The extraordinary Lamborghini Countach, a pioneering vehicle that took the world by storm in the late 1970s, has set a new record. While the original LP400 model remains highly coveted, subsequent versions like the LP400 S, LP500 S, Quattrovalvole, and the 25th Anniversary edition have typically sold for less than one million dollars. However, all of that changed with the recent auction of a pristine 1989 Countach 25th Anniversary model in a striking white-on-white color scheme.
This specific Countach, bearing the chassis number ZA9CA05A0KLA12722, holds a unique place in automotive history. Despite the Countach Quattrovalvole and later 25th Anniversary editions being produced in relatively large numbers, this particular model stands out as a true rarity. What sets it apart is its appearance in the 2013 Martin Scorsese film, The Wolf of Wall Street. This specific car is one of just two white Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary models used in the movie, and one of only 12 units delivered in US specifications, with a Bianco Polo exterior and Bianco leather interior. It’s worth noting that the white color on this car is a solid hue, not a pearlescent finish.
You might recall the other Countach that recently went under the hammer in Dubai – the crashed one, still bearing the original damage from its appearance in the movie, with an initial valuation of $1,500,000. Despite a stunning final bid of $1,350,000, the car did not sell. So, when this immaculate example, prominently featured in the movie and used for various shots, was listed with an estimated value between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000 by the prestigious RM Sotheby’s for their upcoming New York auction on December 8, enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating the outcome.
Upon inspecting the images of chassis KLA12722, you’ll observe its striking resemblance to chassis KLA12692 before the latter was wrecked for the movie. However, a significant detail sets them apart – the steering wheel. The car with chassis number KLA12722 is equipped with a custom two-tone white and black steering wheel cover, added by the previous owner. This unique feature is visible in a scene where Leonardo di Caprio exits the car after reaching his home, contrasting with the all-black steering wheel on the crashed vehicle.
Throughout filming, one of the cars used on screen sported a smaller European-style front bumper, lacked a rear wing, and had the fixing holes on the luggage cover filled. While a rear deck lid with a spoiler was temporarily added for some scenes, it was eventually removed post-filming.
Chassis KLA12722 has been meticulously restored to its original 1989 factory specifications, including the installation of the larger US-spec front bumper and an authentic rear wing. This restoration brings it closely in line with the Countach featured in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” providing a tantalizing prospect of having both the pristine and damaged versions side by side in a collection, offering a stark visual contrast.
In a surprising turn of events, the crashed car failed to sell at $1,350,000, while the intact model fetched a remarkable $1,655,000, setting a new benchmark for a 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary. This achievement is especially noteworthy given that around 675 units were produced in the late 1980s, with the average selling price hovering around $500,000 earlier this year. The fact that the movie star Countach driven by Leonardo di Caprio commanded triple the usual selling price elevates its significance further.
Image Source: lev radin @ShutterStock
