Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV
The Countach LP5000 QV (Quattrovalvole — four valves) represented the ultimate evolution of Lamborghini's iconic wedge-shaped supercar. Introduced in 1985, the QV addressed the Countach's biggest weakness — its engine — by fitting a new four-valve-per-cylinder head design to the V12, dramatically improving breathing and power output.
The 5,167cc V12 now produced 455 horsepower at 7,000 rpm with its new four-valve heads, six Weber downdraft carburetors, and revised exhaust system. This was a massive increase over the earlier two-valve LP500S's 375 hp, and it gave the Countach performance to match its outrageous appearance. The engine was mounted longitudinally behind the cockpit, with the gearbox extending forward between the seats in a layout unique to Lamborghini.
The QV's body was the widest and most dramatic Countach iteration. Massive fender flares accommodated the widest tires of any road car, and the iconic scissor doors swung upward on their characteristic hinges. Side air intakes fed cooling air to the engine and rear brakes, and the NACA ducts on the flanks channeled air to the radiators mounted in the rear quarters.
The driving experience was an assault on every sense. The V12's intake roar through six Weber carburetors was deafening at full throttle. The dogleg-first-gear gearbox required a deliberate, forceful action. The heavy unassisted steering demanded muscle at low speeds but weighted up beautifully above 100 km/h. Forward visibility through the low windscreen was limited, and rearward visibility was essentially nonexistent.
Yet none of these 'flaws' mattered. The Countach QV was the poster car — literally — that defined an era. No other car in history has been pinned to more bedroom walls, and no other car delivered such an overwhelming sensory experience. Driving a Countach was — and remains — an event that no other automobile can replicate.
Approximately 610 LP5000 QV models were produced between 1985 and 1988 before the final 25th Anniversary Edition replaced it. Today, the QV is the most sought-after Countach variant, combining the purest expression of the wedge design with the most powerful carbureted V12.
Verify chassis number and specification through the Lamborghini registry. Check for structural corrosion in the tubular space frame. The six Weber carburetors require expert setup — poor tuning causes running issues and can damage the engine. Clutch replacement is expensive and labor-intensive. Many Countachs have been repainted — original paint adds value. Check for proper function of the scissor door mechanisms.
Produced at Lamborghini's Sant'Agata Bolognese factory from 1985 to 1988. Approximately 610 LP5000 QV units were built. Bodies were produced by Bertone and shipped to Sant'Agata for final assembly.