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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

1985→1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

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

1985→1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

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

1985→1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

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→1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

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

1985→1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

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