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© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
When Marcello Gandini first showed the Countach LP500 prototype at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, the impact was such that the car became an icon even without production confirmation. The production version followed in 1974 as the LP400, the sharp-edged design vocabulary, low nose, scissor doors and rear-view mirrors that protruded from the bodywork. Between 1974 and 1990 Lamborghini built 1,983 Countachs in five principal series: LP400 (1974-1977, 150 cars, the purest design without a rear wing), LP400 S (1978-1982, 235 cars, with wide Pirelli P7 tyres and flared arches), LP500 S (1982-1985, 321 cars), Quattrovalvole (1985-1988, 631 cars, with four-valve heads) and 25th Anniversary (1988-1990, 658 cars). The Quattrovalvole received a 5.2-litre V12 producing 455 hp and is for many the most balanced Countach. As with the Miura before it, the Countach defined an era, for many enthusiasts, the Lamborghini from their childhood bedroom posters.
The Lamborghini Countach was unveiled as the LP500 prototype at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, three years before production. The full production specification went into production in 1974 as the LP400. The 'Periscopio' name refers to the periscope-style rear window: a small window on the roof designed to provide rear vision via a mirror system (the car's low and wide silhouette made traditional rear vision challenging). The engine was a 4.0-litre Bizzarrini V12 (derived from the Miura) producing 375 hp, longitudinally mounted behind the cockpit. Only around 150 LP400 Periscopios were built, making it the rarest Countach specification. For collectors early chassis numbers and factory-ordered unique colours are particularly sought after; concours LP400 Periscopios with Polo Storico confirmation are among the most expensive classic Lamborghinis.
The Countach LP400 S was unveiled in 1978 and brought substantial modifications. Pirelli P7 tyres required wider wheel arches, resulting in the first fender flares and wider rear haunches. Visually the car became wider and more aggressive, although the underlying engineering (4.0-litre V12) was unchanged. Production was around 237 examples. For collectors the LP400 S marks the transition from the elegant LP400 to the more dramatic later specifications. Many LP400 S owners also ordered the optional rear wing, which further accentuated the wedge silhouette.
The LP500 S was unveiled in 1982 and introduced a larger 4.8-litre V12 producing 375 hp. The body was essentially identical to the LP400 S, with the same fender flares and optional factory wing. Production was around 321 examples. In 1985 the LP5000 QV (Quattrovalvole, four-valve heads) followed, raising output to 455 hp with a larger 5.2-litre V12. QV production was around 610 examples. For collectors LP500 S specifications in factory-ordered unique colours with wing package and proven matching numbers are the most highly regarded regular Countachs of the mid-production era.
The Countach 25th Anniversary was unveiled in 1988 as a closing specification to honour Lamborghini's 25th anniversary (1963-1988). The styling work was carried out by Horacio Pagani (later founder of Pagani Automobili), who reworked the aerodynamic elements, redrew the NACA intakes, and modernised the body with integrated fender flares and glass-fibre panels. Output remained 455 hp from the 5.2-litre QV engine. Production was around 657 examples, making the 25th Anniversary the most produced regular Countach specification. For collectors the 25th Anniversary in factory-ordered unique colour (particularly Pagani-favored matte specifications) is a sought-after late-production Countach.
The Countach is a cornerstone of classic supercar culture and has seen a steadily rising valuation curve since 2014. The LP400 Periscopio (~150 built) in original condition with Polo Storico confirmation is the most highly regarded regular Countach; top examples sit consistently in very high segments. The LP400 S, LP500 S, and LP5000 QV in factory-ordered unique colours with wing package follow a similar curve. The 25th Anniversary has the most accessible pricing within the Countach family but still substantially higher than comparable modern supercars. For sellers this means a well-documented Countach with proven Lamborghini Polo Storico confirmation, matching numbers, and original original specification attracts strong international interest. The buyer you want is a Lamborghini collector or a broader classic supercar collector who respects the Gandini wedge culture.
LP400 'Periscopio' (1974-1977, ~150 built, original specification with periscope rear window), LP400 S (1978-1982, ~237 built, Pirelli P7 tyres, first fender flares), LP500 S (1982-1985, ~321 built, 4.8-litre), LP5000 QV (1985-1988, ~610 built, four-valve heads), and 25th Anniversary (1988-1990, ~657 built, Horacio Pagani-revised styling).
Lamborghini Polo Storico supplies certifications for classic Countach models on request. Decisive for collector-oriented sales; the document confirms original specification, colour, matching numbers, any factory restoration, and historically correct specification. Essentially mandatory for top valuation, particularly on the LP400 Periscopio and rare factory order configurations.
For the Countach matching numbers (chassis, engine, and transmission numbers) is absolutely decisive, particularly on early LP400 Periscopio specifications. Photos of the chassis number plate, engine block number, and transmission number are essential. Replacement engines occur and must be exactly documented.
For Countach collectors, factory-ordered colours such as Bianco Polo (classic white with factory stripes), Verde, Giallo, Arancio, Rosso, Argento Metallizzato, Nero, and specific factory codes drive price. Original leather specification, factory stripes, and optional wing packages (particularly on the LP400 S and LP500 S) are highly valued by collectors.
Aluminium and glass-fibre body (some plastic panels for the 25th Anniversary). Rust investigation on steel subframes, sills, engine bay (around the longitudinally mounted V12), and chassis. For collector-oriented sales proof of original paint, provably unrepaired body, and intact chassis is essential.
Most Countachs have been restored over recent decades. Document all restorations: by whom (specialist or factory Polo Storico), when, which components were renewed or preserved, any factory modifications (such as US-spec modifications on LP400 S and LP500 S specifications for American safety regulations). Polo Storico confirmation is highly valued.
Note: These factors may influence buyer interest. Value depends on many factors.
LP400 Periscopio, LP400 S, LP500 S, LP5000 QV, or 25th Anniversary. Model year, chassis number prefix, factory wing or standard, US-spec or Euro-spec, any factory-ordered unique factory codes. Polo Storico confirmation contains all details.
Absolutely decisive for top valuation on the Countach, particularly on the LP400 Periscopio. Apply via Lamborghini Polo Storico in Sant'Agata Bolognese. The document confirms original specification, colour, matching numbers, any factory restoration, and historically correct specification. Lead time is three to six months.
Take clear photos of the chassis number plate (typically left front of the frame), engine block number, and transmission number. For the Countach this is absolutely decisive; a Countach without matching numbers confirmation is substantially less valuable for collector-oriented sales.
Photos of floor pans, sills, A-pillars, engine bay (around the longitudinal V12), wheel arches, rear, and chassis. For collector-oriented sales proof of original paint (in factory-ordered colour) and provably unrepaired body strongly drives price. Underbody photos are essential.
Document all restorations: dates, specialists (for example Lamborghini Polo Storico, Top Motors, Borg Marchetti, or Carlsson Italy), which components were renewed or preserved, invoice history, photos of the restoration process. A Polo Storico-confirmed restoration has the highest collector value.
Paint colour with factory code, original leather specification, intact dashboard, instrumentation, original wheels (depending on specification), wing if present, any option packages. For collector-oriented sales original specification is essential.
Ownership chronology from new, geographic distribution, any known first owners or celebrity provenance, club participation documentation, period photos from ownership periods. For the Countach provenance is a strong selling element, particularly on early LP400 Periscopio specifications.
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