countach: Classic by Design

There are supercars... and there's the Lamborghini Countach. To many, the extravagant and eccentric styling of Marcello Gandini re-wrote the rules by which the ubiquitous supercar is measured.
 
Now, those attending Historics at Brooklands’ auction on June 7th, can decide for themselves as a rare, right-hand drive, ultra-low mileage 1982 Countach LP5000S comes to sale.
 
Following in the sublime footsteps of the uber-elegant Lamborghini Miura - also penned by Gandini in the Bertone studio - the Countach never fails to leave a lasting impression from any angle, whether static or on the move. The battle of form over function came out firmly in favour of the former and the car’s eccentricities, such as strictly limited rear vision, only add to the character of this remarkable car.
 
Of a total production of 2,042 models over its 16-year lifespan from 1974, just 321 of this variant were produced, this being one of the first to be fitted with the larger capacity 4.8 litre V12 engine introduced that year, mated to the five-speed gearbox.
 
Like any Countach, this pristine white example, with matching white leather interior, is not for shrinking violets, its famed and eccentric scissor doors a further attention shreaker.  Although for the past 23 years - two thirds of its life to date - this Countach’s flamboyance has impressed no-one whilst it has rested in professional dry storage, being awakened only for regular starting, conditioning and scheduled  servicing by Portman Lamborghini and Lamborghini London. This culminated in a very thorough major service at HR Owen London to the tune of over £4,500 over the last two months.
 
The fact that it has covered just 13,642km (8,543 miles) since new makes this Countach all the more attractive as a collector car, although after a 23 year rest period, it’s ready and waiting to impress its new owner with its banshee wail, visceral 160mph performance and 5.4 second dash to 100kph.
 
This 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP500S is estimated at £110,000 - £145,000 and joins 100+ other prime classic car consignments, plus a similar volume of fine classic motorcycles, at Historics’ largest auction of the year at Brooklands Museum, near Weybridge, on Saturday June 7th, with viewing the previous day.
 
For more information and the full consignment list, visit historics.co.uk.