A Legacy Reborn: From Prototype to Icon Born from Marcello Gandini’s visionary design at Bertone, the Lamborghini Countach, introduced as a prototype in 1971, redefined automotive aesthetics with its angular, wedge-shaped silhouette and iconic scissor doors. This 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, one of approximately 610 produced between 1985 and 1988, is a testament to that enduring legacy. This US-market marvel, brought to Canada around 15 years ago, underwent a meticulous repaint in its striking red finish by Lamborghini Montreal in 2020, ensuring its presence remains as commanding as ever.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the Beast Beneath the Kevlar front and rear deck lids lies the heart of this Italian masterpiece: a Bizzarrini-designed 5.2-liter quad-cam V12. This formidable engine, featuring a 60° cylinder bank angle, four valves per cylinder, and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, delivers a staggering 420 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, with the transmission positioned mid-car, ahead of the engine. Recent maintenance in 2024, prior to its acquisition by the selling dealer in 2025, included an engine-out service, rebuilding of the distributor, ignition unit, and water pump, as well as replacement of spark plugs, exhaust seals, rear engine mounts, fuel injectors, seals, and a new clutch assembly. This ensures the Countach performs as spectacularly as it looks.
Exterior Elegance: A Symphony of Red and Gold This Countach 5000 QV boasts a European-specification front bumper and a V-shaped rear wing, enhancing its aerodynamic profile. Pop-up headlights and fog lights further accentuate its classic design. Riding on gold-finished 15″ Ruote OZ wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tires, this Countach exudes a blend of power and sophistication. The rust-free body was stripped and refinished in 2020 by Lamborghini Montreal. Paint meter readings, available in the gallery, attest to the quality of the repaint.
Interior Luxury: A Champagne Dream Inside, the cockpit is a haven of Champagne leather, enveloping the fixed-back bucket seats, center console, lower dashboard, and door panels. An Alpine AM/FM cassette stereo and a Veglia digital clock add to the vintage charm, while air conditioning ensures comfort. A leather-wrapped Raid steering wheel and a gated shifter provide a tactile connection to the car’s performance. Jaeger instrumentation, including a 320-km/h speedometer and a 7,500-rpm tachometer, keeps the driver informed. The six-digit odometer shows 13k kilometers (~8k miles), with approximately 100 added under current ownership.
Driving Dynamics: A Pure Italian Experience The Countach features a fully independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, providing exceptional handling. Stopping power is delivered by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. This Countach, with its recent engine-out service and clutch replacement, is ready to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. The Carfax report is free of accidents or damage, and the vehicle is being sold on its Connecticut registration, which designates it as an “antique.”
Summary:
- 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV, one of approximately 610 made.
- 5.2-liter quad-cam V12 engine with 420 horsepower.
- Five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
- Repainted in red by Lamborghini Montreal in 2020.
- Champagne leather interior with bucket seats and air conditioning.
- Recent engine-out service and clutch replacement.
- Gold-finished 15″ Ruote OZ wheels with Pirelli tires.
- 13k kilometers (~8k miles) on the odometer.
Disclaimer: Vehicle condition and specifications are based on seller-provided information and are subject to verification.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
