Countach 5000S Pre Purchase Inspection

Hi Guys,

I have just purchased a 5000S subject to a pre-purchase inspection.

Is there anything in particular that I should make sure of when the car is checked?

Thanks and I really look forward to your help.

 

Rust, particularly in places you wouldn't expect such as the tubular chassis.

Water tends to enter and rust the tubes from inside out.

 

Check the condition of the clutch.

 

if it is the one i am thinking about, you wont have anything to worry about.

 

It's a 25 year old Italian car.

There are always things to worry about.

 

This is Australia where Countachs are worth almost 3x the rest of the world.

We are fanatical and pedantic about our cars.
When the car is worth alot of money, we don't fuss about spending money.
I have already spent $45K on mine to get it to 80% of this car in question.

If it is the one I am thinking about, it would be the one of best in Australia.

I know the owner and the mechanics who look after it.

These guys basically don't know the word compromise.
If it needs to get done, it gets done.
It gets done without any compromise or shortcuts...unlike the "general" level of workmansip found in the USA and Europe.

Having imported cars from USA and UK, in general there is no comparison between our locally maintained cars and those from overseas.


These mechanics look after my Testarossa. I have asked them to look after my Countach but they are always too busy.

They do the work and hit you with the bill afterwards.
It comes as a surprise, but once you get over the shock. The car is perfect.

My Testarossa is absolutely perfect. Never had a problem.
The initial money spent with these guys was double my original expectation.
But in hind site it was money well spent.
No shortcuts, no compromise, means i can jump in my car and drive it without a worry.

There are 2 Countach's this workshop looks after, and they would be the 2 best Countach's in Australia.

Condor, you can PM me on this car.
If it is the one I am thinking about, I doubt you will find a better Countach in Australia.
Still it would be advised to get a PPI, as anything can change literally overnight with exotics.

I am not friends with the owner, I have met him on a couple of occassions and spoken to him on the phone a couple of times.

I know the mechanics that look after the car, because the car was getting work done on it 3 years ago when my Testarossa had it's last engine out service.

It was falling in love with this car that made me go out and buy a Countach.
The car was amazing, as though it had just rolled off the assembly line.

 

Dean,

You might be correct, it could be the best car in the World however your opinion is no substitute for due diligence (unless it comes with a money-back guarantee). A lot of expensive work done previously is good to know about but doesn't tell you everything either.

It makes sense to assume the worst and check it out before buying.

 

Thanks Guys,

I really appreciate your input so far.

 

Sounds like we will all have to come to Melbourne to get our cars serviced properly! lol

I take it you don't visit many garages over here in europe when on holiday! lol Am sure a few people may want to challenge you on your assertions!

Do you own the black QV in Melbourne? My second daughter is over there just now trying to find work as a part 1 architect and got all excited when she saw a black car otherwise identical to my QV.

Regards
Paul

 

Hi Paul,

We have discussed the black QV before.

Sorry if I harp on about Australian standards.

It's just that every car myself or friends of mine have purchased OS and imported to Australia has always been full of surprises. Some more than others. Some have been quite good.

I am sure there are reputable service centres there in UK, but maybe it's us bunnies in Australia that end up buying the cr@p, or buy vehicles and then have higher expectations when the vehicle arrives in Australia and we find all those little defects.

Maybe it is the fact that when we see a Countach or Ferrari here at an exhibition, the owner has already spent a tonne of money on it, so we expect all others to be of the same standard.

Maybe it's the fact that the person selling the car in the UK has lost interest in it and is selling it as is.

However, having dealt in the car industry for 17 years (in my previous life), I never saw a car come off a ship from UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or USA that i would have considered to be of equal quality to a locally available (well prepared-detailled) vehicle for sale. Many of my customers were importing vehicles from OS and selling them here in Australia.

 

Paul there are 3 Black Countachs that i know of in Melbourne.

2 LP500
1 QV5000

There are 3 White Countachs that i know of in Melbourne
1 QV5000 (mine)
2 LP400S

I know the LP500's and they are absolutely pristine "as new" condition.

I have also seen the Black QV in a body shop getting a scratch in the flare fixed. I was getting a quote on fixing some body work on mine at the time. It is also a great looking car, but i do not have any idea on the history of the car. Apparently it is owned by a greek gentleman.

 

Hiya

I think there is a fair share of bad cars everywhere and I have seen some pretty bad ones here too!

Thanks for the input about the black car. I would love to visit Melbourne whilst my daughter is still there. I understand it is the classic car capital of OZ?

Would be nice to see some of the cars your talking about. Graham sent me pics of his Khamsin which is awesome!

Regards

Paul

 

I am not sure if Melbourne is the exotic capital of Australia.

It is certainly the cultural centre of Australia.

I reckon there would be more "Rock Stars" and their exotics on the Gold Coast and Brisbane (Brisvegas..as we call it)

 

Dean if Norm's car has been sold it really is a fantastic car. There may be a few of us though who think there are some other Countach's here that are equal to or better than those in Melbourne

...and condor man if it is Norm's car there is nothing to check, I can assure you and to that end agree with Dean's comments

 

Hi Paul,

I was only commenting on the Melbourne cars. I know there are some good CT's around the country. But Norm's would have to be one of the best.