The Lamborghini Countach could be genuinely considered a “poster child” of the 1980s. Tens of thousands of posters of this Italian thoroughbred graced the bedroom walls of teenagers during that period, but the chance has presented itself for someone to own the real deal. This 1984 Countach LP5000 S counts a celebrity in its ownership history, presenting superbly as a low-mile survivor. It has been listed here at RM Sotheby’s and is set to cross the auction blocks in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 17th. The price of admission isn’t cheap, with the auctioneers placing an estimate of $700,000 – $900,000 for this gem. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting this iconic Italian supercar.
The flamboyant styling of the Countach drew gasps of astonishment when Lamborghini unveiled the prototype at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. The automotive world had never seen a car of this type, but it still received ready acceptance from buyers when the first examples hit the showroom floors in 1974. The original cars had a certain elegance to their styling, but the company strived throughout the production cycle to push the boundaries to their limits. This car emerged from the factory in 1984, and the above shot reveals just how aggressive the vehicle had become. The plethora of scoops, the enormous fender flares, and a rear wing the size of the deck of the average aircraft carrier made bold statements. That wing actually proved to be more a hindrance than a help. Not only did it eliminate the limited rear vision available to the driver, but it also caused the front wheels to become light at speed. That’s not a sensation many wished to experience if they wound this classic to its claimed top speed of 178mph! The seller confirms this Lambo is an original and unrestored survivor, and the close-up shots reveal a few minor paint flaws and marks on the enormous 15″ wheels. However, the overall condition is consistent with a car treated respectfully. There is no evidence of accident repairs, the trim is excellent, and the glass is flawless. The seller confirms its original owner was fashion guru Ralph Lauren. It remained part of his collection until being purchased by a collector in 1986. It stayed with that owner until the consignor recently purchased it. The paperwork confirming its ownership history is included, with Lauren’s signature on the documentation completed when he parted with this gem.
I could stare for hours at this photo because the V12 engine powering this Countach is a work of art. The mid-mounted 4,754cc powerhouse inhales deeply via six Weber 45 DCOE carburetors to send 370hp and 302 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. Those figures might sound relatively modest, but the Countach was a genuine supercar in its prime. This is confirmed by the ¼-mile ET of 13.4 seconds and the top speed of 178mph. Drivers required a race track or an autobahn to exploit this car’s full potential, but the knowledge alone was enough to satisfy many. Straightline performance wasn’t this Lambo’s only strength because the 345/45 VR 15 Pirelli tires were the largest fitted to a production road car at that point in automotive history. The sheer mechanical grip would be incredible, and it would require bravery or a foolhardy approach to exceed its limits. The listing suggests the Countach has been appropriately maintained and comes with comprehensive documentation outlining its complete history. It is worth noting that Lamborghini produced 321 examples of the 5000 S, but it is believed that only 38 were delivered to buyers in North America.
Okay, you can accuse me of being shallow on this point. This Countach wins my heart by virtue of a single interior feature. I have always felt that cars of this type should have a gated shifter, and the Lambo delivers on that score. I appreciate there is more to desirable classics than such automotive tinsel, but it is a purposeful inclusion that begs the driver to be hands-on while behind the wheel. The interior presents beautifully, and its condition is all you might expect from a treasured vehicle with 10,800 miles on the clock. There is no evidence of wear on any of its Black leather upholstered surfaces and no signs of aftermarket additions. The dash houses a selection of crystal clear gauges, and there is no wear on the leather-bound wheel. The tiny side windows and lack of adequate flow-through ventilation make the air conditioning a welcome inclusion, while a radio/cassette player provides in-car entertainment if occupants tire of the tune bellowing from that beautiful V12.
I always question the validity and impact of celebrity ownership when determining the potential value of a classic, and the story is no different with this 1984 Countach LP5000 S. I feel a car needs to be inextricably linked to a person before potential buyers can reap a financial benefit. That means a Starlight Black Pontiac Trans Am owned and driven by Burt Reynolds will invariably command a premium in the market, but I don’t believe that is the case here. However, we shouldn’t dismiss Ralph Lauren’s passion for classics because he has an extensive collection of exceptionally desirable cars with an estimated value of $600 million. Maybe the ownership history will add nothing to this Countach’s value, but the winning bidder can rest comfortably knowing that the original celebrity owner was a genuine enthusiast. I guess that’s better than nothing.
This content was originally published here.
