Photography by: Zach Brehl (@zachbrehl)
1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole (QV)
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Country of original delivery: Canada
Chassis/VIN: GLA12978
Mileage: 25,334 kms (15,742 miles)
Certification : Polo Storico Certification
Price: Call for Price
The Car | The 1st nut-and-bolt restoration undertaken by Lamborghini
As part of its Private Sales initiative, Petrolicious is proud to offer this highly storied, two-owner, factory-restored, US-specification 1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole. Believed to be the first nut-and-bolt restoration project ever undertaken by Lamborghini, years before the creation of their official heritage department, Polo Storico, in 2015, this Countach LP5000 QV represents a unique chapter in Lamborghini history.
This 1986 Countach Quattrovalvole, finished in Rosso over Champagne with a Brown dashboard, was originally delivered on April 17, 1986, to a dealership called Autolynn in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. It was equipped with fuel injection to comply with North American emissions regulations and featured USA-specific bumpers. In the summer of 1988, the car was owned by a real estate agent who, after an afternoon drive, parked it in his driveway. Later that day, smoke began to emanate from the engine bay, ultimately igniting a fire that damaged the engine, body panels, and interior, scorching the seats and causing significant smoke damage.
Deemed a write-off by the insurance company due to the scarcity and cost of replacement parts, the car seemed destined for obscurity—until the current custodian, a Canadian collector with a deep passion for the Countach, entered the picture.
The search for parts was arduous. “I called every Lamborghini dealer in North America, faxed lists, and made countless calls, only to be told that parts were unavailable or would take months to arrive,” the owner recounted. “The factory had shifted focus to the new Diablo, making Countach components nearly impossible to find.” Then, an unexpected call came from a Toronto lawyer representing Lamborghini. The company, aware of his search through multiple inquiries across North America, wanted to inspect the salvaged parts. By 1989, he shipped the car to Milan. Lamborghini’s sales manager, Ubaldo Sgarzi, responded within a week of the car’s arrival, confirming receipt and outlining plans to prepare an estimate for the restoration.
With the production line for the Countach already dismantled, many parts had to be handmade or specially ordered from original suppliers. The extensive project took two and a half years and cost over USD $240,000— $30,000 more than the price of a new Diablo at the time. “The documentation is immense,” says the owner. Invoices, receipts, and correspondence attest to what was essentially a full rebuild. This restoration stands as a landmark: the first comprehensive restoration carried out by Lamborghini itself, years before the establishment of their official heritage department, Polo Storico, in 2015.
Condition | exterior
Body – Although this Countach rolled off the production line in 1986, it was fitted by the factory with 1988 side skirts and a 1988 engine lid. A wing was also added upon completion of the restoration, as the car was born without one. This was done at the request of the owner, and makes it even more of a one-off example.
All panels are original and matching on this Lamborghini. Since its restoration, the vehicle has never been involved in any road incident, and no corrosion is noted on or under the car. The front bumper, side skirts, and air intakes are free of rock chips or scratches; no Paint Protection Film is applied to the car.
Underbody – Pictures of the undercarriage can be provided upon request, showing no signs of corrosion.
Paint – Countach #12978 rolled off the production line in stunning Rosso over Champagne. Paint thickness measurements are available on demand : no paint work has been performed on the car since its full restoration was completed on 10/23/1992.
Condition | interior
Dashboard & Instrumentation – The speedometer and odometer are both shown in metric units (kilometers), as all Countach’s were. Only 25,334 kms have been driven since its restoration by its current (and 2nd overall) owner.
Seats, Trim, & Carpet – The materials inside #12978 are fully original. Carpets, seats, headliners, and leather: everything in the car’s cockpit is original and has been treated with the utmost care throughout its life. They present in virtually as-new condition.
Door sills – Both door sills are in impeccable condition, showing no scuff marks or scratches.
Keys, Instruction Manuals, tools – Two original keys are included with the car. Instruction manuals are also accompanied, as well as thorough paperwork and correspondence between the custodian and Lamborghini factory – documenting the entire restoration process. A Polo Storico Certification is also accompanying the car.
Condition | mechanical
Servicing history – The servicing history of the car is known since its restoration has been completed by the factory – 32 years of history is documented.
Original & Matching Motor?: Yes.
Original & Matching Transmission?: Yes.
Original Exhaust System?: Yes.
Wheels – The wheels are original units and show literally no signs of usage. The original tires are still fitted to the car, and a new set of tires will accompany the sale.
Our thoughts on this Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole
Our 1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole #12978 marks a significant milestone in the Lamborghini story. It is a unique creation, assembled by the manufacturer at a time when restoration techniques, after-sales service, technology, and production line management were practically nonexistent.
The car features body parts and design elements from 1988, despite its 1986 model year. It has been carefully maintained by its second and current owner and remains in excellent condition to this day. Although Downdraft models are generally more sought after, none of the 544 carbureted examples can claim to have experienced as much as this fuel-injected, factory-restored Countach.
Please inquire for more information and pricing.
