This million-dollar 1985 Countach is the one that started it all, being the first one ever made, but was left 20 years in storage gathering dust.
On rare occasions, exceptional cars that have been hidden from the world come out of the woodwork. There are several notable barn finds popping up over the years, ranging from muscle cars to supercars. But, this Lamborghini Countach might be the most impressive one yet.
While it’s not technically a million- dollar barn find, it had been in long-term storage. The car sat in Southern California for over two decades! It’s reported that the Lambo was waiting for a restoration that never happened. The 1982 Countach is now for sale in “as discovered” condition – but we aren’t quite sure what the exact condition of the supercar currently is.
It’s always exciting when an old car resurfaces, some cars are more special than others though. And according to the selling dealer, Driver Source, this isn’t just another vintage Lamboroghini.
This Rare Lamborghini Countach Modeled In Lamborghini Brochures
No Lamborghini is a standard car, and lots of their models fall into the category of rare luxuary cars. However, this hidden gem is extra special, and not because it had been tucked away for so long.
Lamborghini fans may recognize the discovered car to be the LP500 S version of the Countach, which made its debut in 1982. With 321 examples of the model produced in total, this Countach is pretty unique. The recently uncovered Countach was made in the first year of production for the model and is one of only five early cars sporting the 5L logo on the rear.
But, it gets even better! Lamborghini test driver, Valentino Balboni confirmed that this particular Countach is the very first example of the LP500 S. According to Balboni the white Countach has very specific features that indicate its heritage.
On-top of this, Driver Source mentions documentation further detailing the car’s history. Given the car was the first of the LP500 S models produced, it was the actual car debuted for the 1982 Geneva Motor Show. It was also reportedly the car used in Lamborghini brochures advertising the model. This means any images of a Countach in the brochure are of this exact car!
The 1982 Countach Has Had Famous Owners
Not only does the white ‘82 Lambo have incredible pedigree, it has also traveled the world throughout its life.
Paperwork lists the car’s ownership since new. This shows that following its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show it was sold in Italy to Aaron Rosen. Rosen then relocated the car to Germany and finally exported it to the United States. Here he had it for sale on Robertson Boulevard where it met its next owner.
The person who was seduced by this spectacular specimen was none other than guitarist Carlos Cavazo of Quiet Riot. After seeing it for sale in 1985, Cavazo knew he had to have the 80’s supercar, and it quickly became his car of choice. The famous guitarist owned and loved the car for the next fifteen years and wracked up the majority of the 41,100 on the odometer. He also recently admitted that he was a cautious driver in it.
But, in 2001 the supercar was towed to Franco’s European Sports Cars in Van Nuys, California for a routine service. What was meant to be a quick trip to the car shop owned by Franco Barbuscia ended up being an extended stay of over twenty years. Unfortunately due to family and musical commitments, Cavazo ended up having his Countach put into long term storage. The car was then left it in the capable hands of Barbuscia and his team of experts. It’s reported that Barbuscia actually wanted to restore the unique white Lamborghini and had it in line for restoration. Sadly, before he could begin working on it, he passed away in 2021.
The individuality of the vehicle showcasing in Geneva and in the Lamborghini brochure, alongside its ownership history adds a celebrity aspect to its life. This undoubtedly makes it an even more intriguing find.
The Countach Is Not In Original Condition
Whenever an old or special exotic car resurfaces, the car community holds their breath in the hopes it is in original condition. In disappointing news, the rare Countach did need some modifications.
In the defense of its previous owner Cavazo, the mods were necessary to meet emissions testing in California. To achieve this, Cavazo needed to get the Weber carburetors removed. As a result the Countach comes with a BMW-type electronic fuel injection system, and the Weber carburetors are now long gone. All the Countach that made it to the US were said to feature fuel injection, rather than carburetors, meaning they were slightly less powerful than the models sold in Europe.
Although this is disappointing, the Countach does come with some special features that more than make up for it. This includes the LP400 S fenders plus the Campagnolo magnesium wheels. These are rare, early production features that highlight its history. It also comes with the iconic wing which was never installed, the tool kit, spare tire and a plethora of paperwork.
Not much has been said about the condition of the car and the listing doesn’t state if it is currently running or not. But given it has been sitting for over twenty years, we imagine that it is going to need some work to get it back in pristine condition.
So how much is part of Lamborghini’s history worth? Well the Countach is currently up for sale through Driver Source for nearly $700,000. Anyone who is serious about buying this hidden gem is going to need deep pockets.
