Countach, the ultimate supercar

Nice. I think I've mentioned this before but if not...in my younger days I borderline hated Countachs without the rear wing; now I appreciate the look. Either I'm getting wise with age or going blind.

 

That's what I figured, thus my reference to "dumb question". Not my cup of tea but I/we have certainly seen worse.

 

The contrast of this bay is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Anyone have an engine bay factory true photo of a FI QV, specifically 88.5? I’ve seen at least 4 different “colored” intakes ranging from bare cast, to red or black highlights (logo, and logo + perimeter), to pure black.

Thanks in advance...

 

On **********, the current Andretti Countach owners sentiments somewhat mirror your opinion.

When asked on his feelings of how the car was represented and its true condition. He seems to be very happy with his purchase.

"Good question... First things first, my taste maybe abit different then others when it comes to condition. Mechanicly, having only 5k miles, is both a detriment and blessing. From non use it had the usual small oil leaks here and there. Both fuel accumulators had small leaks, water pump had a small leak, distributor seal had a leak, one of the cam covers was leaking. The gasoline in the tanks smelled very old, needed to be drained. Some other small miscellaneous oil leaks. The alternator light was flickering. So we had a decision to make, attack what ever we could fix and live with the other faults as many others do. Problem was, the car is still 25yrs old, with original oil lines, fuel lines , slave cylinder etc. How was all this going to hold up once the car was back on the road and being driven?The prior owner had driven the car very little, and it wasnt driven at all in over 1 year. What would happen to the head gaskets? I decided that simply fixing whatever I could would simply become a nightmare which would result in simply waiting for the next gasket, fuel line etc to give out, so George and I decided it was best to pull the motor, and fix everything once and for all. I think that choosing to make temporary fixes on cars like this results in a very bad ownership experience, as it really does become simply waiting for the next issue to arise. Obviously today there are many upgrades to these cars that can be done, like heavy duty alternator, brake lines, ignition etc, which are far better than original equipment. Tearing into the motor, we found it to be in great shape inside, compression/leak down turned out great. George advised that the U.S. headers were severaly lacking so I choose to replace with quicksilver, and also quicksilver exhaust. The heads were pulled, and some of the guides were bad/loose so we decided to redo the heads, port/polish and George does some oil modifications. Could of resused the old valves, but decided to replace them all with upgraded valves. The original clutch was in good shape, but with the motor out it would of been silly not to replace it with a Kevlar unit. Everything else like water pump, oil pump, distributor, slave cylinder etc is being either rebuilt or replaced, whether it needed it or not. In the end, the motor and transmissiion will be better than new.

Suspension wise, from age the rear shocks were sagging, the Cv boots leaking, and the rear control arms were bent. Could of left it all alone, but decided to replace all. With all this being done, of course made sense to clean up the entire engine bay while we were at it.

Body and paint wise, the car is in good shape, but suffers from the usual Countach idiosynchrosies. Paint is cracking by the radiotor vents, the rubber caulking is turning colors and coming up in areas, front spoiler is scratched. In 2003 the car was involved in a small accident, rather silly as the repairs totalled $1800 with most of the cost going to replace the front spoiler, and refinishing the front wheel. The paint on the wheel is now chipping off and needs to be refinished. The other wheels had some scuffing, so all of them needed to be refinished. The tires were all old. Ofcourse the front bumper certainly had to go, and I also wanted to the proper european rear conversion. George said he would not repaint the car, so for now, we are fixing all the caulking, doing the euro conversion, new tires and refinishing all the wheels. If when I get the car I feel it needs a repaint I will do that too, but in speaking with George the paint is no better or worse than anyother car of this age.

Interior wise the car is in good shape, no dash shrinkage etc. Only 2 flaws are two holes by the center console were an 80s telephone was mounted, and some scuffing on the driver side sill. Other than some cleanup, new floormats etc, ill leave this alone for now too, but seeing Alberts all new interior, down the line I may obt to redo it all.

So in terms of real condition its hard for me to describe. Id basicly say its what I expected. I looked at other cars, like the 89 pearl white 25th Anniversary which were described as perfect that would of needed all this and more to be perfect to me. I know others in the past tried low balling the owner due to the accident, but with the documentation I have , both Roy and I didnt feel it affected the cars value at all. In the end, Ill have a perfect 87 Qv, with a cool ownership history with 5k miles. At this point I think that anyone who buys one of these cars not expecting to have to go over the car in all areas is kidding themselves. They all will need restoring in one shape or form, whether it be mechanical, or cosmetic and anything you touch on these cars isnt cheap!

So after a long winded response, to finally have what I would consider a PERFECT car, you must do what Albert did, and fully expect to spend another 100K and redo everything, no matter what the condition of the car was touted as when you bought it. In the end money well spent for happiness and peace of mind, and no matter which of these cars you buy, they arent building anymore of them, and they arent going to get any cheaper and their values will only go up. "

 

Yes, I asked Allan that question. And I must say it was a great answer and I appreciated it.

 

Not for nothing.. but that looks flawless.

 

Thanks Joe. Is it correct then to say that the painted logos were not factory, or is this another case where some were and some weren’t?

http://www.lamborghiniregistry.com/Forums/CountachLP5000QV.php

 

Thanks for asking him and getting it here..I agree with his comments..

with the Blue DD, the Black 87 FI as well as the LP400 Periscopa I had to basicaly do the same..and they all turned out excellent and will have many many miles of trouble free pleasure for their new owners..

But I dont think this is limited to Lamborghini's...some of this same stuff as well as the costs can be associated with just about any 25 year old plus car that you want to bring back to life and current driveabilty...see it in the 70" era muscel cars as well...and when done correctly and documented..they all bring the money they deserve.

After all, who would have ever thought a $5K 70 muscel car back in the day...can now command 6 plus BIG figures...

 

No matter what anyone says, you , or who you know always knows better. I do my best to try and get along with you, but it seems that no matter what if it wasnt a car you sold, know of, are friends with the person selling or have any sort of personal interest in, you will have some sort of disparaging remark. Lets see you pick some of Tony Rienzi's cars appart. After all you have informed several people that a 2valve f/i with a total repaint (bad repaint) in need of a full mechanical restoration, along with an interior that looks to be a blind mans wet dream is a good deal at just under 100K.

As Ive noted before, there are reasons you dont post on other boards, there are reasons many dont post here. Anyone who thinks that under your veil of pictures, personally named historian title and self proclaimed exotic car messiah that you are anything more than a used car salesman is sadly mistaken.

Your opinions are to be taken with a grain of salt, with buyer beware of an alterior motive. Atleast with Roy, his intentions are clear, he is here to sell you a car, a buyer knows to do their due dillegence. You on the otherhand pretend to form friendships and bonds, and then use those bonds to form a higher level of trust. Then you stab them in the back with your " THIS CAR HAS NO NEEDS" lines.

 

Speaking of

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-Lamborghini-Countach-5000s-factory-FI-car-clean-Carfax-/120985767550?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c2b504e7e

 

" THIS CAR HAS NO NEEDS"

Out of ALL the cars Joe has sold, this what has to keep coming up?

Brad, are you referring to one car or many cars he sold?

Stop humping that car. Geez. It's over.

 

Yes, thats it. Notice the nicely cropped engine compartment picture .

 

As this car pertains to this board, and thread, YES it keeps coming up. Try enquiring on Lambotalk or ********** of others. You'd be suprised as to what some others have to say.

Not to mention why shouldnt a particular instance be brought up? Does Joe not do this with Roy? Has Roy not sold dozens of cars to happy customers?

 

What do you think the estimated cost would be for a full restoration on this car?

 

It is nearing the price of BUY it, send it off for the full works to George Evans and then re-sale at a profit..but I dont know if I want that headache again...all the negative comments of what is was bought for and a Dealer "god forbid" making a profit on a car he buys, dumps a ton of money into and re-sales as a correct example...

But I must admit..it's tempting...

 

**********Hi fellas************



Let's immediately end the personal attacks and insults. Feel free to post information and pictures, about specific good and questionable cars and to continue to talk about them.



*******We will now end the personal attacks and insults**********


If the attacks continue, I will be forced to ban members and give you a deluxe vacation package.




Remember: You will not be banned for talking about cars and posting information - including questionable cars. The ban will be for attacking another member. I wish I could post some type of mathematical scale, that would allow a member to walk the line and push it as far as possible, and the member would immediately know, if he/she broke the rules. Unfortunately, this is just not possible. With that, it will be the determination of the moderating team, what is and what is not an offensive post. If you avoid personal attacks, you have nothing to worry about.

As always, thanks for your cooperation and interest.



Let's talk cars and not insult other members

 

I believe that is known as the Ferruccio Slide Rule
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