1987 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV

The most sought after ‘Downdraught’ QV
ultimate no wing / no skirts specification
delivered new to Germany

Location: Registration:

available to view in london

The Countach qv

Nothing can match the visual impact that the Countach had at its launch. Perhaps the E-Type had a similar effect a decade or so earlier but the Lamborghini was so extreme that it simply could not be ignored. Gandini’s design was the ultimate expression of concept – turned – production. The Miura was tame by comparison. The wheel arch extensions brought in on the 400S model in 1978 just added to the visual impact and the Countach became the poster-child for a generation of supercars.

By 1986 the Countach had seen off both the Daytona and the Boxer but the launch of the Testarossa and the performance improvements it brought to the table prompted Lamborghini to look at upping its game. The factory brought back Ing. Alfieri to work his magic on the 5.2 litre V12 which included the development of 4 valve-per-cylinder heads and the reversion to Miura-style downdraught carburettors and the resulting Quattrovalvole model became easily the most powerful Countach variant ever – 455bhp @ 7000rpm. Indeed, such was the performance boost that Lamborghini homologated the QV with a view to developing models to run under the then new ‘Group B’ regulations.

Production of what has become commonly known as the ‘Countach Downdraught’ was limited to fewer than 300 (American market QV’s were fitted with an emasculating fuel injection system) and marked the end of an era, before emissions regulations put paid to the glory of ‘Weber’. The model has gone on to be prized by collectors and is easily recognisable by its’ taller engine cover, necessary to clear the sextet of 44DCNF carburettors.

Chassis number HLA 12158

Having received its pre-delivery inspection at 150km, this Countach Downdraught was delivered to its first owner, Christian Simmermacher, via the dealer Auto-Kremer of Bonn on 25^th June 1987 and registered with the mark MK-QV500. Finished in the iconic 80’s hue of Rosso Siviglia, chassis no. 12158 veered slightly from the stereotype by being trimmed in eyecatching black leather, piped in red, rather than the more common beige and somewhat surprisingly for the period was specified without the rear wing. Mr. Simmermacher, who hailed from higher up the Rhine valley in Darmstadt, returned to Auto-Kremer within a week to have the car’s first service carried out at 1,100km.

No further details of Mr. Simmermacher’s long ownership are known but in May 2004 this Downdraught was purchased by its second owner in who’s custody the car was serviced exclusively by FEH Lamborghini, as evidenced by the stamped service book.

In February 2010 chassis no. 12158 passed into the ownership of its third keeper, Dr. Ralf Einhoff of Dusseldorf and was registered under the mark D-LQ500. In March 2010 a full inspection and condition report was carried out before the car was next serviced in May 2012 at 63,221km by well known specialists Modena Motorsport in Langenfeld. Following another inspection in August 2014 Modena serviced the car once again at 64,014km by Modena Motorsport.

Just prior to the Downdraught’s purchase by its fourth and current UK owner in 2019, the car was comprehensively serviced by TG Classics of Willich at 64,275km. As well as regular service work, this included new Pirelli P7 tyres plus overhauls of the carburettors, suspension and driveshafts. Current mileage stands at 64,350km.

Emerging from a beautifully curated Lamborghini collection, chassis no. 12158 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most sought-after supercars of its era. In stunning condition throughout, the car is complete with its’ correct books and tools, original Alpine 7273L hi-fi, factory sports exhaust and comprehensive history file. The fabulously pure specification, without rear wing or side skirts plus the far less common black interior, only adds to this Countach Downdraught’s desirability and makes it a perfect choice for the Lamborghini connoisseur.