VIN: the Tent Records - Delroy Pearson Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole chassis JLA12257
/ Ben Tyer
HISTORY OF CHASSIS JLA12257
Chassis JLA12257 was one of the last Countach Quattrovalvoles built without the updated 1988 model year updates which most obviously included deep slatted side skirts. The car was ordered by Tent Records through Lamborghini’s British distributor, Portman, who had a showroom on George Street in London.
Established in 1982, R&B/dance label Tent Records was founded by former recording artist and session musician, Buster Pearson, to complement his reggae outlet, K&B Records, which he founded back in the 1970s. Tent Records’ best known act was Five Star formed in 1983 which comprised Pearson’s children, Stedman, Lorraine, Denise, Doris, and Delroy.
Five Star’s platinum-selling 1985 debut album, Luxury of Life, was followed in 1986 by Silk & Steel which shifted over 1.2 million copies in the UK alone. Further success followed with 1987’s Between the Lines at which point the family moved to a Berkshire mansion complete with built-in recording studio. In addition to several Ferraris, Tent Records purchased two Countach Quattrovalvoles from Portman: this white car for Delroy and chassis JLA12308 (a black 1988 model year version) for Denise.
Dispatched from Sant’Agata on November 5th 1987 and UK registered 326 DEL on November 12th, chassis JLA12257 was ordered in Bianco with Bleu upholstery, Bianco piping and the optional rear spoiler.
Unfortunately, after some lavish, well publicised spending, the Pearson family was forced to file for bankruptcy in 1989. At this point chassis JLA12257 returned to Portman where it is depicted here (with JLA13008 in the background) soon after having been put up for sale.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
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