To coincide with the silver jubilee of Automobili Lamborghini in 1988, in-house designer Horacio Pagani was tasked with restyling the Countach to create the 25th Anniversary Edition. A raised nose and new front bumper incorporated in-vogue strakes to direct cool air to the front brakes. The rear end was updated, too, while the radiator air intakes gained prominent, body-coloured vertical slats. The makeover was much more than skin deep: 1977 World Rally champion Sandro Munari extensively developed the chassis to improve handling.

Also sporting a refreshed interior—which notably gained electric windows, enhanced sound deadening, and more comfortable seats with power reclining backs—this celebratory special was launched at the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix, fittingly where the Countach had previously served as the Formula 1 safety car. Only in production for 20 months, just 657 examples rolled out of the factory gates in Sant'Agata Bolognese. However, given the refinements that run throughout, the 25th Anniversary Edition is widely regarded as the best-mannered of all Countach variants from the model’s enduring 17-year lifespan.

One element that remained largely untouched, though, was the 60-degree V-12. The 5.2-litre engine was lifted from the LP5000 Quattrovalvole, meaning it delivered circa 420 horsepower via a five-speed, gated manual transmission. All told, it propelled the show-stopping wedge design to a top speed approaching 300 km/h.

The accompanying Warranty Card states that this Countach 25th Anniversary Edition was supplied new to Auto Kremer of Bonn in Germany. Placing it towards the very start of the model’s September 1988 to April 1990 production run, it was delivered on 26 October 1988 to its first owner, who was based an hour’s drive to the north in Düsseldorf. Service records indicate modest use early on, with a November 1990 entry noting the car at 832 kilometres prior to a September 1992 odometer reading taken at 984 kilometres.

From December 1999, the Lamborghini was registered in Japan ahead of a 25-year spell in the country. Data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shows that by 2021, the Countach resided near Tokyo in the city of Hachioji before it was exported in April 2024.

Now registered in the United Arab Emirates, the Countach presents in Rosso over a two-tone black and cream interior featuring accenting red piping. It wears the 25th Anniversary Edition’s characteristic split, forged wheels by OZ Racing and is also fitted with the statement, optional rear wing. The car displayed a modest 9,826 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

While the pioneering, mid-engined Miura ancestor is considered by many as the first modern supercar, it was the long-lasting Countach that cemented Lamborghini’s status as a true rival to Ferrari. Accompanied by its owner’s guide and Warranty Card, this handsome Rosso example of the more refined 25th Anniversary Edition would duly make for a worthy addition to any collection.