1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S
The 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S represents the pinnacle of exotic Italian supercars of its era.
With futuristic Marcello Gandini styling and a powerful 5.0-liter V12 pumping out 375 horses, this limited-production special edition could reach 60 mph in under 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed exceeding 186 mph, cementing its status as one of the fastest and most coveted cars of the 1980s.
Only 321 examples of the 5000 S were built, boasting an upgraded interior and improved ergonomics over earlier Countach editions, including better quality trim and finishes.
However, these incremental upgrades did little to alleviate some of the trademark shortcomings linked to mid-engined Italian exotics of the time – compromised rearward visibility, cramped cabin space and challenging ingress/egress. Small tradeoffs for the promise of scintillating performance.
The low-slung bodywork, crafted by Nuccio Bertone’s design studio, wrapped around a tubular space frame and aluminum skin.
Airflow management was carefully considered, from the pronounced NACA ducts piercing the rear haunches to feed cool air to the brakes, to the optional rear wing perched atop the engine cover. While primarily aesthetic in purpose, the wing nods to the growing influence of aerodynamics applied to road cars during this era.
Wide Pirelli performance rubber wrapped around the signature Campagnolo ‘telephone dial’ wheels to transfer the engine’s fury to the tarmac with authority. A five-speed manual gearbox enabled drivers to wield tight control over the prodigious power band.
Of the precious few 5000 S examples built, chassis 12593 has the distinction of purportedly being first registered to NFL rushing legend Walter Payton in 1984, a claim reinforced by significant documentation. Subsequently passing to enthusiasts in the Midwest, Texas and Germany, today it presents as a uniquely useable modern classic, and a treasured survivor of Lamborghini’s relentless pursuit of performance perfection.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
