It said:"Well-Preserved, Low-Mileage Example." So Gooding is not thrustworthy in describing their lots? Good to know for potential customers doing absent bidding... Image Unavailable, Please Login
To be fair to the auction houses, they rely on the Sellers giving an honest and accurate description and typically don't see the car until a few days before it crosses the block. Just like any other car, you should absolutely not absentee bid without someone inspecting the car for you.
I think it's well-established common-knowledge that auction houses in general (not just Gooding!) portray the cars consigned in rather more glowing terms than actually warranted, in many cases. One man's "well-preserved" can be another man's "driver". The buyer is expected to do their pre-sale due-diligence. Correct.
The 25th Downdraft is not FIA Homologated, the QV Downdraft is, in fact its the ONLY Countach variant that is. Given that a FIA Homologated QV Downdraft is worth roughly twice what a QV Fuelie is, but both variants of the 25th have similar values, this further underscores why the FIA Homologation makes a difference to a serious collector now, and will continue to do so. We have seen values of certain Ferraris increase over the years on the basis of FIA Homologation alone, case in point, the 288 GTO, these used to be $250k cars, we just sold 2 in the past month for $2.9m and $2.675m and respectively. Same concept is true of certain Porsches, whereas it may mean nothing to some, the FIA Homologation motorsports linkage translates to value in the hearts & minds of others. That's the way the market works, and if you are an astute collector or involved in the market full-time, you'll understand this quickly. Furthermore, as great a car as the 25th is, its styling will always hold back its values, and I think this lends towards the tendency for the market to treat both variants as the same. That said, in Eu/ROW, Downdrafts 25ths bring significantly more. So true. I have seen cars from that region with fine powdered sand & silt pouring out of every single crevice.
Here's quoted directly from Gooding's auction catalogue: "Recently evaluated and serviced by a marque specialist, this Countach displays approximately 18,850 km and offers sensational cosmetic quality, from the detailed engine bay to the carefully prepared undercarriage. The consignor, who has owned nearly every version of Lamborghinis Countach, describes this cars overall condition as nothing short of superb. How can Gooding Co. or the owner/seller describe this car as "sensational" and "superb"? If it's definitely not correct! Doesn't the auction house have to back up what they put up in writing? Wouldn't you be able to cancel such a transaction when car is not up to the written description? I acquired some motorbikes a couple of years ago on absentee from Bonhams, and one of them wasn't as described and was missing some paperwork. I returned it, had them pay for shipping overseas both ways, and refund me the total. But that was Bonhams, not sure what's common practice elsewhere. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Fundamentally, I am with you 100%, and I think you would have traction with the auction house if the car or bike was not as described. But auctions = do your due diligence, so you are a brave man buying from an auction sight-unseen, and, as you can see with the motorcycle episode, even though you got your money back, the most important asset you have - your time - was wasted and is not refundable. I drove the Countach Periscopa that sold this past weekend for $940k, and to me it was simply a 'driver' in need of some TLC everywhere, you can compare those thoughts with the auction description.
I have attended and purchased cars from Barrett-Jackson and Mecum. These auctions specifically put the responsibility on the seller for the accuracy of how the vehicle and information is being presented. The auction requires any buyers to sign a very comprehensive agreement acknowledging that the auction is in no way responsible for the representation of the vehicle. Thus the responsibility lies in the hands of the seller and the buyer. I purchased an M1 which was represented as numbers matching original. After the purchase I attempted to verify numbers matching and it turned out the engine was not the original engine that the car left the BMW factory with. The auction was not very happy and tried to make me feel uncomfortable. I ended up having to prove from BMW Classic that the engine was not the original. Thus I never accepted or paid for the vehicle. As someone mentioned, I wasted 3 days of my time. Any auction is buyer beware. I think you really must know the cars you are buying and what the characteristics are. Also, let's face it, the current collector car craze that's been going on for the past couple of years involves a lot of hype and is directed, in my opinion, at the average consumer who does not have automotive expertise. Getting the auctions to do anything they do not ave to will probably be impossible. There is a lot of fine print dealing with these organizations so you have to be well aware of what you are getting into. Having said all this, there are probably a large number of consumers that are happy with their purchases because they do not know any better and there are probably quite a few who are too embarrassed to admit how naive they were and got caught up in the moment with the vehicle purchase. If you do not know the auction game, I recommend taking someone to the sale with you to help.
1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV Coupé @ Bonhams Goodwood Goodwood Revival, Chichester Goodwood, UK 9 Sep 2017, 13:00 BST Lot 264 Estimate £180,000 - 220,000 Estimate $230,000 - 282,000 To be sold without reserve Blue Scuro/Snowcorn Registration no. R569 MGK VIN: ZA9RE37ADWLA12872 *Delivered new to the UK *Right-hand drive *Circa 50,605 kilometres (approximately 31,446 miles) from new *Full service history This stunning Diablo SV was delivered new to Lamborghini GB on the 3rd January 1998 finished in Blue Scuro with Snowcorn hide interior, and is believed to be one of only three 1998 models with this colour combination. The interior is most impressive, boasting half leather/half Alcantara trim, with door sills, centre console, steering wheel cowl, and dashboard surround in carbon fibre. A Focal Audio sound system and navigation package complete the picture. Externally, '12872' boasts an equally generous specification, being factory fitted with SE30/Monterey Edition side skirts and rear bumper, colour coded adjustable rear spoiler, carbon-fibre rear light surrounds, and twin fog lamps. A sports exhaust is fitted also but the original catalytic converters come with the car. The Diablo's first two services were carried out by main dealers, since when it has been looked after by Lamborghini specialists Carrera Sport, who undertook an engine-out service in August 2015. There are service invoices available for every year from 2001 to March 2015 showing that no expense has been spared in keeping this car in fine fettle. The Lamborghini also comes with an extensive history file containing the V5C registration document, copies of previous V5Cs, owner's manual, service manual, sundry service invoices, and a quantity of expired MoT certificates. The current odometer reading is c.50,700 kilometres (approximately 31,500 miles). A 200mph supercar that turns heads wherever it goes, this beautiful Diablo SV is every enthusiast's dream. Here's the auction link: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24122/lot/264/ Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
You make a great case for why it's worth looking into buying a car via other means besides by auction. For example, there are a number of knowledgeable specialist consultants such as myself who will help you locate the best cars, for a lot less stress & hassle, and for a lot less than 10%!
Sold previously: Silverstone Auctions - The Salon Privé Sale 2015 | Oxford, 04 September. 50,285kms / 31,245 miles. Estimate £135-150k sold for £185k Bonhams Goodwood Revival Sale 10Sep16 with 31446 miles Estimate £200,000 - 250,000. Withdrawn I believe, same pictures as shown in the above Loving that Carbon, even though its not genuine
Looks like a nice car. Love the color of Blue Scuro and the alcantara interior. Blue Diablos always look good IMO. But I am not quite sure whether it will reach the current estimate.
1966 Lamborghini 350 GT by Touring | London 2017 | RM Sotheby's 1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 by Touring | London 2017 | RM Sotheby's 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series II by Bertone | London 2017 | RM Sotheby's
1121298: #299, 17.4.1981 to Emilian Auto, Bologna, 2 owners car, 2011 for sale at Lutziger Classic Cars 2012: G F Automobili, Piazza del tricolore, 3 Villatora di Saonara Italy
1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series II @ RM Sotheby's London To be auctioned on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 Lot 106 Estimate £350,000 - £400,000 Chassis no. 1121298 Bianco/Rosso Documents: UK V5 Desirable 'low-body' Countach One of just 105 Countach LP400S Series II examples built Showing less than 26,000 km Significant recent re-commissioning, supported by invoices on file Within the hierarchy of the Countach LP400S, the Series II models are identifiable by their lower ride height and smooth finish concave wheels. The 50 Series I Countachs, as well as the Series II cars, retained the lower ride height, with the Series II cars sitting slightly higher. It is believed that chassis number 1121310 was the last Series II car built, leaving the car presented here, chassis number 1121298, as the seventh-to-last example constructed. Purchased by the consignor from Italy during 2014, this Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series II (one of just 105 Series II cars built by the factory) was immediately sent for a restoration in order to return it to its former glory. Starting with the bodywork and trim, which has been completed to an 'immaculate' finish, attention was then turned to the mechanicals. This LP400S was delivered to Silverstone-based marque specialist Keys Motorsports for a detailed review, with the subsequent vehicle report on file. Keys Motorsport then undertook a thorough overhaul and re-commissioning of a number of important components, details of which are contained in the extensive file of paperwork accompanying this car. Work included removing the engine, re-commissioning of the clutch and replacement of perishable items. Stripping down, subsequent rebuilding, tuning of the engine, detailing and related components accounted for 64 hours alone, and a significant portion of the final £12,900 invoice. Supplied with a NOVA reference, confirming no taxes or duties are owed on this vehicle, and in addition to the vehicle report and work summary, this LP400S is sold with its original sales brochure, book pack and tool roll. Now, with significant work completed, this stunning Bianco over red leather LP400S is ready for its next owner to enjoy to the maximum of its abilities. Some pictures: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Just a general question of opinion. If you were thinking of selling your Countach, where would you list it for sale with all the different sites out there ? There has been a lot of auction cars talked about but would anyone actually go that route ?
I bet I get a phone call, text or an email at least once a month from people wanting to know if I want t sell mine. I could never imagine having to put it in an auction to sell. Mike
it was also offered last year at NEC... but I'm remembering to have inspect it about 3 to 4 years ago at Lutziger in Switzerland for similar amount but in Euro... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Looks better imo with the silver rims. White on red is a pretty color combo. Is that rubber boot around the shifter gate normal, besides the condition?
The Dashboard doesn't look accurate now, it's not at all like produced originally, see the original state when Lutziger had the car: http://www.lutziger-classiccars.ch/lamborghini-Countach-LP-400S--1981-Weiss_fBeF2PbrKRCocca1q6tzlO2Gw.aspx
