Description
Nothing can match the visual impact that the Countach had at its launch. Gandini’s groundbreaking design established the ‘supercar’ concept and set the benchmark for years to come. The wheel arch extensions brought in on the 400S model in 1978 just added to the visual impact and the Countach became the poster-child for a generation.
By 1986 the Countach had seen off both the Daytona and the Boxer but the launch of the Testarossa prompted Lamborghini to look at upping its game. Ing. Alfieri worked his magic on the V12 which included upping the capacity to 5. 2 litres, the development of 4 valve-per-cylinder heads and the reversion to Miura-style downdraught carburettors. The resulting ‘Quattrovalvole’ model became easily the most powerful Countach variant ever – 455bhp @ 7000rpm.
Production of what has become commonly known as the ‘Countach Downdraught’ was limited to fewer than 300 (American market QV’s were fitted with an emasculating fuel injection system) and marked the end of an era, before emissions regulations put paid to the glory of ‘Weber’.
Having received its pre-delivery inspection at 150km, this car was delivered to its first owner, Christian Simmermacher, via the dealer Auto-Kremer of Bonn on 25th June 1987. Finished in the iconic 80’s hue of Rosso Siviglia, chassis no. 12158 was specified without the rear wing and with its interior trimmed in the much rarer black leather with red piping.
Mr. Simmermacher retained the Downdraught for almost 20 years before it was purchased by Martin Schrodt in 2004 who had the car serviced exclusively by FEH Lamborghini during his 6 year ownership. In 2010 the Countach was sold to its third owner, collector Dr. Ralf Einhoff. Appreciating the rarity and condition of chassis 12158, the current owner purchased the car in 2019 to join his beautifully curated collection of Lamborghini’s.
In the last 1000km the car has been comprehensively serviced including; new P7 tyres, new fuel pumps and carburettor rebuild plus suspension and driveshaft overhauls. It is complete with correct books and tools, original Alpine7273L hi-fi, factory sports exhaust and comprehensive history file.
