Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content

1982→1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S

At the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, the Countach finally got the 5-liter engine it was originally design for. This was the first Countach update in four years, following a stepwise evolution of the model since the production version was introduced in 1974.

The 5000S was initially called the 500S, but this new moniker was somewhat misleading because the new engine only displaced 4754 cc. This increased power over the preceding 4-liter engine by 50 bhp.

Some later cars featured a new rear end with an extended trailing edge that lengthened the car by an inch or so. Over a three year period around 320 cars were produced.

The first 20 cars were fitted with Campagnolo Cast Magnesium wheels but these were replaced by Ozzeta Electron units.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
production years 1982 – 1985
released at 1982 Geneva Motor Show
built at Santa’Agata Bolognese, Italy
price $ $ 118,000
predeccesor 1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400S
succeccesor 1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV
engine 60° V12
position Mid, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed 6 Twin-throat 45 DCOE Weber Carburetors
displacement 4754 cc / 290.1 in³
bore 85.5 mm / 3.37 in
stroke 69.0 mm / 2.72 in
compression 9.2:1
power 279.6 kw / 375 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output 78.88 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 251.68 bhp per tonne
torque 409.5 nm / 302.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
body / frame Aluminum Body over Tubular Steel Spaceframe
driven wheels RWD
wheel type Ozzeta Electron
front tires 205/50 VR-15 Pirelli P7
rear tires 345/35 VR-15 Pirelli P7
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 Independant w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
r suspension Independant w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
curb weight 1490 kg / 3285 lbs
wheelbase 2450 mm / 96.5 in
front track 1492 mm / 58.7 in
rear track 1606 mm / 63.2 in
length 4140 mm / 163.0 in
width 2000 mm / 78.7 in
height 1070 mm / 42.1 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
tran clutch Single dry plate
gear ratios 2.256:1, 1.769:1, 1.310:1, 0.990:1, 0.775:1
final drive 4.09:1
top speed ~300.0 kph / 186.4 mph
0 – 60 mph ~5.6 seconds
fuel capacity 120 litres or 31.68 gal.

Auction Results

1982→1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S

1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000S ZA9C00500DLA12607 – sold for $390,500 – One of Only 321 Examples Built. The Final Carbureted Countach Model. Desirable European Market Specifications. Largely Original, Well-Maintained Example. Signed by the Legendary Valentino Balboni. Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company

1982→1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S

1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S ZA9C00500CLA12507 – sold for $198,000 – The 1982 Geneva Motor Show LP 500S. Desirable, carbureted Euro-specification example. Impressive condition, with approximately 11,000 miles from new. Marcello Gandini’s most striking Lamborghini design. Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions