My special trip to buy a Countach in South Africa

[AndrewD]

I hope you don't mind me sharing my story but I'm now in the final stage to complete the purchase of an immaculate 4,000km LP5000S (red, champagne leather, no wing).

I will post photos over the weekend as well as a special video of a certain Valentino Balboni test driving my car. I got in touch with Valentino to come with me to Jo'burg to inspect the car prior to completion. As you can imagine, his passion for all things Lamborghini is infectious and he has so many interesting stories to tell.

The car itself was described by Valentino as incredible. It still has the original P7's and factory wheel weights, as well as all the stickers eg Ansa stickers on exhausts, yellow "turbo" stickers on top of each side mirror casing, transparent stickers on the side and rear view mirrors. The current owner hasn't fully closed the doors, bootlid, etc so as not to crush the rubber seals. It's a bit of a timewarp. Obviously I will be replacing what needs to be replaced (eg still on original oil hoses).

Well, that's it for now until I can get my camera hooked up to a computer and share some photos and the video. I'm sure I will have 100's of questions as a new owner - first one being where can I find stronger arm and leg muscles for the clutch and gearlever!

[Robert W]

Congratulations, sounds wonderful. Tell us and show us more!!

[P300V8]

AndrewD said:

.....Obviously I will be replacing what needs to be replaced (eg still on original oil hoses).....

Nice as original P7s are I trust that new tyres are also on the list!

[Robert W]

Just to get everyone warmed up, here are two RHD South African Countach LP5000S

Anyone know how many Countachs are in South Africa?

[Adz The Rat]

Sounds a very interesting story!

[TISPKJ]

Yellow "Turbo" stickers ........... Am I missing something here ?

[AndrewD]

TISPKJ said:

Yellow "Turbo" stickers ........... Am I missing something here ?

I think Turbo might be the make or something, they are green triangular stickers on top side of the black mirror casings

[TISPKJ]

AndrewD said:

TISPKJ said:

Yellow "Turbo" stickers ........... Am I missing something here ?

I think Turbo might be the make or something, they are green triangular stickers on top side of the black mirror casings

Ah ok, interesting, thought I had missed something for a minute.

[Davo456gt]

Vitaloni Turbo mirrors - standard fitments on LP40OS models onwards I think

[ditchvisitor]

I bet that the somewhat ridiculous Rand to pound exchange rate has made you happy! (Have a vested interested trying to get money over from SA!)

[Camlet]

How exciting, a great project. Look forward to seeing her!

[paulqv]

Davo456gt said:

Vitaloni Turbo mirrors - standard fitments on LP40OS models onwards I think

Thats correct. Sadly impossible to buy new!

Congratulations on the car and health and happiness in ownership and driving it.

Change the tyres though ASAP, as they will be dangerous to drive on. They were only designed to last about 5 years. Some guys in the states use them to 'show' their car but don't drive above 30mph!

Post plenty of photos please!

Paul

[AndrewD]

Thanks folks, will definately post pics, and change the tyres no question.

Anywhere I can buy a set of rims to keep the old tyres on? I'm attracted to the idea of keeping the original P7's even just as a piece of the history stored in the garage

[rosino]

Only on PH you can read stories like these.... "hey guys am off to SA to buy a Countach and the legendary chief test driver of the greatest Lambos of all time will be tire-kicking it for me"..

What an incredible place this is..

[JonathanE]

AndrewD said:

Thanks folks, will definately post pics, and change the tyres no question.

Anywhere I can buy a set of rims to keep the old tyres on? I'm attracted to the idea of keeping the original P7's even just as a piece of the history stored in the garage

Eurospares should be able to order the original rims:

http://www.eurospares.co.uk/searchResult_one.asp?S...

Make sure you are sitting down before you read the price!

Jonathan

[Mal001]

As you own or have owned a 288GTO and now a Countach, I hate you! If you ever get a Miura my head will explode!

[DKL]

I'm assuming Mr Balboni doesn't acquiesce to every request to check a car over so what did you bribe him with?

[AndrewD]

Mal001 said:

As you own or have owned a 288GTO and now a Countach, I hate you! If you ever get a Miura my head will explode!

An SV is next if I can find a nice one

[AndrewD]

JonathanE said:

AndrewD said:

Thanks folks, will definately post pics, and change the tyres no question.

Anywhere I can buy a set of rims to keep the old tyres on? I'm attracted to the idea of keeping the original P7's even just as a piece of the history stored in the garage

Eurospares should be able to order the original rims:

http://www.eurospares.co.uk/searchResult_one.asp?S...

Make sure you are sitting down before you read the price!

Jonathan

Bloody hellfire, you weren't kidding about the price!!

Thanks though

[Mal001]

AndrewD said:

An SV is next if I can find a nice one

Bang!!!!

I hope to see them all at a few meets as you are just down the road from me.