Only 105 of these Italian masterpieces were ever built—each a symbol of raw power, precision, and timeless design. This pristine example captures the spirit of Lamborghini’s golden era in every curve and roar of its V12 engine.
Few cars have defined an era quite like the Lamborghini Countach. Its wedge-shaped silhouette, scissor doors, and unapologetically aggressive stance transformed it from a supercar into an icon of speed, style, and pure Italian audacity. Now, one of the most elusive variants of this legendary line—the Countach LP400S Series II—is about to hit the auction block, offering collectors a rare chance to own a piece of motoring history.
Produced between 1974 and 1978, the original Countach LP400 was a revolution in design and performance. It represented Lamborghini’s boldest leap into the future, setting the tone for every supercar that would follow. Collectors prize these early models for their purity and rawness, and their escalating auction values have only elevated the status of all Countach models built between 1974 and 1990.
The LP400S, which succeeded the LP400, wasn’t just an update—it was a refined evolution of a masterpiece. Lamborghini made a series of thoughtful changes that improved both aesthetics and drivability. The car gained wider Pirelli tires, a revised suspension, and a lowered ride height, all of which contributed to a more aggressive, grounded look and improved handling.
One controversial change was the removal of the periscope-style rearview mirror, a quirky feature that once required drivers to glance up at a roof-mounted slit to check what was behind them. While distinctive, it was far from practical, and its removal gave the roofline a smoother, cleaner profile.
Within the LP400S range lies the particularly coveted Series II, a model that blends the raw edge of the original Countach with subtle refinements that enhanced the driving experience. The Series II is instantly recognizable by its concave alloy wheels, a signature feature that sets it apart from earlier variants.
Under the rear deck sits Lamborghini’s legendary 4.0-liter V12, mounted longitudinally to perfectly balance weight between the mid-mounted transmission and the rear differential. For the Series II, engineers installed smaller Weber carburetors, sacrificing a touch of horsepower—down from 375 to 353—in favor of improved responsiveness and smoother performance. The result was a car that remained thrillingly fast but easier to tame, without compromising its wild Italian character.
Only 105 Series II units were ever produced, making this one of the scarcest versions of the Countach. Out of 1,999 Countachs built over the entire production run, this select group stands out as a turning point in the car’s evolution—where engineering sophistication began to meet the Countach’s unbridled power.
According to data from classic car insurer Hagerty, just one 1980 LP400S Series II has appeared at auction in the past decade, selling in 2024 for an impressive $575,214. That particular example had only 2,539 kilometers (roughly 1,600 miles) on the odometer.
The latest example to surface—set to go under the hammer via Car & Classic—shows 65,246 kilometers (just over 40,000 miles), yet remains in exceptional condition. The car’s black leather interior has been meticulously maintained, reflecting both its careful ownership and the durability of its craftsmanship.
According to the auction listing, the upholstery is free of tears or discoloration, the dashboard has been reupholstered in fresh Alcantara, and every gauge and control remains crisp and functional. Only minor patina on the chrome and light wear on the seatbelt housings hint at its age—signs of a car that has been lovingly driven rather than stored away and forgotten.
Every inch of the Countach reflects Lamborghini’s design philosophy: a car that serves the driver completely, delivering a direct and visceral connection between man and machine. In an era before driver aids, touchscreens, and digital dashboards, this was the essence of performance—the roar of a V12 engine, the smell of leather and fuel, and the thrill of mechanical purity.
Today, the Countach LP400S Series II represents not just a collector’s prize but a tangible link to a time when Italian automakers built machines as bold as their imaginations. As one of only a handful ever made, this ultra-rare Countach stands as a reminder that true automotive artistry never fades—it only grows more valuable with time.
