Vintage Lamborghini echoing timeless elegance, power
Life is indeed a journey, not a destination. You can relate this to the narrative of this 1982 Lamborghini Countach, the LP500 S Prototype, the original trailblazer of its generation. A masterpiece that has traveled continents, changed hands, and despite it all, it still retains an undeniable sense of beauty and raw power.
The LP500 S, introduced as a rival to Ferrari’s 512 BB, was a notable stride forward from its predecessor, the LP400 S. With an additional 825cc displacement, it was as if Lamborghini was injecting pure adrenaline into the heart of this beautiful beast. First showcased in Geneva in 1982, it was dressed in the stunning Bertone bodywork, a dashing suit that not only accentuated its muscular silhouette but also hinted at its defiant and audacious spirit.
Our subject here is draped in its original Bianco shade, which might show signs of aging like flaking and cracking, but remember, every wrinkle tells a story. You can see the imperfections and paint-meter readings in the photo gallery. But what's life without a little imperfection?
This particular example is one of the rare initial models to feature the “5S” rear badging, a badge of honor that was soon updated to 500 or 5000 designations. It's a piece of history that stays with the car, speaking volumes of its heritage and lineage.
Take a look at those wheels. Campagnolo cast-magnesium wheels, unique to the first 20 LP500 S examples, and then Lamborghini switched to Ozzeta Electron wheels. The sheer historical significance of these wheels is undebatable. Now, they are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tires, but you'll notice some wear and tear along the sidewalls, perhaps telling tales of high-speed chases on open highways.
Step inside, and the story continues. The cockpit is swathed in Rosso leather. From the bucket seats to the console, door panels, and sills, it's a sea of red, evoking an irresistible sense of sporty luxury. Look at that Raid steering wheel, the gated shifter, and the two-piece side windows. There's something inherently thrilling about this old-world charm.
But the heart of the matter is the 4,754cc DOHC V12 engine, a derivative of the Bizzarrini-designed powerplant, but it's not the original. In a move that would make some purists cringe, the six Weber carburetors were replaced with an electronic fuel injection system. While it might improve the performance, the original carburetors are missing, creating a hole in the soul of this machine.
With the engine untouched for quite some time, it's unclear when this stallion last roared. This Countach is now residing in Houston, Texas, non-running, as an intriguing project for a true enthusiast. Its story, albeit halted, is yet to be completed. The car comes with historical photos, invoices, an uninstalled rear wing, and other spare parts.
The Countach's narrative is a testament to the relentless spirit of passion and ingenuity. Despite the age, the change of hands, the geographical relocations, it stands as a symbol of an era when performance and design were king, and technology was the loyal knight.
For the ones with an adventurous heart, this Countach is not just a car, but a gateway to the past, a treasure map waiting to be explored. A piece of automotive history, it promises a ride filled with thrill, power, and a hearty dose of nostalgia. In its veins runs the true spirit of Lamborghini, unabashed and untamed. Life is a journey, after all, and what's a better companion than a Lamborghini Countach LP500 S Prototype!
Pros:
- Historical Significance: This is not just a car, it's a piece of automotive history. As the first of its model, it represents a significant period in Lamborghini's lineage and offers an exceptional collector's value.
- Limited Edition: With only about 321 examples built over three years of production, this LP500 S Prototype is a rare piece. Owning it can give you the bragging rights of having a unique and limited-edition Lamborghini.
- Retained Original Elements: The car retains many of its original elements, like the Bianco paint color, the “5S” badging, and the Campagnolo cast-magnesium wheels, which were distinct to the first 20 examples of the LP500 S.
- Valuable Extras: The car comes with a number of extras, including historical photos, invoices from the late 1990s and early 2000s, an uninstalled rear wing, various spare parts, and a tool kit. These can be invaluable to collectors or restorers.
Cons:
- Non-Running Condition: The car is currently in a non-running condition. This would require a significant investment of time, money, and effort to restore it to a drivable state.
- Replaced Carburetors: The original six Weber carburetors were replaced with an electronic fuel injection system, and the original carburetors were not retained. For purists, this modification from the original configuration can be a drawback.
- Signs of Wear and Tear: There are visible signs of aging, including flaking and cracking in the original Bianco paint, and wear on the Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico tires. Restoring the car to its former glory might require substantial work.
- High Bid: The current bid stands at $305,000. Considering the cost of potential restoration and repair, this could turn out to be a pricey venture.
- Unfinished Restoration Project: The previous owner had initiated a restoration project that was halted due to his passing. As a result, there may be unknown issues that were not addressed or discovered during the initial disassembly and attempted refurbishment.
This LP500 S Prototype is a piece of automotive history and could be a worthy investment for the right buyer. However, potential bidders should be aware of the costs and effort involved in restoring and maintaining such a vehicle.
