Description
The Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary edition, introduced in 1988, was the final and most refined evolution of the Countach line—a car that marked the end of an era while celebrating 25 years of Lamborghini’s existence. It represented the culmination of nearly two decades of continuous development, bringing together the outrageous design, raw power, and improved usability that defined Lamborghini’s most famous model. More than a farewell, the 25th Anniversary Countach was a declaration that even as it neared its end, the Countach remained one of the most spectacular and unforgettable supercars ever built.
By the late 1980s, Lamborghini was under the ownership of Chrysler, and the Countach was approaching the end of its production life. Yet demand for the car remained strong, and rather than replace it immediately, Lamborghini decided to create a special edition to celebrate its 25th anniversary as a company. The result was a major reworking of the existing Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, developed under the direction of Horacio Pagani, who was then part of Lamborghini’s engineering team. The Anniversary edition would be the most visually dramatic, luxurious, and aerodynamically refined version of the Countach ever produced.
Mechanically, the 25th Anniversary retained the same 5,167 cc V12 engine from the Quattrovalvole, producing 455 horsepower in European specification and around 420 horsepower for U.S. models with Bosch fuel injection. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox and a ZF limited-slip differential, allowing the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The tubular steel spaceframe chassis remained, but numerous refinements to cooling, aerodynamics, and component durability made the car more dependable and better suited to long-distance driving than its predecessors.
The most noticeable changes, however, were visual. Horacio Pagani reimagined the Countach’s iconic shape with a series of aerodynamic and cooling enhancements that gave the car a more sculpted, muscular appearance. The front bumper was reshaped and integrated with deeper air intakes, while the side skirts gained larger vents to feed the rear brakes and radiators. The rear wheel arches were flared and smoothed, and the tail received a new engine cover with vertical cooling slats in place of the older horizontal louvres. The taillights were redesigned, and the car wore distinctive forged OZ Racing alloy wheels fitted with ultra-wide Pirelli P Zero tyres.
The optional rear wing remained available, adding dramatic flair even if it reduced top speed slightly. The 25th Anniversary’s bodywork was crafted from a mix of aluminium and composite materials, and although heavier than earlier Countach versions, it offered improved stability and cooling efficiency. Visually, it struck a perfect balance between aggression and refinement—an unmistakable wedge of power honed to near perfection after seventeen years of evolution.
Inside, the Countach’s interior finally received the comfort and quality that many had wished for. The cockpit was trimmed in premium leather with improved fit and finish, deeper seats, and more effective air conditioning. Power windows, central locking, and new switchgear brought the car in line with late-1980s expectations, while sound insulation reduced cabin noise. The low-slung seating position and towering central tunnel remained, but the overall impression was more luxurious and mature without losing its exotic intensity.
Behind the wheel, the 25th Anniversary Countach delivered the same visceral thrill that had defined the model since its inception, but with more composure and refinement. The V12 engine retained its explosive character—free-revving, immediate, and accompanied by a metallic wail that seemed to shake the air itself. The improved aerodynamics and tyre technology gave it better high-speed stability and cornering grip, while upgraded brakes provided stronger and more consistent stopping power. The steering, still unassisted, required effort at low speeds but came alive as the car gathered pace, delivering precision and feedback that modern systems often lack.
Production of the Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary continued until 1990, making it the final iteration before the model was replaced by the Diablo. A total of 657 units were built, making it the most successful Countach variant in terms of production numbers. Each was hand-assembled at Sant’Agata Bolognese, and no two cars were exactly alike. Available in a wide array of bold colours—from Rosso Siviglia and Giallo Fly to Nero Tenebre and Bianco Polo—the Anniversary edition was a showcase of Lamborghini’s flamboyant spirit.
The 25th Anniversary edition marked not just the end of the Countach, but also the end of Lamborghini’s most daring design era. It stood as a bridge between the analog brutality of the 1970s and the high-tech supercars of the 1990s. The car’s combination of ferocity, beauty, and refinement made it a fitting tribute to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s vision of uncompromising innovation and performance.
Today, the Countach 25th Anniversary is celebrated as both a collector’s icon and a technical masterpiece. It captures the essence of Lamborghini at its most confident and creative—a company unafraid to push boundaries and redefine what a supercar could be. The final Countach was not just a celebration of twenty-five years of engineering excellence, but a swan song for a design that changed the automotive world. Even decades later, the 25th Anniversary remains one of the most breathtaking and evocative machines ever to wear the raging bull emblem.