VIN: Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole chassis JLA12397
History of chassis JLA12397
Chassis JLA12397 was the third of four Countach supplied to Gerald Carroll.
Carroll was head of the privately owned Carroll Group of companies from the late 1970s until his bankruptcy in 1995.
At its peak during the mid-to-late 1980s, the Carroll Group had estimated net assets valued at over £250m, but the company collapsed with rising debts during the early nineties recession.
Painted red with tan leather and black piping, chassis JLA12397 was one of a believed 17 right-hand drive Countach Quattrovalvoles produced with side skirts.
In addition to a sports exhaust and rear spoiler, it was specified with a number of custom features. These included tell-tale lights fitted to the rear wing end plates, chrome tail badges, etched chrome door sill plates, a chrome Lamborghini bull on the passenger side of the dash and black door inserts. Burgundy leather was used to upholster the gear gate, gear knob and steering wheel rim.
JLA12397 was dispatched from the factory on 22nd July 1988. It was registered F818 EPW the following September.
The car was soon transferred to Mr Carroll’s private plate, SPY 60, which it retained until September 1991.
At this point, the Countach was sold via the Stratton Motor Company with 1728km on the odometer.
JLA12397 reverted back to the original registration and was purchased by Paul Beard who kept the car until 2009. For part of Mr Beard’s ownership, the Countach was registered A7 CMJ.
These photographs were taken in 1992 at the Silverstone Historic Festival.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
