How did I predict that the ’84 Lamborghini Countach 5000S would do $1m? Critics suggested I stuck my finger in the air and made a lucky guess. While I use my gut to gauge a car’s inherent desirability, I also use math. A simple formula. Not only does it explain why the Countach 5000S pulled in a cool million (with fees), it tells you how to calculate the worth of any Lamborghini Countach from 1982 to 1988.5. Before I reveal my price guide, let’s have a look at recent history.
The RM & Sotheby’s 5000S came hot on the heels of the pandemic surge, created by the work-from-home real estate boom and increased disposable income (due to a lack of luxury travel, dining and entertaining). Here’s a look at the how that played out, Countach-wise.
| Models | Pre April before the BOOM | Post May Spikes up +33% |
| *5000 S Carbed (click link for transaction) | X | X |
| 1) 1984 5000s 5k miles | 8/19/22 $1,061,000 | |
| 2) 1984 5000s 9k miles | 3/26/22 $632,500 | |
| 3) 1984 5000s 3k miles Rare Plexiglas Rear | 8/13/21 $720,000 | |
| *QV Fuel Injected | X | X |
| 1) 1988 5000 QV 7k miles | 7/19/22 $560,000 | |
| 2) 1988 5000 QV 5k miles | 7/06/22 $680,000 | |
| 3) 1988 5000 QV 9k miles | 5/21/22 – $599,500 | |
| 4) 1988 5000 QV 7K miles | 5/6/22 – $620,000 | |
| 5) 1987 5000QV 1k miles | 1/15/22 – $572,000 | |
| 6) 1988 5000 QV 20k miles | 1/08/22 – $250,000 | |
| 7) 1988 5000QV 27k miles | 11/4/21 – $511,000 | |
| 8) 1988 5000 QV 21k miles | 9/14/19 – $245,023 |
[This chart does not include the $860k QV FI Skirt]
Since March 2022, eight QV Countaches hammered at auction. They all went to collectors paying around $600k. To know the “correct” purchase price for any given model from 1982 to 1988.5, simply add or subtract the relative value of the following variables . . .
| Start with $500K | Start with $500k |
| Original “Gold Edition” Wheels +$60k | Wrong Wheels -$75k Replace -$25k |
| Euro Front & Rear +$50k | US Bumpers -$75 |
| Roundbody +$100k | Factory Skirts -$50k Not to apply if Sub $500K |
| Carbs +$50k | 5000s 2V Fuel Inj. -$100k |
| Serviced +$50-$100K | Non-serviced -$100k |
| Sub 6k miles +20% | +25k miles -15% (updated) |
| Books?Tools $35K | US side markers -$20k Not to apply if Sub $500K |
| Original Paint w/ patina +$30k | “Painted” Car needs new respray -$50k |
| Good Color Combo +$50k | Black/Black aka “Brickoven” -$25k |
Lamborghini made fewer 5000S model than QV. That’s the main reason people pay more for a 5000S than they do a QV, generally. BUT buyers adjust their budget according to the variables above.
The 1984 5000S that sold at RM wasn’t a perfect car. My guy told me it was “in need of love.” But it was still the best of all possible worlds and original. That’s what serious Countach collectors want. Here’s what made the 5000S a GOAT Lamborghini Countach.
- Round-body
- Clean-face and rear (integrated five mph bumpers)
- Weber Carbs
- 4.8L lp500s engine (vs 3.9L lp400s)
- 455hp (same as the 4V cars.)
- Second fastest top speed (186.4 mph)
- 321 production run (vs. 610 QV’s)
Sports and exotic car collectors are often portrayed as over-moneyed rubes who bid on a whim and a prayer, led by nostalgia-fuelled emotion. While some may answer to that description, the vast majority of auction buyers are well-informed, their actions predictable. Well, not entirely. Which is just as well. I mean, where’s the fun in that?
False…..2V cars only had 370Hp. QV had 455 hp carb and 420 FI. 2V carb is not anywhere near the value of a 4V carb. They typically battle the FI cars for their slot on the food chain.
I got the info from Lambo powers site, a reputable source
https://www.lambocars.com/lamborghini-models-hub/lamborghini-countach/#:~:text=With%20a%20total%20production%20number,ran%20from%201988%20to%201990.
“the vast majority of auction buyers are well-informed, their actions predictable”
While I am sure your readers are the exception to the rule, I think a significant driver of the auction prices is tax evasion and money laundering.
Who am I to disagree?
it sure sounds like it.