Who hasn't had dreams of getting their hands on a Countach? Arguably the most iconic Lamborghini ever built, the Countach became the stuff of legend thanks to its 12-cylinder monster of an engine, scissor-opening doors and an uncompromising, aggressive wedge silhouette that brimmed with character. The LP5000 S is the third, arguably most desirable evolution of Marcello Gandini's legendary design, and it's this car that appeared on so many posters and in so many magazines in its day - it positively captured the excess of '80s Supercar design at its best. Only 321 LP5000 S were produced between 1982 and 1985. 

Who wouldn't want to get involved in bringing this US market Countach back to life? This impressive example has been static for some time, and is now eagerly awaiting a comprehensive overhaul. A Dutch specialist has assessed the car and estimates approximately €150,000 - 200,000 for a complete technical and cosmetic restoration, encompassing the mechanicals, bodywork, repaint and interior retrim.

That's the sort of work that's guaranteed to be rewarding. Imagine the sheer thrill of getting behind the wheel and feeling that soundtrack for the first time under your feet, arching sharply into blistering performance that turns heads and stirs the spirit. With only 321 built, and only a scarce portion still remaining, it could well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

While this is a car that's unrestored and highly original, it's still in enviable condition. The bodywork appears straight and through, picked out in a handsome white livery that's carrying only gentle signs of its years on static display. The deep-set forged alloys colour-matched and nicely presented.

Internally, the car's simple but determined black leather cabin is well-kept, with age-commensurate patina. We note some gentle cracking to the high-backed seats, but nothing that immediately detracts from the interior's sharp, focused persona. Everything looks very original, with instruments clean and legible and the raging bull all-present and correct on the steering wheel. 

It's the fire in its belly that truly makes a Countach the stuff of legend, and it's here where the car reportedly needs the most attention. Having spent so long static, a good preen and overhaul is required to get it back on the road proper - and we're sure that'll prove a very worthwhile endeavour. 

The engine runs, and the gearbox is shifting, but it's all unrestored and still a little resistant. The brakes are seized and will need some attention dishing out to them, too, but this is a Countach - a car that simply demands the respect and care it deserves.

 
Boasting a top speed of around 180mph, the Countach offered 375bhp from its whopping great 12-cylinder engine, and all of the hardware is as proudly on display under the rear-mounted bonnet, every bit as handsome to behold as it will be when it's on the move.

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