The 1988 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition celebrates a defining era in supercar design. As the final and most refined evolution of Lamborghini’s legendary wedge, it pairs Horacio Pagani’s styling with the ferocity of a 5.2-litre V-12 engine delivering 420 horsepower.
Pagani’s Redesign for the Countach Legacy
Created to mark Lamborghini’s silver jubilee, the 25th Anniversary Edition arrived in 1988 as a bold restyling of the Countach by Horacio Pagani, then a young in-house designer. His revisions gave the familiar wedge sharper aerodynamic intent, from the raised nose and sculpted bumpers to the slatted side intakes and revised rear fascia.
These updates were not purely aesthetic. Underneath, former rally champion Sandro Munari worked to refine the chassis, improving handling and stability. Together, their efforts transformed the Countach from a raw poster car into a more mature, drivable supercar, without softening its exotic character.
Modern Comfort in a Classic Cabin
Inside, Lamborghini updated the cockpit with subtle luxuries that set this version apart. The refreshed interior gained electric windows, improved sound insulation, and redesigned seats with power recline, making it one of the most livable Countachs ever produced.
This example presents in Rosso over a two-tone black and cream leather interior, accented by red piping. The color combination amplifies the Countach’s theatrical flair while maintaining an air of refined Italian craftsmanship.
V-12 Power and Performance
The 25th Anniversary Edition retained the revered 60-degree, 5.2-litre V-12 from the LP5000 Quattrovalvole. Producing around 420 horsepower through a five-speed gated manual gearbox, the Countach remained a formidable performance machine. It could reach nearly 300 km/h, blending old-school intensity with the final polish of 1980s engineering.
The OZ Racing forged wheels and optional rear wing reinforce the period-correct aesthetic, while the chassis revisions ensure sharper driving precision. It remains every bit as dramatic as its predecessors, but far more composed at the limit.
Provenance and Presentation
This Countach was first delivered to Auto Kremer in Germany in October 1988, making it an early production example. The car was later registered in Japan for more than two decades, before moving to the United Arab Emirates in 2024. At the time of cataloguing, it displayed only 9,826 kilometres, evidence of careful preservation across its international history.
Its presentation today in Abu Dhabi highlights the enduring appeal of the Countach lineage, particularly the final and most developed version before Lamborghini transitioned to the Diablo.
Refinement of a Supercar Icon
Among the 657 examples produced, the 25th Anniversary Edition stands as the most balanced interpretation of the Countach formula. With subtle aerodynamic improvements, a more comfortable cabin, and a powertrain untouched in spirit, it captures the essence of 1980s Italian engineering at its peak.
Summary
The 1988 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition by Bertone embodies the culmination of 17 years of design evolution. With Pagani’s sculpted refinements, a 420-horsepower V-12, and exquisite presentation in Rosso, it remains the ultimate expression of the Countach dream, a supercar equally suited for admiration and motion.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
