Where should I look for a Countach?
Discussion
Having taken a deposit on my Corvette today, I can finally start my search for a Countach or Diablo. I don't yet have my full budget available but I do have enough for most of the Anniversarys and early Diablos I've seen so I'm ready to buy really. I know of 2 Anniversarys currently available and plan to call about them next week. One in Wiltshire and another in the Midlands. However, I often see people on here mention cars for sale that I haven't found on the internet. So, my question to you guys in the know is where is the best place to look. Are there any sites you can recommend as well as Mike Pullens and the LCUK. I regularly check PH classifieds, Auto Trader etc. Does anyone know of a good, sensible mileage QV, Anniversary or Diablo for sale at the moment? I want a red one preferably, but would consider other colours except black or other dark colours - I like them bright! I really want the rear wing too. My budget is an absolute max of £60K for the right car. Also, anyone know a rough price for supply of a Countach rear wing? I can sort painting and fitting myself, but one car I plan to investigate doesn't have the wing on it. Finally, any buying advice would be appreciated too.
andysv said:
mike pullen used to supply rear wings i had to replace one on a qv years ago, sorry can't remember the cost.
have you driven a countach and a diablo? i find they are very different.
have you driven a countach and a diablo? i find they are very different.
I plan to call Mike Pullen in the week to get some advice and see if he knows anything about the cars I've shortlisted so far. I'll ask him about the rear wings, Thanks.
I haven't driven either, only sat in them. My preference TBH is a Countach - it was always the poster on my bedroom wall. I've loved the Countach all my life really, and know a lot about them as an enthusiast, but not much as an actual buyer or owner. That has to change now though - never, ever thought I would actually be in this position.
Thanks, I feel like a kid on Christmas Day at the moment. Can't believe it's going to happen, but it is.
I did see the TG show but thought it a bit daft TBH. I can't see me ever parallel parking a CT in town anyway. In truth, I don't care about the clutch, steering, visibility etc. I love the CT and I think I'll put up with anything to own one.
I did see the TG show but thought it a bit daft TBH. I can't see me ever parallel parking a CT in town anyway. In truth, I don't care about the clutch, steering, visibility etc. I love the CT and I think I'll put up with anything to own one.
Gonna have to recommend carlo at top gear cars too. He's got some lovely early diablo's in stock and he's a great guy to deal with 
www.topgear-cars.co.uk
www.topgear-cars.co.uk
Forgot to say conga rats This is where the fun begins! Don't be in too much of a rush because then the perfect car will find you! Go with your heart, not your head as they say 
Dion at www.elmscollection.com/ is highly praised as well! He may not have the vehicle you want listed but if you contact him, he's know for fishing out the best of the best!
This is where the fun begins! Don't be in too much of a rush because then the perfect car will find you! Go with your heart, not your head as they say Dion at www.elmscollection.com/ is highly praised as well! He may not have the vehicle you want listed but if you contact him, he's know for fishing out the best of the best!
Edited by Funky on Sunday 8th April 13:15
Don't believe all you read/hear about the clutch on a Countach. If I can drive one, anyone can. Sure it's not as light as a modern car, and nor are any of the other controls, it just takes a bit of getting used too. The only area that you may find a tad intimidating to start with are the huge blind spots to your rear 3/4, which a lot of people take great delight in occupying whilst they follow you ogling the car.
don't even think about the top gear comments, the day i bought a countach was one of the best in my life, the negative points just gave the car more character in my mind and it took 8 years for the novelty to wear off, the longest i ever wanted to own any car so far.
good luck you know it makes sense, don't rush your search for the right car
good luck you know it makes sense, don't rush your search for the right car
gemini said:
I too love both the cars you mention.
However did you see the top gear show where they drove the Countach?
They agreed that you should never drive the car of your dreams as it is the one sure way to become disillusioned.
Good luck. You are truely a lucky guy.
However did you see the top gear show where they drove the Countach?
They agreed that you should never drive the car of your dreams as it is the one sure way to become disillusioned.
Good luck. You are truely a lucky guy.
The Countach an LP400S in metallic blue ADV31X belonged to me and Gary pre SV and 93 Diablo. Gary spent two days filming with James May. First time James drove the car for a while he complained it was hot and stuffy (as he did in the show), Gary reminded him where the air conditioning knob was.
Cut a very long story short we went to the show with a bunch of other enthusiasts. Almost the first words out of James May's mouth was please remember this is a television show. Don't get upset or beat me up or anything. Yes they slated the car and took the p*ss out of it. If nothing else that day we got to chat with James and Richard and occasionaly Jeremy but every he time he stopped for a chat within a minute or so he was called away by the director to sort something out but more importantly we realised never to trust a word that Top Gear tells you. It is for television entertainment no more and no less. As long as you realise this it does no harm. What did Gary get paid for this event £0. What did it cost about three tanks of juice.
So the moral is drive a Countach or a Diablo and you'll either love them or hate them. Personally I love them and the experience and I am sure you will to. Good luck and enjoy
Thanks all for the encouraging words. I am really looking forward to this as it will be the realisation of a dream I never thought would happen. That said, I won't be rushing in to anything. When I buy one it will have to be a really good one. If I have any doubts or reservations about it I will walk away for sure. Buying one I can manage, and servicing/maintaining I can do, but major rebuilds or repairs will be out of my budget for some time.
Hi mate JUST DO IT..I have a LP500s that yesterday I went to start up for the first time in 6 months of storeage...first time it fired up, so excited again, for 6 months fun it could cost me a couple of grand, tax, insurance, fuel, check over, oil, give me a call mate you will not regret buying a countach for the drive, the thrill and for making everyones day that sees it..everything that top gear says makes it the reasons to buy one..its a F..CKING COUNTACH...not a normal car, you just missed a 400s sold in the usa this week but there is a 500s in the classic car mags..ex bee gee car..3,000 miles..Dave 07891246553...in crawley
I have a friend who is trying to sell his Diablo VT Roadster, but I'm pretty sure that is is more than you wish to spend. But then I don't know the market at all.
I'll email him anyway and get details, he's also fairly well connected and may know of something lurking in the shadows...
I'll email him anyway and get details, he's also fairly well connected and may know of something lurking in the shadows...
Thanks guys.
Dave - I think the BeeGee car may be outside my budget of £60K max? I thought it went for more than that at the Coys auction, by the time premiums were paid etc. Not seen it advertised anywhere myself - what are they asking?
Craig - no, not me, but very strange that another Vette owner should be looking at the same time. I don't know of the White QV you mention. It doesn't seem to be easy to find the cars for sale, I look on the net etc. but not much around that I fancy. Hence the reason for this thread. Sounds like the White car didn't quite come up to scratch though. I am enquiring about a car at the moment - waiting for a call back as I type in fact.
Mastiff - I strongly suspect the Diablo Roadster will be out of my budget, and TBH I personally don't like the look of those quite so much. That said, if it was in my budget I'd be daft not to enquire.
Dave - I think the BeeGee car may be outside my budget of £60K max? I thought it went for more than that at the Coys auction, by the time premiums were paid etc. Not seen it advertised anywhere myself - what are they asking?
Craig - no, not me, but very strange that another Vette owner should be looking at the same time. I don't know of the White QV you mention. It doesn't seem to be easy to find the cars for sale, I look on the net etc. but not much around that I fancy. Hence the reason for this thread. Sounds like the White car didn't quite come up to scratch though. I am enquiring about a car at the moment - waiting for a call back as I type in fact.
Mastiff - I strongly suspect the Diablo Roadster will be out of my budget, and TBH I personally don't like the look of those quite so much. That said, if it was in my budget I'd be daft not to enquire.
andysv said:
i struggled to sell my 86 qv for 42k five years ago. why oh why didn't i wait a bit longer 
there again i remember the mint jamiroqui lp400 struggling to sell in the 30's
there again i remember the mint jamiroqui lp400 struggling to sell in the 30's
Andy
Its crazy how it is.. I looked at one 3 years ago and thought £35k was allot!!! I was talking to a dealer today and he was saying that the LHD cars QV for a mint one now £100k . RHD cars are less... How when none are for sale..
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