1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S

The legendary Lamborghini Countach first appeared in 1974 and became the instant pin-up car for that generation of teenagers. It is a mid-engined V12 sports car designed by Bertone and features "Scissor Doors" and a tubular "space frame" chassis. Designed with pure performance in mind, it is perhaps the world's first real Supercar, with legendary looks and style.

The 5000S derivative offered here was introduced in 1982, and saw the engine increase from 4,000 to 4,754cc. The externals remained the same but the internals received a refresh and power was increased from 355 to 375bhp and torque from 263 lb/ft to 308 lb/ft. Only 323 cars were ever built in total, of which only a very small number (about 10%) were right-hand drive, making this a rare and highly collectable example.

Supplied new through Lamborghini London to his Majesty Prince Salmon Bin Samd Bin Abaul Aziz Alsaud from Saudia Arabia (as one of 2 cars - the other was left-hand drive), the car remained in Saudi Arabia until acquired by Tony Wilkinson in 1988. First registered in the UK in 1988 with the suffix "5038 TW", the decision was then made to change the original colour from red to white. This was a fully comprehensive job carried out by Lamborghini expert, Mike Pullen, of renowned specialists Carrera Sport, with the car stripped to bare metal and professionally restored and repainted in gleaming White with White leather upholstery. (Pictures in file.)

Mike Pullen continued to maintain the car throughout the 90s and even owned the car at one point. It has had various registration numbers assigned over the years, including "BUL158", "DFP 978Y" and "CAP 159Y"- as it is registered today.

Acquired by our vendor in January 2009, the car has had over £60,000 spent on a comprehensive restoration carried out during 2010/2011, mostly with Pete Chambers Automotive. (All bills and receipts on file.) The car also had a new clutch fitted in 2013. Since all this work has been completed, this lovely Lamborghini has covered just 1,847kms and has been kept in a bespoke storage facility, heated and dehumidified in Mallorca. Our vendor, a friend of Silverstone Auctions MD - Nick Whale, is extremely exacting and has maintained the car in the truly exceptional condition in which it is offered today.

Offered with a fresh MoT, original manual and service books, a comprehensive history file containing all bills, receipts and photographs and a bespoke fitted cover - this 48,000-kilometer car (circa 30,000 miles) is highly collectable and in outstanding condition. It also comes with a rare video of the launch of the Countach Anniversary in Italy in 1989, at which this particular car was on display.