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tel: (281) 497-1000DriverSource : Fine Motorcars | Houston, TX
14750 Memorial Drive
Houston TX, 77079
Selling NOW, Exclusively at Auction, Through Bring-a-Trailer
Selling NOW, Exclusively at Auction, Through Bring-a-Trailer: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1982-lamborghini-countach-lp500s-prototype
1982 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP500S
Chassis No. ZA9C00500CLA12472
- The First LP500S/LP5000S Lamborghini Countach; Possesses Rare Early Production Features
- Exhibited on the Lamborghini Stand at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show
- Offered with Period Photos & Lamborghini S.p.A Press Release
- Owned by Quiet Riot Guitarist Carlos Cavazo for 35 Years
- An Exciting Discovery of the “Lost” first 5L Countach & Geneva Auto Show Car
- Accompanied by Unmounted Factory Rear Wing, Tool Roll, Spare Wheel, Service Records, and Factory Literature
Having already made its mark in less than a decade of existence with a succession of GT models and the breathtaking Miura – regarded the world's first supercar – Automobili Lamborghini dramatically revealed its future at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. There, the stunning Countach prototype was unveiled, with its name a loosely translated and risqué Piedmontese expression of shock and disbelief. Styled by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, the Countach drew inspiration from his Alfa Romeo Carabo show car of 1968 and the futuristic Bertone Zero concept of 1970.
Development from the show car to production required special materials in its construction and mechanical updates providing a modicum of practicality. Deliveries to breathless buyers commenced by 1974 and, following production of 150 LP400 models, progress continued through the updated and uprated LP400S by 1978 as Lamborghini's counter to archrival Ferrari's 512 BB.
For its next major evolution, famed engineer Giulio Alfieri massaged the Countach into the LP500S – alternatively known and badged “LP5000S” – by 1982. Lamborghini's legendary DOHC V-12 powerplant was now upsized to 4.8 liters (4,754 cc) with a bore and stroke increase compensating for slightly lowered 9.2:1 compression, plus larger Weber twin-choke carburetors. Factory-advertised output was now 375 bhp at a screaming 7,500 engine revolutions and carefully selected gear ratios maximized performance. Acceleration from rest to 60 mph took less than 5.0 seconds with the fortified Countach, and top speeds of up to 182 mph were quoted in various sources, depending upon road length and driver skill. Flared fenders, a new front spoiler, and revised rearward styling produced what is arguably the first 1980s “poster car” and an enduring icon.
A Significant Offering
This LP500S carries extremely fascinating provenance as Lamborghini's 1982 Geneva Motor Show car. It is one of the first five LP500S examples produced of the updated model's 321-car run, and one of five early cars fitted with the “5L” logo to the rear. According to known provenance, it was sold new in Italy to Aaron Rosen, who then shipped it to Germany, before exporting it to the US. In 1985, it was purchased by Carlos Cavazo, lead guitarist for the wildly successful glam-metal group Quiet Riot, who first saw the Countach for sale on Robertson Boulevard, the epicenter for entertainment superstars in the 1980s. In order to register the Countach in California and pass the required emissions testing, the Weber carburetors were swapped for a BMW-type electronic fuel-injection system. In a recent online interview, Mr. Cavazo was said he was a relatively careful driver, reportedly having only once taken the car to about 150 mph.
The Countach displays 66,198 kilometers (41,100 miles), mostly apparently accumulated by Mr. Cavazo before the year 2000, at which time the car was placed into long-term storage in Van Nuys, California at Franco Barbuscia's noted exotic-car shop, Franco's European Sports Cars. Records on file confirm the Lamborghini was towed to Barbuscia's shop in December 2001 for service. Due to family and musical commitments, the Countach remained there for the next two decades, and was in line for restoration before Franco Barbuscia's eventual passing in 2021. Today this significant early Countach is offered in “as-discovered” condition.
Known in the Countach registries as the first LP500S/LP5000S and the Geneva salon car, this extremely special Countach was relatively hidden from sight for approximately 20 years in California, quietly “off the radar.” Recently, a photo of the car at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show has been discovered, as well as an official letter issued by Lamborghini, dated March 1982, announcing the company's reorganization and the 1982 introduction of the new LP5000S/LP500S Countach at Geneva. Today, the Countach appears to remain in highly original and complete condition overall. The factory-original Weber carbureted induction system was swapped out for fuel injection back in the mid-1980s when the car was federalized under Mr. Cavazo and is no longer with the car. A visual inspection by Lamborghini factory test driver Valentino Balboni confirms the cars pedigree and early features. Original details include the body number, 72, stamped on the boot lid and engine covers, plus early and special features including the Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels, early “5S” badging, and LP400S-type fender flares.
A glorious celebration of unbridled design and engineering creativity and the unqualified object of automotive desire throughout its existence, Lamborghini's Countach remains the signature product of Automobili Lamborghini over 30 years after production ceased in 1990. With its unmistakable appearance, stunning performance potential, and low mileage, this first-year LP500S Countach is a true, investment-grade supercar legend on all levels. For Lamborghini marque enthusiasts and collectors of iconic supercars, this fascinating “Holy Grail” 1982 LP500S Countach offers the next caretaker the long-awaited opportunity to restore and own one of the most important examples extant.
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided 'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.
Selling NOW, Exclusively at Auction, Through Bring-a-Trailer
1982 Lamborghini Countach
Selling NOW, Exclusively at Auction, Through Bring-a-Trailer: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1982-lamborghini-countach-lp500s-prototype
1982 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH LP500S
Chassis No. ZA9C00500CLA12472
- The First LP500S/LP5000S Lamborghini Countach; Possesses Rare Early Production Features
- Exhibited on the Lamborghini Stand at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show
- Offered with Period Photos & Lamborghini S.p.A Press Release
- Owned by Quiet Riot Guitarist Carlos Cavazo for 35 Years
- An Exciting Discovery of the “Lost” first 5L Countach & Geneva Auto Show Car
- Accompanied by Unmounted Factory Rear Wing, Tool Roll, Spare Wheel, Service Records, and Factory Literature
Having already made its mark in less than a decade of existence with a succession of GT models and the breathtaking Miura – regarded the world's first supercar – Automobili Lamborghini dramatically revealed its future at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. There, the stunning Countach prototype was unveiled, with its name a loosely translated and risqué Piedmontese expression of shock and disbelief. Styled by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, the Countach drew inspiration from his Alfa Romeo Carabo show car of 1968 and the futuristic Bertone Zero concept of 1970.
Development from the show car to production required special materials in its construction and mechanical updates providing a modicum of practicality. Deliveries to breathless buyers commenced by 1974 and, following production of 150 LP400 models, progress continued through the updated and uprated LP400S by 1978 as Lamborghini's counter to archrival Ferrari's 512 BB.
For its next major evolution, famed engineer Giulio Alfieri massaged the Countach into the LP500S – alternatively known and badged “LP5000S” – by 1982. Lamborghini's legendary DOHC V-12 powerplant was now upsized to 4.8 liters (4,754 cc) with a bore and stroke increase compensating for slightly lowered 9.2:1 compression, plus larger Weber twin-choke carburetors. Factory-advertised output was now 375 bhp at a screaming 7,500 engine revolutions and carefully selected gear ratios maximized performance. Acceleration from rest to 60 mph took less than 5.0 seconds with the fortified Countach, and top speeds of up to 182 mph were quoted in various sources, depending upon road length and driver skill. Flared fenders, a new front spoiler, and revised rearward styling produced what is arguably the first 1980s “poster car” and an enduring icon.
A Significant Offering
This LP500S carries extremely fascinating provenance as Lamborghini's 1982 Geneva Motor Show car. It is one of the first five LP500S examples produced of the updated model's 321-car run, and one of five early cars fitted with the “5L” logo to the rear. According to known provenance, it was sold new in Italy to Aaron Rosen, who then shipped it to Germany, before exporting it to the US. In 1985, it was purchased by Carlos Cavazo, lead guitarist for the wildly successful glam-metal group Quiet Riot, who first saw the Countach for sale on Robertson Boulevard, the epicenter for entertainment superstars in the 1980s. In order to register the Countach in California and pass the required emissions testing, the Weber carburetors were swapped for a BMW-type electronic fuel-injection system. In a recent online interview, Mr. Cavazo was said he was a relatively careful driver, reportedly having only once taken the car to about 150 mph.
The Countach displays 66,198 kilometers (41,100 miles), mostly apparently accumulated by Mr. Cavazo before the year 2000, at which time the car was placed into long-term storage in Van Nuys, California at Franco Barbuscia's noted exotic-car shop, Franco's European Sports Cars. Records on file confirm the Lamborghini was towed to Barbuscia's shop in December 2001 for service. Due to family and musical commitments, the Countach remained there for the next two decades, and was in line for restoration before Franco Barbuscia's eventual passing in 2021. Today this significant early Countach is offered in “as-discovered” condition.
Known in the Countach registries as the first LP500S/LP5000S and the Geneva salon car, this extremely special Countach was relatively hidden from sight for approximately 20 years in California, quietly “off the radar.” Recently, a photo of the car at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show has been discovered, as well as an official letter issued by Lamborghini, dated March 1982, announcing the company's reorganization and the 1982 introduction of the new LP5000S/LP500S Countach at Geneva. Today, the Countach appears to remain in highly original and complete condition overall. The factory-original Weber carbureted induction system was swapped out for fuel injection back in the mid-1980s when the car was federalized under Mr. Cavazo and is no longer with the car. A visual inspection by Lamborghini factory test driver Valentino Balboni confirms the cars pedigree and early features. Original details include the body number, 72, stamped on the boot lid and engine covers, plus early and special features including the Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels, early “5S” badging, and LP400S-type fender flares.
A glorious celebration of unbridled design and engineering creativity and the unqualified object of automotive desire throughout its existence, Lamborghini's Countach remains the signature product of Automobili Lamborghini over 30 years after production ceased in 1990. With its unmistakable appearance, stunning performance potential, and low mileage, this first-year LP500S Countach is a true, investment-grade supercar legend on all levels. For Lamborghini marque enthusiasts and collectors of iconic supercars, this fascinating “Holy Grail” 1982 LP500S Countach offers the next caretaker the long-awaited opportunity to restore and own one of the most important examples extant.
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided 'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.
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