One to Buy: 15,000km from new 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S
Although it must have seemed unlikely that the Lamborghini Countach could become any more spectacular, that is precisely what occurred when the Countach S was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1978.
Inspired by the handful of LP400 Speciales produced for VIP clients between 1975 and ‘76, the Countach S was equipped with outrageous fender flares, an integrated front spoiler and wide new wheels shod with the latest generation low profile tyres. Under the skin, the Countach S benefited from an array of suspension updates.
For those buyers that wanted the most extreme look for their car, Lamborghini also offered a new rear spoiler option.
Three different iterations of the Countach S were manufactured between 1978 and ‘82, undoubtedly the most polished of which was the Series 3 introduced under Mimram Group ownership.
Currently on offer at the Furlonger Specialist Cars showfroom in Ashford, Kent, is an exceptionally rare right-hand drive example of the Series 3 Countach S: chassis 1121485.
Originally configured in white with matching leather upholstery and the expensive rear spoiler option, chassis 1121485 was signed off on May 17th 1982 and, following its delivery to Portman Lamborghini in London, UK registered on June 26th.
After 30 years in single ownership following its acquisition in June 1984, chassis 1121485 was sold to the consigning owner who commissioned renowned specialist Carrera Sport to carry out a comprehensive restoration.
Accordingly, this rare machine, which has still covered less than 15,000km from new, is offered in superb condition throughout.
Reprinted below is Furlonger Specialist Cars’ description for this rare right-hand drive Countach S:
Price: £800,000
Odometer: 9280 miles
Furlonger have been fortunate to handle the purchase and sale of dozens of Countachs over the last 20 years, including anything from LP400 Periscopos up to 25th Anniversaries. Our workshop has been entrusted with maintaining and restoring numerous special examples, some of which have been awarded class wins at renowned concours events.
We have remained extremely passionate about the Countach, in all its guises, recognising their rarity, collectability and above all else their unrivalled driving experience. Therefore, we are delighted to offer this fresh addition to the Countach market – an astonishingly rare UK right-hand drive LP400S.
This LP400S, chassis no.1121485, is one of circa 19 examples built in right-hand drive by Lamborghni S.p.A. and is arguably one of the very finest in existence.
Chassis no. 1121485 was delivered new via Portman Lamborghini (Sole UK concessionaires) in June of 1982, optioned in White. Naturally, the car changed hands in quick succession before being sold to its fourth keeper in June 1984, a Mr. B. Toorani.
Residing in Buckinghamshire, Mr Toorani cherished the Countach, using it sparingly and strictly in warm, dry conditions. The Countach’s maintenance was entrusted to Portman Lamborghini, evident from the many invoices filed in the car’s extensive history file.
By 1990 the Countach had accumulated circa 11,000 km and was then placed into storage. Mr Toorani would continually have the car serviced while in storage, using Portman and then Lamborghini Great Britain Ltd. Despite accumulating just a few hundred kilometres each year (at the very most), Mr Toorani would spare no expense in having the Countach regularly serviced and maintained to the highest standard.
In 2014 the car underwent a major service at Lamborghini London, with a recorded mileage of just 13,750.
After 30 years of ownership, Mr Toorani parted ways with this LP400S, when it was sold via auction to a collector and long-standing Furlonger client. Shortly after taking ownership the Countach’s newest custodian made the decision to have the car comprehensively restored.
Commissioned to Mike Pullen of Carrera Sport, a marque specialist and name synonymous within the Countach enthusiast realm, the restoration of chassis no.1121485 would be meticulously executed over two years. Upon completion, the car would again be used sparingly by its fastidious owner, covering just a few hundred kilometres.
In 2017 this LP400S was entered into Pirelli’s Prestige & Performance Competition at Blenheim Palace 2017, where it was awarded best in show.
The Lamborghini Countach has remained an undeniably collectible and desirable supercar that has recently become the focus of many collectors and enthusiasts, with so few in circulation and even more so in the UK.
The LP400S is an astoundingly rare Countach with circa 238 being built in total over the course of 3 different series, of which just 83 examples were LP400S3 (the last of the 3). It is believed that a mere 19 were configured in right-hand drive and this was the very last one built. Chassis no. 1121485 poses an exciting opportunity to purchase a beautifully restored, award winning LP400S, with an exceptionally well documented ownership and maintenance history, low mileage, and striking colour combination.
