Official Countach Value Thread

If I HAD to have a US rear bumper, this more angular bumper is the only way to go. It actually exists harmoniously within the Countach's design, rather than appearing as a wart upon it, as the later US bumper does, IMO.

 

True.

 

Agreed.

 

When it comes to the market for these cars, everyone has an opinion, and it is colored by whether they are a seller, buyer, owner, enthusiast or simply a JCL* armchair-expert.

Coming back to values & numbers: The bottom line is, this is an LP500S, adorned with undesirable DOT mechanical & cosmetic features. Accordingly, it would be on the very lower end of my $125k - $175k range. Add something for the fact that it has some historical production significance and add something for the fact that it is in a nice silver/blue livery, and suddenly we are back to the upper end of the scale. $175k is the best I can do here, so I guess I cant afford this one as we are $165k apart.


FWIW JCL = Johnny Come Lately

 

They are rare with this rear cover, but as stated, that does not always mean desirable.
You can't beat the original euro look imo. I do like the Qv DOT rear cover but only from a direct on view. From the side they look just "tacked on" and usually have a pretty big gap.
(we talked about Paytons car before and this black one burned to the ground)
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I like the rear treatment. It's nice to see something a little different sometimes. It keeps thing interesting.

 

I kinda like these bumpers too. If it has to have bumpers, these look pretty good from the rear view. Better than the big blocky ones

 

So lets review: within 24 hours we have come up with proof that the rear panels pictured below were not a unique item fitted to just one car. They were the first series of rear panels for USA-bound LP500S.

ApexOversteer stated it appropriately by saying "If I HAD to have a US rear bumper...". The fact remains that since every USA Countach is over 21 years you dont have to have one, and its clear to me as a person that deals with these cars on a daily basis that the overwhelming majority of buyers/owners/enthusiasts DO NOT LIKE these DOT attachments forced upon the Countach's original being. Sure, many will find a reason to reluctantly live with them, or learn to begrudgingly accept them, but if they could wave a magic wand (ie: not have to deal with the time & expense) they would be gone in an instant.

As a renowned UK car journalist once put it: "They have absolutely no redeeming features whatsoever".

My bet is that we will see more & more cars having these items removed as is already the case, and be returned to the standard Eu look that the car was designed as. A cottage industry is to be had carrying this out.

What does this have to do with the values thread? I think that a Countach without DOT doo-dads is at the upper end of the scale value-wise for each variant.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Amazing what a bit of community can do.

My question, longer term, is what about future value of originality? A lot is said about, "if it didn't come from the factory that way...", yet, on the newer, higher production run cars, the same may be quick to say, "change it". I wonder about the reconciliation in say, 15 years.

 

Stealth?

 

Yes, strictly speaking this is indeed an issue. But I think you'll find that for many in the market for these cars "originality" might be perceived as the car's original design & spec minus the USA DOT add-ons. I would imagine that the 4 side-markers and the front & rear bits can be kept with the car, and passed on to a discriminating next owner as 'original equipment'...

 

Another.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Really is a good looking bumper. The more I see it the more I like it. I'd rather have the rear bumper than the wing. Does having the wing on add value now? It was a popular option after all...
Can the bumper be easily removed for a take it or leave it deal?

 

I think the wing is a 50-50 between those who love it and those who hate it.

I think there is some bodywork & paint to consider in removing the rear panel.

 

if i had a 2v 5000S FI i would keep it as it is (rear light surround included) or go ALL the way:
remove the bumpers, FI and make it a WEBER 5000S

personally i do not see the point of a euro look FI 5000S....these cars look already good with the early US rear bumper (imo)

to be honest, the rear Alfa lights + reflectors were never as good looking as the rear LP500 lights threatment....

 

on the other hand i cannot argue with removing the front and rear US QV bumpers: those were ugly and really ruined the design!

 

For the US QV, yes, there is paint and some minor body work. There are 2 small mounting holes for the rear bezel which need to be filled.

The light assemblies can be reused. The US style surrounds must be replaced with the aluminum backing reflector and translucent red surround. These are still available from the factory, though the original period pattern pressed into the reflector is NLA.

The US rear bezel isn't that bad IMO, actually I wouldn't mind it at all if the Euro trim didn't look so much better. I'm surprised the angular 5000 rear bezel received any praise, just painful to look at. Similarly the 4 "toaster" bumperettes and front bumper deserve to be in the trash bin. These are easily removed. Filling the mounting holes in the quarter panels requires more body and paint work. certainly a doable conversion that won't break the bank.

 

Thanks Dennis, I agree with your thoughts completely.

 

98% of the time I have referred to it as a "spoiler" and that's exactly what it is, IMO.

 

Yes, yes, yes!!!

 

Well we finally sold Jason "Top carbon" a Countach..it was a pleasure having him here at the store...enjoy the car Jason!!
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

FYI, 1987 Black on Black FI Countach I had... is SOLD..off to the new owner Jason "Top Carbon"

Was a pleasure to have you come visit us at the shop and spend time here..I am sure you will enjoy the car ripping up and down the streets of Scottsdale..

I AM NOT responsible for speeding tickets!! LOL

 

Congrats Jason!

Roy what is in the inventory for CTs below 200K? Still have the 400 S2?

 

Congrats Roy and Jason

 

+1. Jason your going to love it.