Official Countach Value Thread

If anyone had the opportunity, last night on Jay Leno's Garage, the entire show was dedicated to "original, unrestored" cars. He had Jerry Seinfeld on discussing 3 of his vintage Porsches that were worth more with their cracked paint, unrestored engines, tatty interiors, etc. than units just out of a fresh restoration. Jerry said his #1 criteria for looking at a car to purchase is originality.

It was an interesting perspective for sure. He spoke with a doctor who bought a 1969 Dodge Daytona for $95,000.00 last year at auction and this thing had mold growing all over it, dents everywhere, torn upholstery, etc. Like Jay said "10 years ago, these kind of cars would be destined for the junk yard. Now they are winning awards at car shows for "originality" and highly sought after.

Patrick Dempsy was on discussing his love of Porsches and was commenting on how the older Carrera 2.7 RS cars have been over-restored and now locked away inside of collections because people don't want to drive them.

I guess its what each owner wants to do with their car. I'm sure there will come a day when the proverbial "barn find" Countach will be worth more than a car that has been restored far beyond how it ever left the factory. Only time will tell....

As for me, I like restored cars. I don't think I'd like driving a car with mold on it! LOL!!!

Mike

 

do these people not know where to draw the line ?

nice used condition with original paint and leather with cracks (but not rips) - thats patina

mold, dents, torn upholstery etc - thats a basket case in need of serious attention

 

Here is the Daytona in question. Hard to believe someone would pay $95,000.00

Mike
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The supposed barn find Daytona by Charlie Lyons.
Which was actually found in a carport in lower Alabama.
What is even more surprising is the fact that the finder, Charlie lost money on this transaction.
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I have always enjoyed driving my cars...not here to save them for someone else when I die...AND so far, all of them are better with miles ont hem, then most of their variant that are savored/restored that I come across.

I do agree however with the charger..that is just past the point of a ORIGINAL car to enjoy...its just something to look at and talk stories about. For me, it has to be able to be driven on the street as it was intended for...

 

This is the other car they were discussing that blew my mind.

He bought it simply to keep somebody from restoring it. He wanted to keep it in this original condition!

This car sold for US$360,000 in this condition ... and will not be restored

Mike

 

I doubt that.

We have seen some barn find Countachs discovered and auctioned, and we have seen some totally restored Countachs auctioned (such as the green Countach LP400S 1121316 I sold).

Basically, even though we are talking about different variants, the restored cars bring @ twice what barn-finds do, especially if its authentically restored, and I see no reason that will change.

At the end of the day, the cars have to be usable, because, they are cars, so, whilst original & unrestored cars are understandably celebrated, restored cars are an important part of the heritage & values of classic cars, especially when they are authentically restored.

 

What ever happened to the copper S2 that didn't run & sold for something like 1 million? I wonder if it's still sitting in the warehouse?

 

Considering the owner of that Daytona in 2006 when I approched him wanted 70 grand for it as it sat. Had it been a number matching Hemi with the 727 tranny I may have been a buyer. But not with the 440/727 combo in that condition. I have no idea what Charlie paid but it was not worth more than mid 40's as she sat. Then sink another 40+ into her to make her as near to original as possible and maybe squeek out 140k for her at current market. On a good day.

 

That was a well-preserved car (not a barn find by any stretch), it ran, just not at the time of the auction, it went to the UK, Mike Pullen serviced it, and I believe its being used in Monte Carlo.

 

That's great news.

 

Agreed.

 

I think some people exaggerated the reason it didn't run (when in fact this was a very nicely persevered totally original car which brought what it did for a reason) to mean that it was a car in need of restoration or total mechanical recommissioning.

Others also said that such a low-mileage would never be driven.

They were wrong on both counts.

Here its is recently running around Monte Carlo being enjoyed.
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I don't mind restarting cars and if it means that I can get a car back to its former glory and being assured that everything is like new is great. The restoration process is fun and seeing a car being born step by step is something to experience (bear in mind if parts are available = stress free).

I have very much enjoyed seeing you take us through the Bordeaux Mimran Countach restoration.

 

UR welcome Mo, I was happy to share that experience, and indeed, if you can do it right, it ranks up there as one of the most special experiences anyone can go through.

That said, I think its impossible for the restorative process to be totally stress-free, and that's even if you start with a great car and are working with good, honest, skilled people, and can get the parts. And the reason is, the only thing you can guarantee in a restoration is, it will not go exactly according to plan, and this with the best laid plans of mice & men!

The highs & lows of a restoration are not for everyone. But don't get me wrong, I am not putting anyone off restoring a Countach, in fact the opposite, I am encouraging people to have a go. But as I always do, I like to set people up for two important words: reasonable expectations. The satisfaction of a restoration is not just personal, but you feel as if you have contributed to the hobby overall by preserving a car for future generations.

 

that shady 84' efi car is now listed on ebay for 300

1984 Lamborghini Countach | eBay

1984 Lamborghini Countach S, Fully Restored Carrollton TX 16019253
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Shady? I havent kept up here lately- whats the story with this one? I see the stupid LED lights in back and gear shift handle have to go!!!

 

Its funny to read all of this conversation about restoring/not restoring. Other hobbies of mine have the similar conversations. The idea of restoring a good condition "survivor" also seems strange to me. That Daytona though.. that is over the top.

A good survivor- with patina as someone mentioned.. is better than a nut and bolt restoration IMHO, BUT- a pristine, low mile all original survivor- not in need of restoration= trumps all..

Cheers-

 

Apparently an Anniversary went for €436,800 at RM Sotheby's. Can anyone confirm?

Correction: I found the auction result ~ still good to have on this thread for reference.

 

found this on Ebay. Anyone wanting a driver QV with serviced out engine with some miles and not feel guilty about addeing mileage, here it is. $260K or best offer. That could be the cheapest car around right now.
with price having gone up, drivers are becoming scarced since everyone seems to be doing bolts and nuts restauration

1987 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV ($52K Full Engine-Out Service) | eBay

 

I would rather purchase a better example for a little more than this one that has several things wrong

 

sure for the purists. but that is precisely, the point: no guilt!. For someone on "budget" not looking for a pristine car who just want to bast around, the price is hard to beat.
I remember 10-20 years ago they were a lot of "driver" posters on various lambo sites. These guys have all but been squeezed out. Very few people now can afford to drive countach in perfect conditions "to the max" and with complete spirit freedom anymore.

 

Not too sure if the word "budget" and quarter million dollar toy work together ? But I get what your saying.

 

I agree, but when you compare whats available, spending that extra $20-30k from a starting price of $260,000 car will be worth it down the road. From what i have researched on this car, it has some cosmetic irregularities, missing spare, jack and tools.
Plus look at the $52,000 in service posted. Look closely. cross reference parts and price. tell me what you think.