1988→1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversario
The 25th Anniversary, or Anniversario in Italian, was the last and most agressive Countach. The exterior was redesigned by Horacio Pagani and the chassis updated with the help from World Rally Driving Champion Sandro Munari.
This last-of-line model was largely based on the Quattrovalvole 5000S, incorporating its 48-valve engine. Taking the 5000S further, the Anniversary had redesigned aerodynamic ducts for cooling such as the new brake ducts that are incorporated into the rear sills & front dam. The redesigned front and rear kevlar hoods keep to the agressive duct theme as does the optional rear wing. Also included were 2-piece, forged-alloy OZ wheels.
Inside, the car was reworked more than any previous version. Included were new larger seats, door panels and a new steering wheel. New amenities included power windows, better sound deadening and a more powerful air conditioner.
The Anniversary model is part of the stepwise evolution of the Countach since its inception in 1974. It shares the models complex space frame that is central to all the variants. The chassis is centered around a longitudinal V12 with a transmission & clutch positioned ahead of the engine. A drive shaft runs from the transmission, through the crankcase, to the rear differential. Thanks to this unusual layout, the gearshift is mounted directly to the transmission. This positioning makes for a better front to rear weight ratio, removes the need for any gear lever linkages and provides for more precise gear changes. The only downfall to this setup is the added height of the engine to accommodate the drive shaft which gives for a higher center of gravity.
The chassis was upgraded extensively for this version with help from World Rally Champion Sandro Munari. As a result, the Anniversary really is the ultimate Countach since it is more reliable and better handling than the rest.
627 examples were produced from 1988 through to 1990. Cars delivered to the U.S. were fitted with massive rubber bumpers that were necessary to pass 5 mph tests. Once they passed inspection, many of these were fitted with the European-spec units.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1988 – 1990 |
| released at | 1988 Monaco GP |
| built at | Santa’Agata Bolognese, USA |
| body stylist | Horacio Pagani |
| production | 657 |
| price $ | $ 145,000 |
| predeccesor | 1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV |
| succeccesor | 1990 Lamborghini Diablo |
| 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 | 9.5:1 |
| power | 339.3 kw / 455.0 bhp @ 7000 rpm |
| specific output | 88.06 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 304.55 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 501.0 nm / 369.5 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm |
| body / frame | Aluminum Panels w/Kevlar Front & Rear Hood over Steel Spaceframe Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | OZ 2-Piece Forged Aluminum Alloy |
| front tires | 225/50 VR-15 Pirelli P Zero |
| rear tires | 345/35 VR-15 Pirelli P Zero |
| front brakes | Ventilated Discs w/Hydraulic Assist, 4-Piston Calipers |
| rear brakes | Ventilated Discs w/Hydraulic Assist, 4-Piston Calipers |
| 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 | 1494 kg / 3294 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2473 mm / 97.4 in |
| front track | 1536 mm / 60.5 in |
| rear track | 1606 mm / 63.2 in |
| length | 4240 mm / 166.9 in |
| width | 2017 mm / 79.4 in |
| height | 1070 mm / 42.1 in |
| transmission | Centrally Mounted ZF 5-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | Single dry plate |
| gear ratios | 2.232:1, 1.625:1, 1.085:1, 0.858:1, 0.707:1 |
| final drive | 4.09:1 |
| top speed | ~305.8 kph / 190.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.8 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~10.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary – did not sell for $300,000 Very Rare Rosso Perlato Color. Tool Kit Included. Excellent Running Condition. Euro-style Front And Rear Bumpers. Well-Preserved Tan Leather Interior. The car is in fine order, with all items and systems functioning properly. The owner’s manual, books, tools, and spare tire are all present. Its signature V-12 bark and a hand on the shifter confirm that it runs as it did when it left the Sant’Agata, Bolognese factory. Auction Source: ‘Rolling Sculpture’ 2015 NYC by Keno Brothers
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition ZA9C005A0KLA12973 – sold for $418,000 Ultimate Development of the Celebrated Countach Supercar. One of as Few as 10 Factory-Equipped with Downdraft Carburetors. Extremely Rare and Handsome Color Scheme Well-Preserved, Low-Mileage Example. Original paintwork and interior, as well as its original drivetrain. One of 657 25th Anniversary Edition Models Built. Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary ZA9CA05A1LLA12049 – sold for $451,000 This near factory-fresh Countach shows remarkably well. Its paint remains in very good condition and exhibits a high gloss in the light. Inside, the leather interior shows very little wear throughout. The odometer displays a mere 1,240 kilometers, which is commensurate with the car’s overall condition. Furthermore, it should also be noted that the Countach is offered with its proper tool kit and owner’s manual. Auction Source: Paul & Chris Andrews Collection by RM Sotheby’s
1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversario – sold for €112,043 – This muscle-bound monster was delivered new to Mister Pastor, Monaco’s Lamborghini importer, who sold it – barely run in, with just 720 miles on the clock (now 1,940 miles) – to the current owner at a sale organized by Hervé Poulain in December 1995. This exceptional ‘second-hand car’, with its red livery and superb black leather upholstery, is in almost pristine condition. Note that this is the preferable European version, with six twin-barrel Weber carburettors guaranteeing power of 455bhp (whereas the American versions, with depolluted injection as per local norms, could manage 425bhp at best). Auction Source: 2010 Artcurial Sport & GTs au Mans Classic
