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Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV: Insights and Fun Facts About a 1980s Icon

The Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole (QV) stands as one of the most outrageous and unforgettable supercars of the 1980s. With its wedge-shaped design, scissor doors, and thunderous V12 engine, the Countach QV defined a generation of exotic performance cars and set the tone for the Lamborghini mystique that persists today.

As the fourth major iteration in the Countach lineage, the LP5000 QV—introduced in 1985—brought significant mechanical and aesthetic upgrades over its predecessors. It was faster, more powerful, and visually even more aggressive, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic Lamborghini supercars.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, specs, and fun facts surrounding the Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole, providing car enthusiasts and collectors with valuable insights into one of Lamborghini’s most iconic creations.

A Brief History of the Countach Legacy

The Lamborghini Countach was first introduced as a prototype at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, its radical “cab-forward” design, sharp angles, and signature scissor doors were unlike anything the automotive world had seen.

The production model launched in 1974 as the Countach LP400, powered by a 3.9-liter V12. Over the years, Lamborghini introduced multiple upgrades—including the LP400 S and LP500S—to refine performance and keep up with growing competition from Ferrari and Porsche.

By 1985, Lamborghini unveiled the LP5000 Quattrovalvole (QV), named for its new four-valve-per-cylinder layout—a first for the Countach. It was more than just an evolution; it was a statement of raw power and exotic design for the supercar-obsessed 1980s.

Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV Specs

1. Engine: 5.2-liter V12, DOHC, 48 valves (Quattrovalvole)
2. Horsepower: 455 hp (U.S. spec: 420 hp due to emissions equipment)
3. Torque: 369 lb-ft
4. Top Speed: 183 mph (295 km/h)
5. 0–60 mph: Approximately 4.9 seconds
6. Transmission: 5-speed manual
7. Curb Weight: Around 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg)
8. Production Years: 1985–1988
9. Units Produced: Approximately 610

The engine in the LP5000 QV was bored out to 5.2 liters and featured four valves per cylinder—a significant advancement over the previous models. It delivered exhilarating power and brutal acceleration, though the car required a confident, experienced hand to tame its quirks and stiffness.

Design: The Boldest Supercar of Its Time

The LP5000 QV featured several visual cues that set it apart from earlier Countach models. Most notably:

1. Flared wheel arches
2. Optional rear wing, which added visual drama (and drag)
3. More pronounced side skirts and air intakes
4. A raised engine cover to accommodate the taller Quattrovalvole engine
   

Inside, the cabin was tightly packed, with low seating, a wide transmission tunnel, and minimal visibility—but this was all part of the Countach charm. It wasn’t built for comfort—it was built to shock, awe, and dominate posters on bedroom walls around the globe.

Fun Facts About the Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV

1. Poster King of the ’80s: The Countach QV, especially in red or white with the massive rear wing, became the ultimate poster car. It symbolized wealth, power, and rebellion—often seen alongside helicopters, yachts, and palm trees.
2. QV Stands for Quattrovalvole: The name “Quattrovalvole” is Italian for “four valves.” This update helped the V12 breathe better and produce more power—marking a technical leap for Lamborghini.
3. U.S. Versions Were Detuned: Due to emissions regulations, the American LP5000 QV came with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection instead of Weber carburetors, reducing output to around 420 hp—still plenty fast, but not as wild as the European version.
4. Rear Wing Was Useless (But Iconic): The huge optional rear wing was one of the most distinctive features—but it actually increased drag and reduced top speed. Still, most buyers ordered it just for the looks.
5. Visibility Was Terrible: Parking the Countach required the driver to sit on the door sill with the door open, looking over their shoulder—a technique still known today as the “Countach lean.”
6. Only Around 610 Were Made: That limited production makes the LP5000 QV one of the rarer Countach variants, increasing its value among collectors.
7. Jay Leno and Other Celebs Own One: Celebrities like Jay Leno, Rod Stewart, and Mario Andretti have all owned Countachs—many opting specifically for the QV due to its blend of performance and iconic looks.

Why the LP5000 QV Still Matters Today

In the modern era of dual-clutch transmissions, hybrid powertrains, and digital dashboards, the Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV remains a mechanical masterpiece. It demands focus, respect, and skill—and rewards the driver with an analog, visceral experience that few modern supercars can match.

For collectors, the QV is a sweet spot: rarer than the later 25th Anniversary Edition and more powerful than the early LP400. Its dramatic styling, performance pedigree, and limited production make it one of the most sought-after classic Lamborghinis in existence.

Conclusion

The Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV is more than a supercar—it’s a cultural icon. With its wild styling, raw power, and place in the golden era of exotic performance cars, it continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong Lamborghini fan or just discovering the magic of classic supercars, the LP5000 Quattrovalvole represents everything that made the Countach a legend.