Record breaking Lambo up for sale

A record-breaking 1980s Lamborghini is heading to auction. The 1983 Countach LP500S has 12 British Outright Speed records to its name and will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro Classic Car Sale later this month.

The right-hand drive, UK delivered Countach LP500S is one of only 25 examples made and was first owned by racing driver and Lamborghini aficionado Barry Robinson. On 15 October, 1983, Barry Robinson and his co-driver, Alex Postan set a series of 12 British speed and endurance records for production cars, lapping the Millbrook test track at 180mph for extended periods.

Chassis number '12550' was also tested by Car magazine while it was owned by the racing driver as part of a feature to  examine the four fastest road cars money could buy in Britain at the time. It pitted the Countach against the new Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, Porsche 911 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage. A copy of the article, which appeared in Car's April 1984 edition, is included in the sale.

Guy Lee-Milne, general manager and classic car specialist, at Silverstone Auctions, said, ‘This Countach has the performance, racing driver provenance and of course the icon, dramatic looks.’

The car was sold and was acquired by its current owner in July 2014. Having been kept in storage for the previous ten years, the new owner has invested heavily in returning the Lamborghini to the condition it is in today. The works included remedying minor mechanical ailments, new door glass and windscreen, tyres and battery. More recently, in June 2016, the car was treated to a glass-out and trim-out re-spray.

Today the Countach is in good condition, finished in red paintwork with a tan leather interior, and will be offered at auction with a sale estimate of £325,000 to £350,000. Included with the car is the history file included detailed invoices of works completed along with the MoT certificate, magazine articles, manuals and service records and information about the RAC Speed Records.

To find out more about the Lamborghini Countach LP500S and Silverstone Auctions Race Retro Classic Car sale visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.