Official Countach Value Thread

A red S1 sold for something over 500k euro in Europe auction lately i seem to remember

 

I Think you mean this one.

1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series I by Bertone | Monaco 2016 | RM Sotheby's

 

yes, Eric
that one
it is a good indication of recent market for a car in needs of (partial or total) restoration.
from pics looks like it needs quite a bit of money to be in show conditions, BUT looks all complete and original with few details easy to correct

 

Emilio, we had 1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series I by Bertone | Monaco 2016 | RM Sotheby's inspected, and please believe me when I tell its no less than a TOTAL restoration project. There is just no righteous way to do a partial job, so assuming the buyer is in the car @ $560k, with a proper restoration, we are talking about a $800k car at minimum. That said, I doubt the owner of a freshly-restored LP400S of any variant would let it go for that amount! I would not describe the restoration of any of these cars as "easy", but I do think this car can be returned to its original glory (& unique color), and it is a truly worthwhile endeavor.

 

So the price shown on their web site, is that US Dollars or Euros and is it with or without the fees??

 

Dollars with fees. Definitely required a full nut and bolt restoration.

 

I guess I can consider myself lucky after securing this late yesterday...

1981 Lamborghini Countach S2.
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That picture looks familiar.

Don't know what you paid, but it is a great color for the S2. Congrats!

 

Agreed!

The former owner in your back yard started quite a thread on it http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/lamborghinichat-com-sponsored-cats-exotics/189306-countach-barn-find-story.html @ 8 years ago, which you posted in, so perhaps it was meant to be.

 

I'd say a sensible range might be $750k to $1m for a nice car, and factory specials could be even more.

It really depends on many many questions, some of which are:

Is it restored or original?

If original, is it in well-preserved unmodified condition, with all its original ancillaries?

If restored, to what standard and detail of correctness, partial, total, or in-between?

What is the car's current mechanical standard?

Does it currently use original or replacement/aftermarket components?

Is it in its original color scheme?

The list goes on, but you get the idea.

These cars are all so different that it depends on the individual car we are talking about, its specific history, and its specific current status.

It even depends on who the buyer is, or who is appraising the car, and their specific impetus.

There are many variables, and thus the value range is not inconsiderable.

 

Joe,
i had not inspected it, not even seen so many pics.... so i said "partial to total", i believe you it is a total one and i agree on the 800k$ for the "restored" car when finished.

my easy was meant on the presence of "not original parts" on the car, that looks quite limited:
it looks that most of the original equipment is still with the car, people sometimes understimate this aspect
so while it needs to be restored, the new owner won't have to hunt for many original parts changed for others.

what i meant is it is a very important thing in a restoration to start with a "complete" car with mostly original parts (i see the stereo and mirrors are changed on this one, for sure there are more items to correct...but looks pretty good from this point of view)
if you start with a car without the proper bravo wheels, proper steering wheel, shiftknob, bonnet, airboxes....it could make a big difference in time and price when the car will be done

 

yes! i agree
looks amazing!

 

Wow, Roy you are lucky.

 

Indeed, this makes a huge difference in time, cost, and in fact the integrity of the restoration. You don't want to end up with a 'bitsa' as a result of the assemblage of parts & components not original to the car being restored. Sometimes you cannot help this, but its not what is preferred.

 

Joe (et al)

You know my car...LP400S2. Mike Pullen has been looking after the mechanicals, and I had a 'useable' bare metal respray (not to 'museum' standard or cost).

I am now considering going the whole hog with a full resto. Needs the electronic ignition converted back to standard, removal of door speakers, and an OEM windscreen. Interior original, aircon works and has been replaced by Mike. New rubbers, cables etc are needed.

What do you think of Polo Storico, the new Lambo official service? https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/ownership/polo-storico
Will it go the way of "Classiche Certification" and be seen as a good thing to have?

I'm not in a hurry to sell, as you know.., but would like to protect/enhance future value, especially now a $ is worth so much more to us Brits!

If not PS, who would you recommend in UK? Thanks

 

Sorry, but I have no idea if working with Polo Storico is a positive experience that results in value for money.

The expression 'Restoration' is loosely used and I'm very reluctant to recommend anything besides what I'm doing myself in California under my own supervision.

 

Fair enough, thanks

 

I know my response was not helpful for a guy in Europe or the UK, but a full restoration is a HUGE commitment and you better know the people you are dealing with very well, and the only one I would deal with is the one I'm dealing with now, and he's in the USA.

 

How about Grimaldi or Colin Clarke?

 

No problem, and I did mean "fair enough"! I just wondered if you had personal experience of either Polo S or anyone in UK. Thanks

 

Thanks

I don't know Grimaldi although I've obviously heard of them. Do they do good work?

Colin Clarke did original recommissioning work on my car before I bought it. Mike P inspected it for me and has looked after it since. He is very good, and he owns the only other S2 in UK. I'd Have no problem with Mike, if there's no real perceived benefit in having gone back to factory. (If I ever sell)
He is very busy, but I think you just have to accept these things are going to take longer and cost more than you want!

 

Understood.

Never dealt with anyone in Italy personally for a full restoration, and although I have seen some restorations come out of there that were very good, there are always obvious details that were not attended to properly, so I can't really recommend. To me, restorations are too much of a time & financial commitment not to have them end well, so its a touchy subject!

 

What are the Countach variants worth now? I've lost track for the last year or so.

 

The big question is, will it be ready for the next Countach Lunch event ???