Lamborghini Countach

This Lamborghini Countach 5000 S has been in my family since day one. My father bought it new in 1987, and today, nearly 40 years later, it has just over 53,000 km on the odometer. It’s a car that’s as much a part of our family history as it is of Lamborghini’s history.

When my father ordered it, he chose the red model with a beige interior and the factory-optional rear spoiler. We still have the order form and the original documentation, which makes the car even more special to us.

I grew up with this car. I was 16 or 17 when it arrived at our house, and—contrary to what many people think—my dad let me drive it. It was even the car I used to go to my senior prom. Needless to say, it certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

What still strikes me today is just how unique this Countach remains as an experience. I’ve driven modern Lamborghinis, recent Porsches, and many other high-performance sports cars, but none of them offer the same sensations. Everything is raw: the driving position, the controls, the sound of the V12, and the overall atmosphere inside the car. Even after all these years, it retains a wild character that modern cars have often lost.

Contrary to its reputation, the car has always been extremely reliable. We have, of course, performed major maintenance, including work that required removing the engine, but other than that, the car has never had any major problems. The air conditioning still works perfectly, and we’ve always handled most of the routine maintenance ourselves.

Some people think the Countach is unmanageable or uncomfortable. That hasn’t been my experience. Of course, it’s demanding and requires your full attention, but once you get the hang of the clutch, the visibility, and the dimensions, it becomes a real pleasure to drive. It’s still loud, hot, and physically demanding, but that’s precisely what makes it so charming.

Even today, the reactions are incredible. People pull out their phones to take pictures of it, children recognize it immediately, and many still consider the Countach to be the ultimate Lamborghini. I understand why. Its design still looks just as spectacular as it did in 1987.

I've received several offers to buy this car over the years, but selling it has never been an option. Beyond its value, it represents decades of memories with my father. As long as I can still drive it, it will remain in the family.