Sandro Munari and Horacio Pagani. To appreciate the lengths Lamborghini went to ensure the car with which it would mark its 25th anniversary was truly worthy, you only needed a glance at the two names drafted in to help develop it.
In truth, when Chrysler assumed control of Lamborghini in the 1980s, it had rather hoped that the new Diablo would be ready in time for the marque’s landmark birthday. Alas, it wasn’t to be, so focus instead turned to the trusty Countach, Lamborghini’s wedge-tastic flagship since 1974.
That the resulting Countach 25th Anniversary, of which 667 were produced, evolved from Gandini’s minimal LP400 is remarkable. The liberal addition of era-defining (and functional) strakes and select carbon-fibre bits and pieces were the work of a young Horacio Pagani, who’d been recruited to head Lamborghini’s exciting new composites division. Furthermore, the 1977 World Rally Champion Sandro Munari was brought in to hone the suspension. And it’s fair to say the Italian knew a thing or to about road-holding and balance.
Combined with a plethora of comfort- and refinement-based upgrades implemented to overcome some of the Countach’s established foibles, the 25th Anniversary is the best Countach to drive and enjoy.
Finished in Rosso Siviglia over a Nero interior and specified from new with the optional ‘Sports’ driver’s seat, this stunning matching-numbers 25th Anniversary boasts an excellent provenance and a rich service history – a testament to the meticulous care of its small number of owners.
Delivered new to Zimmermann & Kawitz in Germany via Mu.N Neuwagen of Berlin in October 1989, chassis number 12785 was assigned the registration ‘HB-KP 334’, marking the beginning of its storied journey.
After several years of enjoyment by its owner, this Countach received its first service in June 1992, at the official Lamborghini service centre, Auto-Kremer in Bonn, ensuring the highest standard of maintenance from the start. This level of care continued with services undertaken in June 1994, July 1997, and June 1999, all performed by the same trusted service centre.
In 2003, chassis number 12785 was celebrated at the Lamborghini 40th Anniversary Factory Party and Tour in Sant’Agata and the surrounding areas, with the next scheduled service of the vehicle undertaken in July 2004.
Fast forward to March 2014, when Monika Katharina Zaske acquired the vehicle in Gottmadingen, Germany, later passing it to Noise & Fire GmbH in Obersulm. In April 2018, the Countach found its way to Futuro E Ingenio S.L in Malaga, Spain, when its odometer showed 25,457 km. Shortly after arriving in the country it underwent an inspection, confirming its excellent condition.
Its time in Andalusia was short lived, though, as in April 2019, the vehicle returned to Germany, re-registering under ‘HN-LP 3333’ after passing through a GTU inspection. Chassis number 12785 continued to receive top-tier care with subsequent inspections in June 2021 and January 2023, where it proudly secured its Roadworthiness Certificate at 25,477 km.
In April 2023, an International Motor Insurance Certificate was issued, linking the vehicle to ‘WCM – Worldwide Car Management’ in Obersulm, Germany. The same year, the car participated in the Lamborghini 60th Anniversary Tour.
Most recently, in October 2024, it was delivered to Top Motors Salvioli in Modena, Italy, for servicing, continuing its tradition of excellence. This matching-numbers Countach 25th Anniversary not only stands as a remarkable piece of automotive history, but also reflects the dedication and passion of every owner and service provider it has encountered. A spirited morning of photography in the stunning hills above Modena proved what a great Countach this is to drive and enjoy.