Don’t Miss This Extremely Rare Giallo Fly Yellow Lamborghini Countach on Cars & Bids
Although the Lamborghini Countach replaced the Miura in 1974, it didn’t come to the U.S. until much later. The Quattrovalvole or “QV” models of the later 1980s were the supercar’s debut stateside, meaning it’s quite rare in the U.S. Those looking to hop into a unique Lamborghini have the chance now to grab a one-of-nine Giallo Fly Yellow QV Countach. But, like all models of the flagship Italian stallion, exclusivity comes with a price.
1988.5 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV up for auction
Starting north of a quarter-million dollars, this U.S.-market Countach is just one of 631 5000-series QV Lamborghinis ever made. Though, it’s even rarer than you may think.
According to Matthew Ivanhoe, founder and CEO of exotic vehicle procurement firm The Cultivated Collector (TCC), “Over 80% of QVs were produced in red.” Reportedly, this Lamborghini is one of just nine QV Countachs in Giallo Fly Yellow. “This is truly a rare bird,” he added in a press release.
Contrasting with the bright and flamboyant exterior is the Testa di Moro brown leather interior. The metric odometer shows just 17,300 kilometers or 10,800 miles.
Ownership history
This Lamborghini Countach has changed hands a few times, like most aging supercars. Nevertheless, the Lamborghini Registry indicated that everything lines up as a numbers-matching car with chassis JLA12300, and engine #1514.
| Owner | Length of ownership |
| Joe Nastasi – U.S. Lamborghini importer | 1988-2010 |
| Danish Lamborghini collector | 2010-2014 |
| German Lamborghini collector | 2014-present |
As the Carfax history report states, the Countach hasn’t been in any accidents. Neither was insurance ever claimed as far back as 1993. The only indicated flaws are some exterior paint chips, the Cars & Bids listing shows.
While in German hands, the Lamborghini Countach’s owners converted the car from American cosmetics to European. In 2021, Bonn, Germany-based Auto Kremer undertook a complete engine-out service that required a new clutch, valve cover gaskets, and four new tires.
What do you get inside a Lamborghini Countach?
Despite being a 5000-series, the engine has 200 extra cubic millimeters in its iconic L539 V12. Subsequently, it was the most powerful production Lamborghini made at that point, thanks in part to its four-valve heads to fulfill the name of “Quattrovalvole.”
| Engine | Transmission | HP | Torque (lb-ft) | Weight (lbs) | Original MSRP |
| 5.2-liter fuel-injected V12 | Five-speed manual | 455 | 340 | 3,285 | $118,000 ($302,593 adjusted for inflation in 2023) |
Once the butterfly doors are open, drivers will welcome the traditional dog-leg five-speed gearbox. That will send those 414 ponies to the rear wheels for a blistering, near-five-second 0 to 60 mph time.
The Giallo Countach isn’t completely stock. It has been slightly changed over the years. Previous owner modifications include:
- Ansa Marmitte exhaust system
- Euro-spec front bumper, with U.S.-spec rear bumperette delete
- Euro-spec side reflectors
Factory equipment remaining on the car includes:
- Automatic climate control
- QV-spec rear wing and side skirts
- 15-inch OZ staggered wheels
How many Countach variants did Lamborghini make?
If you don’t count the 2022 rebirth of the Countach nameplate, there are 11 special editions, including some prototypes, LamboCars states. They include the following:
- LP 400
- LP 400 Speciale
- LP 400 S
- LP 500 S
- LP 5000
- LP 5000 Quattrovalvole
- 7000 Prototype
- L 150 Prototype
- Evoluzione
- Walter Wolf Special
- 25th Anniversario
Can a Lamborghini Countach live up to its poster car reputation?
If you’re judging the Countach by its ability to turn heads, stir emotions, and represent an era of automotive excess and ambition, then it absolutely lives up to its reputation. But on pure driving dynamics and performance against modern supercars, then your conclusion might be different. As with many classic cars, much of the appeal of the Countach is nostalgic and aesthetic rather than purely performance-based.
The Lamborghini Countach is iconic for a number of reasons, and it has played a major role in defining what many people think of when they imagine a supercar. It had a futuristic wedge shape that was utterly unlike anything else on the road. Also, the performance to back it up. It was, in many ways, the quintessential exotic supercar, lasting 16 years through four major updates.
However, it’s worth noting that by modern standards, the Countach might not seem as impressive in terms of performance. Supercar technology has advanced considerably since the Countach was first produced, and many modern supercars outperform it in terms of speed, handling, and comfort. Furthermore, the Countach was notoriously difficult to drive, with poor visibility and a very heavy clutch.
Regarding raw performance and driving dynamics, some might argue that the Countach can’t quite live up to its legendary status. However, in terms of its design, historical significance, and the sheer excitement it can generate, the Countach is still very much a “poster car” and a symbol of the supercar genre.
