1982 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S #1121446
SPECIFICATIONS
- MakeLamborghini
- ModelLP400 S
- Year1982
- Mileage40,339
- Serial #1121446
- Number Built3
We are pleased to offer 1982 Lamborghini Countach S s/n 1121446, a very late Series III “S” and one of only three cars built with the rear reflector running all across the rear of the car. S/n 1446 has had only one owner for the last twenty-three years and just last year finished a complete engine rebuilt, including a custom crankshaft which increased the stroke from 62 mm to 66 mm and custom pistons and sleeves which increased the bore from 82 mm to 84 mm, giving an overall displacement increase from 3,929 cc to 4,389 cc, at a cost of $44,455.10. The differential was also rebuilt with a new ring and pinion at a cost of $16,078.13. When unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the audacious cab-forward architecture, the longitudinal V12 engine and the aggressive bodylines were visually stunning! Countach production began only three years later, making the Countach an instant automotive legend. No other car was so immediately well received, revered, and celebrated in posters, advertisements, movies and exotic car showrooms as the Countach. Picking up where the world’s first supercar, the Miura, left off, the Countach’s aggressive, geometric forms continues to define every Supercar that Lamborghini makes today.
In production for approximately fifteen years, the Countach evolved continuously. After the initial LP400 variant of the Countach, of which 150 examples were made, the most desirable Countach is the LP400 S, which appeared in 1978 and was built until 1982, with 237 “S” model Countachs built over five years, or about one car a week. This particular Countach is a highly desirable Series III, one of only 82 built. These cars incorporated the Walter Wolf inspired flares and wing to the original Gandini design which became the iconic version, making the LP400 S Countach an exceptional centerpiece to any serious collection. While some Supercar collectors may prefer the LP400 cars in part due to the visual presentation of the original un-cluttered body, the sculptural ferocity of the original masterpiece was enhanced on the “S” models by the bold flares and large wing. As for the driving experience, there is no substitute for the visceral sound of the carbureted V12 at full song.
In July of last year Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401 completed a total engine rebuild for LP400S s/n 1446. The engine and transaxle were removed and separated. The standard LP400S bore is 82 mm and stroke is 62 mm for a total of 3,929 cc. The engine was rebuilt with new 84mm pistons ($2,580.00) and new 84mm liners ($3,180.00) plus a new, custom forged 66mm crankshaft ($9,850), increasing total displacement from 3929 cc to 4389 cc. All four cams were re-profiled ($2,640.00) for more power. A new engine gasket kit ($1633.78) was installed. New rod and main crank bearings ($2,176.88) and a new oil seal ($474.54) were installed. The cylinder heads were re-machined ($900.00). The water pump was rebuilt with a new style seal ($350.00). New Kevlar clutch lining ($450.00) was fitted. The valve covers and rear engine frame were powder coated ($300.00). New stainless steel fuel lines ($230.00) were installed. The clutch slave cylinder was replaced to lower pedal pressure. New fuel pumps were fitted. All six carbs were rebuilt with new carb kits. All fluids and hoses were replaced including new gas and oil filters, new spark plugs, new plug wires, new water hoses and new engine mounts. The total invoice was $44,455.10. The mileage was 64,804 kms (40,267 miles).
In January of this year the mechanical restoration was finished with a differential rebuild by Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401. Remove engine and transmission, separate engine and transmission, separate engine and oil pan/differential housing. Install a new ring and pinion and all related bearings ($9,200) plus labor. The total invoice was $16,078.13. Mileage 64,920 kms (40,339 miles).
Today, Countach LP 400S s/n 1446 presents well and, thanks to the very recent rebuild with a larger displacement, has far more power and torque than other LP 400S models. The car starts easily and settles into a smooth but throaty idle. The exhaust note is aggressive and visceral in keeping with the car’s aggressive styling. The clutch and brakes operate as expected, with the gearbox delivering smooth shifts in each gear, with none of the usual 2nd and 3rd gear synchro notchiness. Driving is exhilarating and delivers a swift push in your back as the car launches to highway speeds in a matter of seconds, coupled with the magical noise that only a carbureted V12 can deliver. There is a sense of drama and occasion which makes every drive a unique experience. The car drives very confidently and power comes on without throttle hesitation. The instruments show excellent oil pressure and correct oil and water running temperatures. It is nearly impossible to complete a drive without an ear-to-ear grin.
Cosmetically Countach LP 400S s/n 1446 shows well at a glance and the paint is very glossy throughout. The front spoiler was repainted last year but there is minor road rash on the hood and there are paint chips where the engine lid meets the trunk lid. There is minor paint cracking at the top of the passenger’s door window frame and a few minor chips or very small dents on various panels. Overall, the attractive driver quality cosmetics give an excellent visual impression, accented by the black trim, clean and largely unmarred glass and clear lenses. The trademark scissor doors open and close smoothly and latch with confidence. The hood and trunk both open and shut correctly and fit well. All panel gaps are very good with no obvious issues, reflecting original factory specifications. The correct factory wheels were polished last year to a mirror-like finish but are now due for another polish. All four Pirelli P Zero tires need to be replaced because of their date code. The front compartment shows nicely and carries the original spare tire and correct factory rim. The overall exterior condition and presentation is very original and appropriate for what is now a forty-year old Supercar with 40,000 miles.
The tan leather sills, door panels, seats and center console present nicely with very good fit and finish, while the headliner is new. The leather on the top of the dashboard has shrunk and so should be replaced. The instruments are in very good condition with solid numbers and dark dial faces, matching overall with the quality of the interior and also believed original. The carpeting is tidy and clean throughout the interior. The trunk compartment displays factory carpeting with matching side panels all of which show some use and should be re-glued into place, but again appear original.
Under the hood, the engine and engine compartment are complete, properly maintained and detailed. Correct air cleaners, hoses, and proper fasteners are all in keeping with the recent mechanical restoration. The underside of the car is clean and dry, showing correct components all of which indicate a solid and unmodified car, consistent with the cosmetic condition overall.
The Countach has always delivered on the promise of a stunning presentation, remarkable performance and dramatic design. Thanks to confident high-speed handling coupled with Bizzarrini’s masterpiece of a V12, there is little in the exotic car world that can compete with the audacity of the Countach. Countach S s/n 1121446 is ready to be driven as originally intended thanks to fresh mechanicals and well-preserved and strikingly original cosmetics and performance. Thanks to California’s singular smog laws, not for sale in California. We welcome any fly-in inspection or any pre-purchase inspection.
This car is currently at auction. View it here:
S/n 1121446. Lamborghini Countach S. Series III, 82 produced. The first chassis number of this series is 1121312 and the final chassis number is 1121468 and all cars have even last numbers. From new in red with tan. The “S” model was fitted with 8.5 x 15 front wheels mounted with 205/70 ZR 15 Pirelli tires and 12 x 15 rear wheels mounted with 345/35 ZR 15 Pirelli tires covered by aggressive fender flairs.
1982, build date.
1982, new to Dubai (the UAE).
To the US and seized by the DEA.
1994, sold at a DEA auction to Don Davis.
1994, 11 Oct., Nevada title issued to Don Davis, Mileage exempt.
1995, shown at Concorso Italiano, Monterey, 2nd in class.
1997, 14 Jan., Nevada registration updated for Don Davis.
1997, 26 Sept., offered on the Autobroker.net website, red with tan, asking $65k.
1997, 19 Oct., Bill of Sale from Don Davis to Christopher Brown.
1997, 09 Dec., Nevada title issued to Christopher Brown, the current owner. Mileage exempt.
1998, 06 May, serviced by Filippo’s Gran Turismo, 1824 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, CA, 90025. New upper and lower ball joints, charge A/C. Total invoice $3,465.62. Mileage 57,889 kms (35,970 miles).
1998, 07 Aug, serviced by Filippo’s Gran Turismo, 1824 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, CA, 90025. Check for oil leaks, new oil hoses, Total invoice $1,343.90. Mileage 58,087 kms (36,093 miles).
1998, 10 Oct., serviced by Filippo’s Gran Turismo, 1824 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles, CA, 90025. Overhaul distributor. Total invoice $320.00. Mileage 58,364 kms (36,265 miles).
1999, 22 March, parts ordered from Emilian Auto S.p.a., Via de’ Carracci 12, Bologna, Italy.
2001, 07 April, serviced by Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401. New tires. New “A”-arm bushings, 12 new spark plugs. Total invoice $2,111.99. Mileage 60,948 kms (37,871 miles).
2005, 05 Dec., serviced by Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401. Revised ignition to single, 12-point distributer, electronic ignition. Install MSD box, new cap, rotor and ignition wires. Total invoice $2,200.00. Mileage 64,141 kms (39,855 miles).
2006, 21 April, serviced by Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401. Check for oil leaks, remove wheel well for access, tighten oil line behind radiator. Total invoice $720.00. Mileage 64,141 kms (39,855 miles).
2016, 30 Nov., 1982 Lamborghini Countach S s/n 1121446 appraised for insurance purposes by Gene Barr, Valley Classic Motors, 11133 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA, 91601. Appraised at $496,000 USD.
2020, 07 July, completed engine rebuild by Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401. Remove engine and transaxle, separate engine and transaxle. Standard bore is 82mm and stroke is 62mm for a total of 3,929cc. Rebuild with new 84mm pistons ($2,580.00) and new 84mm liners ($3,180.00) plus a new 66mm crankshaft ($9,850), increasing total displacement from 3929 cc to 4389 cc. Install re-profile camshafts ($2,640.00) for more power. New engine gasket kit ($1633.78). New rod and main crank bearings ($2,176.88). New oil seal ($474.54). Machine cylinder heads($900.00). Rebuild water pump with new style seal ($350.00). New Kevlar clutch lining ($450.00). Powder coat valve covers and rear engine frame ($300.00). New stainless steel fuel line ($230.00). Revised clutch slave cylinder to lower pedal pressure. Install new fuel pump. Rebuild all six carbs plus six carb kits. New oil, filter, plugs, all water hoses and new engine mounts. Total invoice $44,455.10. Mileage 64,804 kms (40,267 miles).
2020, 20 Aug, paint touch up by Precision Auto body, 7654 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA, 91335. Install new rear wing mounts, polish wheels, replace rear body reflective light panel, paint lower front spoiler. Total invoice $6,105.75. Mileage 64,840 kms (40,289 miles).
2021, Jan., complete differential rebuild by Franco’s European Sports Cars, 14336 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA, 91401. Remove engine and transmission, separate engine and transmission, separate lower engine/oil pan, remove differential pinion and ring gear. Install new ring and pinion gears with new bearings and seals ($9,200.00). Total invoice $16,078.13. Mileage 64,920 kms (40,339
