DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1981 | COLOUR: YELLOW PEARL | INTERIOR TRIM: MAGNOLIA LEATHER | PRICE: CURRENTLY OFF MARKET PENDING REPAINT
LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS LOW MILEAGE RIGHT HAND DRIVE 1981 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP400S S3 IN STRIKING YELLOW PEARL. A RARE COUNTACH, A VERY COLLECTIBLE 1980’s SUPERCAR.
NOTE IMAGES ON WEBSITE ARE PRE-RESTORATION OF VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION
MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
Introduced as the LP500 prototype at the 1971 Geneva Motor show, the Countach was developed as the replacement for the widely acclaimed Miura.
Working with a production brief of ‘aerodynamically efficient and aesthetically daring’ the styling of the Countach was taken care of by Macello Gandini of Bertone, with his design team encouraged to ‘push the boundaries’ to take on and beat its direct compeititon – the likes of the formidable Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, for example.
The first production ready model debuted in 1974 as the Countach LP400. Made with aircraft grade aluminium skin over a tubular space frame, the low, wide body featuring the iconic scissor doors was light and strong. With power delivered by a rev-happy 3,929 cc V12 developing 375 hp, the result was something truly mind-blowing for the period. Feeling alive and engaging with an addictive engine note, the driving experience really did stimulate all the senses. A real supercar of its day.
Throughout its production life, (1971-1990) the Countach was continuously refined and developed. A key enhancement came in 1982 with the debut of the LP500S model and its larger 4,754 cc engine, capable of taking the car to a top speed of 180 mph (292km/h) plus.
A total of 1,983 Countach of all variants were produced before production ended, and this poster boy of the 80s was eventually replaced by the Diablo in 1990.
THIS VEHICLE
Previously forming part of a long-term private collection, this striking LP400S (one of only 237 built) is now released with a view to enhance it through a full body repaint, interior refresh, and sort it mechanically to provide for a usable and reliable supercar.
First registered in 1981, production number 310’s original factory colours were Oro Metalizzatto Longchamps (a colour used by Italian supercar manufacturers of the period, including Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini) with Senape (mustard) leather interior.
We believe its first keeper was Ted Toleman, (proprietor of Toleman Motorsport, a successful Formula 2, and F1 team, before its takeover by Benetton in 1986). In August 1982, it was sold to Tim Dutton-Wooley (of Dutton Cars fame – a large kit-car manufacturer, producing around 1,000 units per year) Dutton had it amusingly re-registered TOO 510W for a period before selling onto Steve Ashton. In April 1989, we understand it had the rear spoiler removed and was repainted dark blue. Then in May 1998, under next owner Colin Howard, a full repaint was commissioned in the Pearl Yellow we see today with the rear spoiler reinstated.
Included in the history file is the July 1983 edition of ‘Alternative Cars magazine’ with its feature article profiling the Countach photographed in its original colour combination. Also included is photographic evidence of its change to Dark Blue, as well as historic MOTs supporting its current mileage of 61,337, vehicle registration documents, bills of sale, and a good number of invoices detailing previous mechanical works undertaken throughout its life.
With its six twin-choke Weber carburetors, the 3.9 litre V12 in this example develops 375 hp, and through the five speed manual transmission will propel it to a top speed of 179 mph (288km/h) and cover to 60 mph (100 km/h) dash in only 5.9 seconds.
Standing only 3.5 feet (1.0m) high, over 6.5 feet (2.0m) wide, and fitted with the optional huge, head-turning rear spoiler, this is an opportunity to own and enjoy one of the 1980s most outrageous and collectible supercars.
This vehicle is currenlty in our paintshop & not available for viewing. Please do register your interest.
Lux Classics make every effort to ensure that the information contained on the website ("the Information") is accurate and complete. However, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are not able to guarantee the accuracy of the Information. Therefore, we cannot be held liable for any reliance which you place on the information. Lux Classics does not give any warranties in respect of the website or the Information or the goods and services available via the website and makes no representations as the fitness for a particular purpose of any goods or services available via the website.
