1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th

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.

Chassis number 12031

The distinction of the left-hand-drive Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary we’re thrilled to be offering is that it’s covered a mere 1,719 kilometres from new and, as a result, is presented in the most remarkably original condition. Finished in Rosso over a Nero interior, chassis number 12031 was originally ordered in June of 1990 by Portman Lamborghini in the United Kingdom, which in turn found the car its first owner in Japan.

Said owner cherished this Countach from 1990 until 2015, at which point it returned to Europe. This Lamborghini was acquired by its third and current custodian in 2017, when the mileage was noted as a mere 671 kilometres. In the nine years since then, he’s added only a further 1,100 kilometres to the odometer and had the car maintained accordingly, including a thorough mechanical refresh in 2018 totalling more than £18,000. Most recently, in the spring of this year, Bob Houghton Ltd. carried out a major service, during which the door and boot struts were renewed and the engine and gearbox oil were replaced. The cost totalled over £2,500.

Given the minimal mileage and careful storage of this Countach, it’s by far the best condition example we’ve yet encountered. Overall, the car’s immaculate, the Rosso paintwork retaining its depth and allure and the Nero leather interior boasting the subtle sheen of gentle use. The carbon-lidded engine bay is particularly clean and tidy, barely exhibiting any signs of use.

We were perhaps most surprised by how well chassis number 12031 drives – not something than can be said for most older cars with such minimal use under their belts. Having never been restored, this Countach feels beautifully run in. While positive, the gearbox is not stiff, the air-conditioning is fantastic and that V12 is responsive and genuinely strong, propelling the car with impressive shove.

The 25th Anniversary might have been a commercial stop-gap until the arrival of the Diablo and, in turn, heralded a new era for the Raging Bull. But it was proudly, defiantly Lamborghini and a fitting end for a supercar which has captured the imagination of so many people for so many years. Chassis number 12031 is surely among the lowest-mileage and most original examples available anywhere.