Revival of a Supercar Legend: The 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV Set to Dazzle at Scottsdale Auction
Automobili Lamborghini, a marquee that has long captivated the world of high-performance motoring, is once again in the spotlight. The upcoming Scottsdale Auction is all set to feature a rare automotive gem – the 1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV, a model that has etched its name in the annals of supercar history.
The Countach, first unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, was Lamborghini’s revolutionary follow-up to its first supercar, the Miura. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the Countach is a marvel of angular, futuristic design, complete with its signature scissor doors. This model’s name, derived from a Piedmontese expression of astonishment, aptly reflects the awe it continues to inspire.
The Countach’s evolution is a story of relentless innovation and adaptation. From the original LP500 prototype developed into the LP400 for production, Lamborghini, under various leaderships, including the famed engineer Bob Wallace, constantly refined the model. The Countach’s journey saw various iterations, like the LP400S and LP500S, each bringing new dimensions of performance and design.
The spotlight at the Scottsdale Auction falls on the 1988 Countach 5000 QV (Quattrovalvole), a pinnacle of Lamborghini’s engineering prowess. This model emerged as a formidable competitor to Ferrari’s Testarossa, boasting a 455 horsepower engine and a top speed nearing 170 mph. Its performance credentials are further underlined by Classic & Sportscar magazine’s comparison, which hailed the QV as a game-changer in the supercar arena.
This particular Countach, a late-production model from 1988, is a testament to Lamborghini’s enduring legacy. Originally delivered to its first owner in Sherman Oaks, California, it comes finished in a striking Rosso red, paired with a luxurious black leather interior. Not just a feast for the eyes, it’s equipped with a fuel-injected 5.2-liter V12 engine and a host of competition-inspired features.
With only 7,150 miles on the odometer, this Countach 5000 QV is a collector’s dream. It represents not just a piece of automotive history but a legacy of innovation and design that has defined Lamborghini’s ethos.
As this iconic supercar prepares to take centre stage at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to own a significant piece of Lamborghini’s storied past. The auction, scheduled for January 20–28 at WestWorld, is expected to draw a global audience, all eager to witness the sale of this legendary automobile.