CLASSIC CARS.

First Lamborghini Countach LP500S ever produced found after decades of neglect

The story of the first Lamborghini Countach LP500S ever produced is unlike any other abandoned car story. In 1982, this supercar debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, but now it has been found in an abandoned warehouse in Van Nuys, California. 

After the 'Driver Source' men called in Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini's historic test driver, to do an expert report, it was confirmed that this Countach is indeed the one that debuted in 1982, with some modifications. 

The Italian supercar had ended up in the hands of Carlos Cavazo, guitarist of Quiet Riot, in 1985 and was put to rest in a warehouse in Van Nuys in 2001, ending up in oblivion after the owner's death in 2021. The price for this supercar in derelict condition is $695,000 (€642,000), but a lot will be needed for the restoration.

photo Driver Source
A very special car
Today's story concerns the discovery, after years of neglect, of the first Lamborghini Countach LP500S ever produced. This supercar, which debuted at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, was the first in a series of 321 unique models.
photo Driver Source
The discovery in the abandoned warehouse
The discovery of the Lamborghini Countach took place in an abandoned warehouse in Van Nuys, a district of Los Angeles (California). The car, which had been left to gather dust for 22 years, had obvious signs of wear and tear.
photo Driver Source
The story of the abandoned Lamborghini Countach
The story of the abandoned Lamborghini Countach dates back to 1982, when it made its debut at Geneva. The car was bought in Italy by Aaron Rosen, then transferred to Germany and later to the United States, where it was modified for homologation. It was later owned by Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo before being stored in a warehouse at Franco's European Sports Cars in Van Nuys in 2001.
photo Driver Source
Modifications in the U.S.
The overseas trip entailed a major change: the removal of the Weber carburettors to make way for an electronic injection system, which was essential for homologation in the United States, where there were stricter rules than in Europe when it came to emissions.
photo Driver Source
Valentino Balboni's expertise
The provenance and history of the abandoned Lamborghini Countach have been verified by Valentino Balboni, a historic Lamborghini test driver, called in by the men of 'Driver Source', the company that put the Countach up for sale. The expertise confirmed that it is the original Lamborghini Countach LP5000S.
photo Driver Source
The distinguishing features of the Lamborghini Countach LP5000S
The rediscovered Lamborghini Countach LP5000S has distinctive features such as the '5L' logo, LP400S-style front wings and cast magnesium 'Campagnolo' wheels. All these features were found in perfect condition.
photo Driver Source
The price of the model and of the restoration
The Lamborghini Countach LP5000S is offered for sale by Driver Source, in the condition in which it was found, at a price of $695,000 (€642,000) with the cost of additional restoration. It is a large sum, but justified by the symbolic and historical value of this Italian automotive icon.
photo Driver Source
A new journey
The Lamborghini Countach LP5000S will therefore find a new family that will make use of it and appreciate its beauty and power. Its history will surely be remembered as the beginning of a great succession of road-going supercars that Lamborghini has produced and continues to produce to this day.
photo Driver Source
Nostalgic revocation
Pictured is the Lamborghini LP500S at the time of its display at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show.
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