One to Buy: 1 of 1 Arancia Miura 1990 Lamborghini Countach 25 Anniversary (SOLD)
Although conceived as a stop-gap model until the highly anticipated Diablo was ready, the 25th Anniversary became the most commercially successful iteration of the legendary Countach despite having been in production for the shortest length of time.
Rather than just a body-kitted last-of-line variant, the Anniversary was arguably the most accomplished Countach yet, however, the reason for its popularity essentially came down to one thing: the red hot collector car market of late 1987 to mid 1990.
Following the stock market crash of October 1987, speculators piled into alternative assets, one of which was high end exotics. In same cases, desirable models from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Aston Martin were being re-sold for multiples of their original list price within days of delivery.
Accordingly, Lamborghini managed to sell 657 examples of the Countach Anniversary, 67 of which were right-hand drive.
One of those rare right-hand drive examples is currently on offer at the Girardo & Co. showroom in Oxford: chassis KLA12958.
Uniquely configured in Arancio Miura at the request of its first owners, Richard Earl and Brian Morris, chassis KLA12958 was further specified with beige upholstery and no rear spoiler.
It was initially a frequent attendee at Lamborghini club events, but in 1995 the car was placed into long-term storage with around 5500km showing on the odometer. Having been recommissioned on behalf of the original owner by Colin Clarke Engineering in 2017, chassis KLA12958 today shows a little over 8000km and is presented in exceptional original condition throughout.
Reprinted below is Girardo & Co.’s description:
Chassis no. ZA9C005A0KLA12958
Engine no. 12958
Resplendent in Arancio Miura – the only Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary finished as such
Supplied new to the United Kingdom
One of only 67 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversarys delivered in right-hand-drive specification
Showing just 8,000km on the odometer thanks to a period of long-term storage from 1995 to 2017
Just one owner from new in 1990 until 2021, when it was acquired by its current custodian
Accompanied by an entry into this year’s Concours d’Elegance at Hampton Court
The Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary
Sandro Munari and Horacio Pagani. To appreciate the lengths Lamborghini went to ensure the car with which it would mark its 25th anniversary was truly worthy, you only needed a glance at the two names drafted in to help develop it.
In truth, when Chrysler assumed control of Lamborghini in the 1980s, it had rather hoped that the new Diablo would be ready in time for the marque’s landmark birthday. Alas, it wasn’t to be, so focus instead turned to the trusty Countach, Lamborghini’s wedgetastic flagship since 1974.
That the resulting Countach 25th Anniversary, of which 667 were produced, evolved from Gandini’s minimal LP400 is remarkable. The liberal addition of era-defining (and functional) strakes and select carbon-fibre bits and pieces were the work of a young Horacio Pagani, who’d been recruited to head Lamborghini’s exciting new composites division. Furthermore, the 1977 World Rally Champion Sandro Munari was brought in to hone the suspension. And it’s fair to say the Italian knew a thing or to about road-holding and balance.
Combined with a plethora of comfort- and refinement-based upgrades implemented to overcome some of the Countach’s established foibles, the 25th Anniversary is the best Countach to drive and enjoy.
Chassis number 12958
The spectacular 25th Anniversary we’re delighted to be offering boasts a number of strings to its bow. One of only 67 right-hand-drive examples built, chassis number 12958 was delivered new to the United Kingdom via Portman Lamborghini in May of 1990.
Prior to delivery, this Countach’s excited new co-owners, Brian Morris and Richard Earl, visited Sant’Agata and were afforded the chance to see their car on the Lamborghini factory’s production line.
Most obviously, chassis number 12958 is special in that it is the only Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary finished from new in Arancio Miura – a shade chosen to match the owners’ Countach LP400 ‘Periscopio’. The striking hue, in our opinion, is everything a Lamborghini should be: bright, bold, unabashed.
For the first five years of its life, this Countach was used sparingly and diligently serviced and maintained by Portman Lamborghini, the official concessionaire in London. In 1995, with circa-5,465 kilometres recorded, chassis 12958 was put into storage, where it would remain for over two decades.
The car was awoken from its slumber in 2017 and promptly sent to Colin Clarke Engineering in Hertfordshire for recommissioning. Totalling over £17,500, the works spanned the entire car, ranging from a full engine-out service and carburettor rebuild to the replacement of the door, bonnet and boot struts.
This Lamborghini was acquired by its second and final owner in 2021. Following a further service by Colin Clarke Engineering, said owner seized the opportunity to drive it and share the car with the world for the first time in almost 30 years. Public appearances included Italian Car Day at the history-steeped Brooklands motorsport venue and the London Concours, held at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London. And that’s really the story so far when it comes to this sensational Countach.
As you’d expect from a car showing just under 8,000km and which has been carefully stored and fastidiously maintained, chassis number 12958 is in exquisite condition. Its Arancio Miura paint retains its allure and has not dulled at all, the carbon-fibre weave on the engine-bay cover easily visible through the original coat. Similarly, the beige leather interior shows no obvious signs of wear.
Accompanied by its original invoice, factory user manuals and warranty books, maintenance invoices, a pair of Lamborghini driving gloves and even the tyres on which it was delivered, this magnificent Arancio Miura Countach 25th Anniversary is a car for today’s ever-discerning market – a car with a unique specification and unquestionable provenance.
The 25th Anniversary might have been a commercial stop-gap until the arrival of the Diablo and, in turn, heralded a new era for the Raging Bull. But it was proudly, defiantly Lamborghini and a fitting end for a supercar which has captured the imagination of so many people for so many years. Chassis number 12958 really is the best of the breed, which probably explains why it’s sold with an entry into this year’s Concours d’Elegance at Hampton Court.
