1988 Lamborghini

Penned by none other than Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Countach saw an extraordinarily successful production run over a 16-year period, starting with the LP400 in 1974 and ending with the 25th Anniversary in 1990. The Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is arguably the most celebrated, desirable, and collectible of the Countach series with circa 610 examples produced between 1985 and 1988. This example, chassis no. JLA12397 is believed to be one of just 17 right-hand drive Quattrovalvoles produced with side skirts.

Optioned in the unmistakable and well-suited combination of Rosso over Tan leather with Nero piping, chassis no. JLA12397 was specified with an array of custom options. In addition to a throatier sports exhaust and rear spoiler, the car was fitted with tell-tale lights fitted to the rear wing end plates, chrome tail badges, etched chrome door sill plates, a chrome Lamborghini bull on the passenger side of the dash and Nero door inserts. Further, burgundy leather was upholstered to the steering wheel rim, gear gate, and gear knob; all features which we are delighted to confirm are still present on the car today.

Supplied new to Mr Gerald Carroll via Portman Concessionaires, a successful British businessman through the 70s and 90s, this 5000QV was the third of four Countach he would purchase. Carroll headed up the privately owned Carroll Group, which at one stage in the 1980s retained an estimated £250M (equivalent to just over £1.1 billion today). Sadly, the company would collapse due to rising debts during the early nineties’ recession. Dispatched from the factory on 22nd July 1988, the Countach was initially registered on U.K. registration ‘F818 EPW’ and subsequently transferred to Carroll’s personal plate ‘SPY 60’ shortly after. After a few years of ownership, Carroll would sell the 5000 QV via Stratton Motor Company with just shy of 2,000 kilometres on the clock. The car change hands between collectors and likeminded enthusiasts who sought to cherish and enjoy the car diligently, covering a further 19,000 kilometres through the next several years of its life before being placed into long-term storage in 1998.

In 2010, chassis no. JLA12397 was sold and subjected to a cosmetic restoration and comprehensive mechanical overhaul to the engine and transmission, including replacement of the clutch and refurbishment to all major ancillaries. In addition, the 5000QV was fitted with a Larini sports exhaust system incorporating new manifolds to further improve the car’s sonorous V12 engine note. The car would remain with this custodian for around 5 years before changing hands twice more until the current keeper took ownership in 2020.

For the past 5 years, this 5000 QV has formed part of an exceptional collection of limited production supercars, being used sparingly for events and remaining in storage while not in use. Having covered just over 1,000 kilometres since its restorative works, the car’s superb presentation is a testament to the careful ownership and diligent use it has seen.