1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole

Lamborghini introduced a sports car dubbed the Miura in the early 1960s and its stellar performance and equally impressive design resulted in it being the first supercar. It had a mid-engine two-seat layout which would become the standard for high-performance sports and supercars. The iconic, high-velocity Miura coupe was always going to be a hard act to follow, but nobody expected its successor would eclipse the 1960s supercar to the degree that the Countach achieved. Its styling, like its predecessor, was courtesy of Bertone's Marcello Gandini with design inspiration sourced from the Lancia Stratos Zero concept the year before. The Countach was given an angular wedge with crisp lines and dramatic angles. Introduction in 1971 at the Geneva Salon, the production version would follow two years later, with deliveries commencing in 1974.

The Lamborghini Countach was given the Miura's four-cam V-12 engine installed longitudinally behind the cabin. Designer Paolo Stanzani placed the five-speed gearbox ahead of the engine between the seats, and the differential – driven by a shaft passing through the sump – at the rear. This setup gave the supercar optimum weight distribution, better balance, and gearchange. The prototype used a 5.0-liter engine, while the spaceframe chassis of the production version was equipped with a 4.0-liter vehicle. The 370 horsepower engine gave the lightweight Countach a top speed of 170 miles per hour.

The LP400S of 1978 was the first upgrade to appear, bringing with it flared wheel arches to accommodate large 345mm rear tires for increased stability and grip. An optional rear aerofoil became available and proved popular with most buyers.

The Countach was finally available for the United States market with the arrival of the 'emissions friendly' LP500S in 1982. The updated 4,754cc produced a similar horsepower output to its predecessors but enjoyed a welcome boost in torque.

In 1985, Lamborghini introduced the final version of the Countach. It came equipped with a 48-valve (four per cylinder) version of the V12 engine, had a displacement size of 5167cc, and offered 455 (DIN) horsepower. In US form, the engine offered 420 (SAE) horsepower and was capable of a 186 mph top speed.

The 5000 Quattrovalvole would remain in production through 1989 and was priced at approximately $100,000. In 1989, an Anniversary Countach (in celebration of the 25th birthday of the company) became available for the cost of $145,000. It had a re-shaped hood air intake grilles, large flared wheel wells, re-styled front air dam, a one-piece rear bumper, and front and side skirting.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013