1985→1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV
Lamborghini’s third major Countach revision came in March of 1985 at the Geneva Motor Show. The model was named after its new cylinder head which featured four valved per cylinder and it was known either as the Quattrovalvole or QV.
Unfortunately, the QV was a different beast in America and Europe. Emissions and safety regulations meant that the American-spec cars got a hideous rubber bumpers that spoiled Marcello Gandini’s original Countach lines more than anything else. Furthermore, the engine used a Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection that sapped around 35 bhp from the standard Weber setup.
The European QV was much more inline with the stepwise evolution of the Countach. The rocker panels incorporated new staked ducts for the rear brakes and the engine cover was new with a buldge to clear the Weber carburetors.
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1985 – 1988 |
| released at | 1985 Geneva Motor Show |
| built at | Santa’Agata Bolognese, Italy |
| body stylist | Marcello Gandini |
| coachbuilder | Bertone |
| production | 610 |
| price $ | $ 118,000 |
| engine | 60° V12 |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 6 Weber 44 DCNF Carburetors |
| displacement | 5167 cc / 315.3 in³ |
| bore | 85.5 mm / 3.37 in |
| stroke | 75.0 mm / 2.95 in |
| compression | 8.0:1 |
| power | 339.3 kw / 455 bhp @ 7000 rpm |
| specific output | 88.06 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 305.37 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 461.0 nm / 340 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel, Aluminum & Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastic over Tubular Steel Spaceframe |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Cast Aluminum |
| front tires | 225/50 VR-15 Pirelli P7R |
| rear tires | 345/35 VR-15 Pirelli P7R |
| front brakes | Girling Ventilated Discs w/Vacuum Assist |
| rear brakes | Girling Ventilated Discs w/Vacuum Assist |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 21.6 cm / 15.0 x 8.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 30.5 cm / 15.0 x 12.0 in |
| steering | Unassisted Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Independent w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Independent w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers |
| curb weight | 1490 kg / 3285 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2500 mm / 98.4 in |
| front track | 1535 mm / 60.4 in |
| rear track | 1606 mm / 63.2 in |
| length | 4240 mm / 166.9 in |
| width | 2000 mm / 78.7 in |
| height | 1070 mm / 42.1 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | Single dry plate |
| gear ratios | 2.232:1, 1.625:1, 1.088:1, 0.858:1, 0.707:1 |
| final drive | 4.09:1 |
| top speed | ~293.0 kph / 182.1 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.2 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~13.7 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV Chassis no. ZA9CA05A4JLA12214 – sold for $368,500 Three owners from new; 2,800 actual miles. Largely original and unrestored, including paint and interior. Original tool kit, manuals, paperwork, and service receipts since 1990. Recently serviced by a Lamborghini specialist. Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
1988 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV ZA9CA05A8JLA12322 – sold for $467,500 Two owners and under 600 kilometers from new. Finished in the highly desirable Nero over Nero with gold wheels. Perhaps one of the finest Countaches extant. Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions
1986 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole ZA9C005A0FLA12887 – sold for $319,000 One of just 13 carbureted examples imported to the United States in 1986. Two owners from new, and under 9,000 kilometers. Recently fully restored to as-new condition. Auction Source: Amelia Island 2014 by RM Auctions
1985 Lamoborghini Countach 5000 QV ZA9COO5AOFLA12824 – sold for €148,920 – It is precisely the evolution of a more aggressive Lamborghini Countach that is to be seen in this Quattrovalvole 5000. This model dating from 1985 stuns with its extravagant appearance due to its radical line accentuated by its black livery. Its beautiful state is reflected by the low mileage: only 37,628kms from the original! This car could only seduce someone like Pierre Brignole, a car enthusiast of high personality. Acquired in February 1990, on the occasion of an auction organized by Herve Poulain and used regularly thereafter, in Corsica, where Bagnole lives this car has seen for over twenty years the stunning winding roads of a beautiful island. Auction Source: Artcurial Motorcars à 2013 Rétromobile
1987 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole Downdraft – sold for $110,000 – With just 27,000 kilometers – or about 16,000 miles – on its original odometer, the 1987 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole Downdraft offered here is one of the mere handful of extra-power European-market examples to have made the Trans-Atlantic journey.
Attractively equipped with the appropriate phone dial-style alloy wheels and functional tall rear spoiler, the smaller repeater lights and cleaner bumpers reveal this Countach’s non-North American specification before the engine cover is lifted. However, this Quattrovalvole Downdraft has been properly certified for the United States and has even proven itself capable of meeting California’s emissions standards.
Swathed in a gleaming red with a biscuit interior, this low-mileage example is in as-new condition inside and out. Its extraordinarily preserved condition invites closer inspection and, having been subjected to a recent and extensive $20,000 service, it is ready to be enjoyed by the next owner seeking the sweet symphony only a Lamborghini V-12 can provide. Auction Source: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey
