1985 Lamborghini Countach 5000S

The 1985 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S, is one of the most misunderstood yet rarest models in the Countach lineup. This particular Countach is one of the factory-produced 5000 S models equipped with a fuel-injection system, a feature not commonly associated with this era of Lamborghinis. This remarkable car is a testament to the creative ingenuity that allowed European supercars to enter the American market in the early 1980s.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, importing European cars into the United States required modifications to meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. This period, known as the gray market era, saw numerous companies modifying these cars with features like side marker lights and unique bumper configurations to comply with U.S. regulations.

Among the prominent figures of this time were Jas Rarewal and Trevor Thomas, known for their efforts in importing and modifying Lamborghinis, including the famed Cannonball Run Countach. Rarewal and Thomas developed a system for the Countach 5000 S that included adding front and rear bumper extensions, side marker lights, and a fuel injection system using Bosch components. Their innovative work allowed these supercars to be road-legal in the U.S. and caught the attention of Lamborghini, who saw the potential for tapping into the American market.

Lamborghini embraced the fuel injection system devised by Rarewal and Thomas, leading to a limited run of factory-produced fuel-injected Countach 5000 S models. These cars, built in 1984 for the 1985 model year, were given specific VIN numbers starting with "FLA" and featured components like a factory-designed fuel injection intake and distinctive bumpers. Only 19 of these factory fuel-injected models were produced, making them incredibly rare and often overlooked by collectors.

The 1985 Countach 5000 S stands out for its distinctive features, including the U.S.-specific impact bumpers, federal compliance stickers, and factory-installed side marker lights. The factory fuel-injection system provided a new level of reliability, allowing the car to run smoothly and perform consistently even in traffic—qualities often highlighted by enthusiasts familiar with these models.

Despite its unique characteristics and rarity, the factory fuel-injected Countach 5000 S has often been undervalued in the market. However, those who appreciate the nuances of this model recognize its significance as a pioneering effort to bring high-performance European supercars to the American market.

This Countach 5000 S (#2753) is finished in Rosso over Nero leather and shows over 71,000 kilometers. This Countach proves its durability and drivability, making it a fascinating piece of Lamborghini history.