The dream of the barn find is often let down by the reality of the proverbial barn’s contents, but in this case, the discoverers really found something special. When they opened the door to find this 1982 Lamborghini Countach, we imagine there was a heavenly light emanating from it.
This particular example, with body number 72, was the very first Countach LP500S ever produced. That’s a good start, and it means that it was also the one that Lamborghini used to show off the new model when it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show – a good follow up.
Moreover, its early position in the production run meant that it was also the exact model that the brand used when it was taking photos for promotional materials. Indeed, it can be seen in the original press release and catalog (which will be included along with the sale of this car), and retired test driver Valentino Balboni, himself, has attested to its authenticity.
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Finally, there is the ownership history. Although the car was first sold to a buyer in Germany, it was exported to the U.S. where, in 1985, it would come into the ownership of Carlos Cavazo, the lead guitarist for glam metal band Quiet Riot. And I think we can all agree that it’s hard to think of a more appropriate profession for a Countach driver than glam rock guitarist.
Unfortunately, that last move also means that this car isn’t in 100 percent original condition. Cavazo swapped the factory carburetors for BMW-style electronic fuel injection, as you can see in photos of the engine bay.
After owning it for 15 years, Cavazo put the car in long-term storage at Franco’s European Sport Cars, in Van Nuys, California. There it sat, collecting dust, until the owner of the dealership passed away in 2021. Now, it has been rediscovered and taken out of storage to be sold on to a new owner who will give the restoration it richly deserves.
Since leaving the factory, the car has traveled 41,100 miles (66,198 km), and is well-worn. In need of a thorough renewal, the full condition of the car is not made clear. However, its provenance will doubtless make it an attractive offering for a collector with a bit of patience. For sale with DriverSource, in Houston, Texas, the asking price for this 1982 Lamborghini Countach is $695,000.
