One to Buy: only RHD QV in Giallo 1985 Lamborghini Countach Quattrovalvole
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1985, the Quattrovalvole was Lamborghini’s fourth major iteration of the Countach theme.
Most significantly, it featured a newly enlarged 5.2-litre V12 with four valve cylinder heads. The net was 455bhp compared to 375bhp for the outgoing 4.8-litre two valve Countach 5000 S.
Importantly,, the QV’s output gains put the Countach on par with Ferrari’s limited edition 288 GTO and well beyond the BB’s recenntly introduced replacement: the striking Testarossa.
Currently residing in the Furlonger Specialist Cars showroom in Ashford, Kent, is an early right-hand drive Countach Quattrovalvole that departed Sant’Agata during 1985 in an unrepeated configuration: Giallo with Naturale upholstery and right-hand drive.
The first owner was Cornish builder Ernie Marshall who in 1987 loaned his car, chassis FLA12848, to Autocar for a track test at Bruntingthorpe (May 27th edition). The magazine wanted a Countach Quattrovalvole for a head-to-head against the quickest superbike (a 125bhp Yamaha FZR 1000). The yellow Countach posted a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds and a 179mph top speed. By contrast, the Yamaha did 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and hit 160mph flat out.
In late 1988, Ernie Marshall acquired a Countach 25th Anniversary (KLA12464). Today, the yellow Quattrovalvole is being offered from 30 year single ownership with just over 25,000km and a fully documented history.
Reprinted belos is Furlinger Specialist Cars’ description:
Furlonger have been fortunate to handle the purchase and sale of dozens of Countachs over the last 20 years, including everything from LP400 Periscopios 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, their unrivalled driving experience. Therefore, we are delighted to offer this fresh addition to the Countach market – an astonishingly rare UK right-hand drive 5000 QV.
Chassis no. FLA12848 was configured in Giallo over Naturale, with optional rear wing, and delivered new via Portman Lamborghini in June 1985 to its primary custodian, a Mr E. Marshall of Cornwall. Marshall, a builder from Cornwall, and the director of DownDerry Construction Group, would own the car for a couple of years before selling it via Portman.
Chassis no. LA12848 was the only right-hand drive Countach 5000 QV’s painted in Giallo. In late 1988, Mr Marshall purchased a Countach 25th Anniversary and sold this 5000 QV to a new custodian. Naturally, this car would change hands between like-minded enthusiasts, with the most recent taking ownership in August 1995 and still possessing it today.
Chassis no. FLA12848 was supplied to Autocar for a track test at Bruntingthorpe and featured on the cover of their May 1987 issue ‘Countach Vs Superbike – how fast is fast?’. The Countach posted a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and had a top speed of 179 mph, and the Yamaha FZR 1000 did 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, but hit 160 mph flat out. Further, the car was also featured in the 1993 Chris Bennet book, ‘Lamborghini Countach’.
FLA12848’s current custodian would frequently use the car during the early stages of his ownership, driving the car through Europe and regularly attending various motoring events and shows. In the mid-2000s, the Countach was placed into long-term storage.
Now publicly offered for sale for the first time since 1995, this Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV poses an exciting opportunity to purchase what is arguably the marque’s most celebrated and collectible model within the Countach range.
Being incredibly rare as a right-hand drive 5000 QV and even rarer being delivered in Giallo, and remaining in single ownership for nearly 30 years, FLA12848 is an enticing prospect to those seeking a remarkably rare addition to their collection. FLA12848 is accompanied by its original service and warranty booklet and driver’s handbook.
Furlonger will conduct a total repaint and mechanical overhaul of this car within the sale price.
