Lamborghini Countach 1988

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Supercar Fest 2026 on Saturday the 16th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. , Designing a successor to the delicious Lamborghini Miura was something of a challenge for Marcello Gandini, however with the arrival of the 'Countach' in 1971, he demonstrated to the world that his ability to create automotive drama was alive and well. In fact, the word 'Countach' is Piedmontese slang for something that visually shocks, and has no direct translation but 'Wow' is probably the most polite.The first Countach appeared at the Geneva Show in 1971,and big, bright and brash like the rest of the 70s, the Countach was to remain in production, through various iterations for many years. With hindsight, it's clear that the car's 'flying wedge' design, sloping snout that appeared to descend directly from the windscreen and innovative 'scissor doors' became a template for every 'supercar' that followed. Over its 17year production run, the Countach evolved continuously in response to both technical demands and increasing competition, not least from rivals such as the Ferrari Testarossa. By 1985, Lamborghini responded with the LP5000 Quattrovalvole, a significant step forward that saw the V12 enlarged to 5.2 litres and fitted with four valves per cylinder. In European carburettor form, complete with the distinctive power dome engine cover, output rose to around 455bhp, delivering vivid performance with 060mph achieved in little over four seconds and a top speed approaching 190mph.However, it is the final development of this series, the socalled '88', that is widely regarded as the most compelling of all. Not an official factory designation but an enthusiastcoined term, these late1988 cars represent the ultimate iteration of the Quattrovalvole before the arrival of the more heavily revised 25th Anniversary model. Subtle yet important updates included redesigned, straked side sills which improved airflow to the rear brakes and previewed elements of the Anniversary styling, whilst retaining the purer, more delicate surfacing of the earlier cars.Crucially, the '88' occupies a unique position in the Countach story. It blends the incremental engineering improvements of the later production cars with the raw, analogue character of the original concept, before the 25th Anniversary introduced a degree of visual and ergonomic softening. For many enthusiasts and collectors, this balance makes the '88' the most resolved and desirable Countach of all.The example offered here is particularly significant. One of just 17 righthand drive '88' cars produced, it is also believed to be among the final examples completed, adding further to its appeal. Finished in Rosso with a Cream leather interior accented by red piping, it presents in a colour combination that perfectly complements the cars dramatic form and period character. Few specifications capture the essence of the Countach more effectively.Supplied new on 4th August 1988 via Lamborghini London Limited to a wellknown client in Bristol, the car has enjoyed careful ownership throughout its life. Acquired by our vendor in 2016, it has been maintained for many years by respected marque specialist Mike Pullen of Carrera Sport in West Sussex, a name well known within Lamborghini circles for his expertise with these cars.The history file is described as comprehensive and includes numerous MOT certificates supporting the recorded mileage, alongside a collection of period tax discs, its original service book and the owners handbook. Such documentation provides valuable insight into the cars life and underlines the care it has received over the years.Visually, mechanically and historically, this Countach encapsulates everything that made the model such an icon. Alongside contemporaries such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, it defined the aspirational automotive landscape of the 1980s, adorning bedroom walls and capturing the imagination of a generation. Yet even within that illustrious company, the Countach stood apart, more extreme, more theatrical and undeniably more exotic.Today, as the market continues to recognise the significance of analogue supercars, the very qualities that once made the Countach challengingits uncompromising ergonomics, dramatic styling and visceral driving experienceare now central to its appeal. The 88, as the final and most developed expression of that ethos, sits at the very top of the hierarchy.This example, with its rare righthand drive configuration, late production status and evocative colour combination, represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire what is widely considered the definitive Countach.