'Ugly' U.S.-Spec Lamborghini Countach Bumpers Are Cool, Actually
Over the weekend while walking through Beverly Hills I came across a Lamborghini Countach that I’ve never seen in LA before. Bianco Polo white paint with Bianco white leather is already great, but this Countach is a later model year with the U.S-spec bumpers still intact, something Lamborghini fans love to hate. A lot of (mainly British) people got mad at me on Twitter for saying this was one of the coolest Countachs I’ve ever seen, but I stand by it. It rules.
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This Countach was apparently just purchased by a new owner, thus why I’d never seen it before, and Curated, the selling dealership, confirmed some details about the car to me over Instagram DMs. Based out of Miami, Curated always has the most mind-blowing inventory of iconic neo-classic cars, usually with interesting backstories or super low miles, and this example is no different — it’s got just 1,200 miles on it, and those are still the original Pirelli P7R tires.
Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
It’s a 1988.5 Countach 5000QV, one of the last cars built before the 25th Anniversary model was introduced. The 5000QV debuted in 1985 with a larger 5.2-liter V12 that necessitated a larger hump on the engine cover, and U.S.-spec cars were fitted with a large front bumper that sat atop the nose and a strange bulbous taillight surround and additional rear bumperettes — a requirement under our crash-test standards at the time. Lamborghini made 610 5000QVs, but Curated and RM Sothebys both say only around 50 of the 1988.5 model year were built, with the U.S. getting fewer than two dozen. This in-between model got the straked side skirts the 25th Anniversary would gain, along with a stronger air conditioning system, and this particular car is one of only 66 5000QVs with Bosch fuel injection.
Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
Most people with U.S-spec Countachs just take the bumpers off right away — or at least paint the front one in body color so the black plastic doesn’t contrast — but I genuinely like the look. The Countach is already such a ridiculous design, especially with the wide fenders and body kit the later models got, and the goofy bumpers add to the exaggerated look. I might replace the front bumper with one of the front wings that some Countachs have, but I would keep the cap on the rear end. Sure, some of the appeal is just in its rarity, but I really think this thing looks so awesome. I mean, come on, how could you not? (This is coming from someone with an affinity for men with mustaches, to be fair.)
Mainly, I just love to see a car like this actually being used. Sure, they could have only driven it a couple miles, and it was definitely parked by the valet, but still — there’s still plastic covering the seats, and you’re taking it to dinner? That rules.
Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
Photo: Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
