One to Buy: 1 of 1 in Nero 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S (SOLD)
Five years after Lamborghini had displayed the production-spec. Countach LP400, an even more dramatic variant was unveiled at the 1978 Geneva Motor Show.
Dubbed Countach S, this latest wide-arched and heavily spoilered creation had been inspired by a quintet of similarly equipped Countach Speciales built for VIP customers between 1975 and ‘76. Two of these five cars went to oil magnate and racing team owner, Walter Wolf, who had personally funded the Speciale development programme at considerable expense.
Much of the Speciale’s development work had been handled by ex-Lamborghini designer, Gian Paolo Dallara, as Automobili Lamborghini was going through something of a management crisis at the time.
As a consequence of the turmoil that surrounded Lamborghini during this period, buyers were somewhat thin on the ground; there was an understandable reluctance to buy a car from a company that may not have been around to supply spare parts much longer.
Accordingly, the Series 1 Countach S is one of the rarest Lamborghinis ever built and now much sought after by collectors.
Like the subsequent but more voluminous Series 2, the Series 1 retained the original low body configuration. However, it uniquely came with handsome Bravo-style Teledial wheels and, if specified, a more aggressively profiled rear spoiler without endplates.
One of the 50 Series 1 cars built is currently on offer at the Cats Exotics showroom in Lynnwood, Washington State.
A one-of-one example finished in the stunning colour scheme of Nero with Bianco leather upholstery, it was also configured with the optional sports exhaust and departed Sant’Agata for Achilli Motors in Milan on April 26th 1979.
Today, this exceptional LP400 S has covered less than 29,000km and is offered in excellent unrestored condition.
Reprinted below is Cats Exotics’ description for this uniquely appointed first generation Countach S:
1979 Lamborghini LP400S Series 1 Lowbody presented in its original livery of Nero over Bianco.
1 of 1 produced in this color combination, chassis number 1121046 and production number 23.
This THREE OWNER example from new comes to us with just 28,481 kms showing on the odometer, just 17,658 miles.
One of just 50 LP400S Series 1 Lowbody examples ever produced WORLDWIDE and fitted with the legendary "Bravo" wheels.
One of the first 27 Series 1 Lowbodys produced with the highly sought after Stewart Warner gauges.
The Series 1 Countach was the first to display the trademark Countach fender flares, exceptionally wide Pirelli P7 tires and rose-jointed parallel link suspension the Countach would become infamous for. This design was the result of a long time collaboration between Gianpaolo Dallara and Walter Wolf, a Formula 1 team owner.
Just 50 Series 1 Countach's were built, making this one of the rarest and most sought after Countachs ever built, some calling it the ultimate unicorn. Each Series 1 was hand built and had to be paid for in cash prior to being released to its new owner. This example, preserved in its original livery, is not simply a Series 1. It is a 1 of 1 produced in this livery, but 1 of 27 built with the highly coveted Stewart Warner gauges and the iconic sand-cast magnesium Campagalo "Bravo" wheels, as well as the highly desirable and factory optioned Ansa F1 Sport Exhaust.
Completed by Lamborghini Sant'Agata Bolognese on April 26, 1979 and delivered to Achilli Motors in Milan, Italy, where it remained in Italy until 1996 until the French owner, who then imported it to France where it was first registered on March 21, 1996. It was later purchased and imported to the USA by a Lamborghini purist in August 2010. This example has been meticulously maintained over the last 12 years, with the current owner spending close to $200,000.00 during his ownership.
This Series 1 is believed to have had just three owners since new and retains its original bodywork and paintwork, is an original numbers matching example and mechanically excellent. The Stewart Warner gauges display just 28,481 kms (17,658 miles) on the odometer. The interior is the correct original specification and has been re-trimmed in recent years. Also signed by the legandary test driver for Lamborghini prior to delivery, Valentino Balboni.
During current ownership, this Sereis 1 has been meticulously maintained by George Evans of Evans Automotive in Ohio. The engine, transmission, gearbox, suspension and all other accessories have been fully rebuilt and/or serviced as needed by Lamborghini expert mechanic George Evans. Invoices totalling close to $200,000.00 are present with the most recent service being completed February 2022. New tires have also been installed. OEM books in leather pouch and OEM tool kit are present.
The spare wheel, 1 set of keys, books in leather pouch, OEM tool kit, battery tender, car cover and service records from 2012 forward are present and available.
