1990 | Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Downdraft

Understanding the Countach
Debuting in 1971 as a concept car designed by Marcelo Gandini, the Lamborghini Countach was instantly iconic. Widely recognized as the grandfather of the modern supercar, everything about the Lamborghini Countach is the very definition of exotic. From its scissor doors and focused seating position to mid engine V12 power and angular wheel arches—everything about the car made an extreme statement.

Although the Countach debuted in 1971, production did not begin until 1974. Lamborghini produced fewer than 1,900 units in total across various trims from 1974 to 1990. Despite its status as Lamborghini’s longest production run in company history, the car remains highly sought-after and exceedingly rare.

Among the final iterations of the Countach, the 25th Anniversary Edition made its debut in 1988, running through 1990. The special edition not only commemorated 25 years since Lamborghini’s founding as a manufacturer but also celebrated the end of Countach production. Powered by a 5.2-liter quad cam V12 making 455 horsepower, a 5-speed manual transmission mounted in front of the engine directed output to the rear wheels only. Carried over from previous generations of the Countach, Lamborghini kept this V12 in production through the LP640 Murcielago of the early 2000s, updating and enlarging the power plant over time.

The body design was changed in a number of ways from previous iterations (LP5000S) to bring it in line with new crash safety standards, while integrating the new bumpers and grills in a more cohesive fashion. Now legendary automotive designer and brand founder Horatio Pagani is credited for redesign of the 25th Anniversary Edition, notably his first design to see production. It is also the first Lamborghini to feature carbon Kevlar body panels. Along with the bumper redesign, additional cooling was added to the body and on the mechanical side to help with heat soak. The chassis was significantly upgraded over the previous LP5000S Countach.

Body redesign integrated bumpers better into the car’s overall body shape while the front air dam provided functional aerodynamic downforce keeping the nose down at higher speeds. 25th Anniversary examples lent much improved ease-of-use compared to other Countach variants from a user standpoint with significant interior and dynamic upgrades over previous generations. These include power windows; a different steering wheel; larger, more accommodating seats; a different, more powerful air conditioning system; better heat insulation; and sound deadening.

This Example
Serial number KLA12072 is a 1990 model, marking the final year of Countach production. It has lived a very interesting life. Presented in Rosso Siviglia paintwork over champagne leather, this car was delivered new to Saudi Arabia, residing there until 2018 when it was sold to its second owner in Monaco. It remained with the second owner until 2023, and is now located in the United States, having covered just 230 miles from new. This is one of the lowest mileage 25th Anniversary Countachs in the world, and also features a rare 'rear wing delete option'. It is one of very few carbureted 25th Anniversary cars in America, as US specification cars were fuel injected. The carbureted cars make about 35 more horsepower power than their fuel injected siblings.

Why to Buy
This example is a highly original, well maintained, ultra-low mileage car. This Countach is the very definition of a time capsule: all books and tools come with the car, including the original jack still in plastic wrap. It is essentially a brand new 35-year-old Lamborghini Countach. No excuses need to be made for its history or its pedigree. This car is ready to be driven, win concourses, or both.

 

 

Delivered new to Saudi Arabia, this 1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition benefitted from long term single ownership until 2018. Sold to its next Monaco owner in that year, it remained with the second owner until 2023, prior to arriving in the United States and subsequently titled in Florida. Showing just 230 documented miles, this is one of the lowest mileage examples of its kind in the world. The vehicle is currently located with the selling dealer in Lebanon, Tennessee. 

Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the selling dealer. This concourse-ready Countach shows wear consistent with its age and low mileage according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.