A US college student expecting to sort through old household storage instead uncovered two Italian supercars that had been sitting untouched for more than two decades. Inside her grandmother’s garage were a 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP500S and a Ferrari 308 GTS, both covered in dust after years of inactivity.
The cars belonged to the student’s late grandfather, who had purchased them in 1989 for an exotic car rental business. When insurance costs became too high, he shut down the business and sold most of the fleet. However, he kept the Lamborghini and Ferrari, storing them at home where they were eventually forgotten. Over time, boxes and household items were stacked around them, leaving the vehicles hidden in plain sight.
The discovery quickly drew attention due to the rarity of the Countach LP500S. Only 321 units of the model were ever built, making it one of the more desirable versions of Lamborghini’s iconic model line. Even in neglected condition, the vehicles remain valuable collector pieces and potential restoration projects.
A Family Business That Quietly Ended
The cars trace back to a small exotic car rental operation run by the student’s grandfather. According to details shared when the vehicles surfaced online, he purchased the Lamborghini in 1989 when it was already several years old. The Ferrari 308 GTS was also part of the rental lineup.
The business reportedly operated successfully for a period, but rising insurance premiums made it increasingly difficult to maintain. Eventually, the costs forced the owner to shut down operations and sell most of the fleet.
Instead of selling everything, the grandfather brought the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari home and parked them in his garage. Over time, the cars were left untouched and gradually became buried beneath household storage and clutter. After his death, the vehicles remained in place, largely forgotten for more than 20 years.
When the student eventually explored the garage, she found the two cars coated in dust and surrounded by accumulated items. The Countach had been covered, while the Ferrari sat deeper inside the garage. Despite their condition, both vehicles appeared largely intact and suitable for restoration.
The Rare 1981 Lamborghini Countach Lp500s
The 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP500S stands out as the most valuable discovery. It helped define the design language of 1980s supercars, with sharp angles, a mid-engine layout, and scissor doors that became synonymous with Lamborghini. The model also featured a five-speed manual transmission and performance figures that placed it among the fastest cars of its era.
Even after decades of sitting idle, the car remains highly desirable among collectors. Estimates suggest that a restored LP500S could fetch several hundred thousand dollars, depending on condition and originality.
Long-term storage presents challenges though, including potential engine damage, degraded components, and interior deterioration. However, rare models like the LP500S often justify the cost of restoration due to their limited production and collector demand.
Ferrari 308 Gts Adds Collector Appeal
The Ferrari 308 GTS is another iconic sports car from the same era. While more common than the Countach, the 308 GTS remains a sought-after classic. Even in neglected condition, examples can still command significant value, depending on the extent of restoration required.
Reports suggest that the Ferrari discovered in the garage could still sell for tens of thousands of dollars in its current state, with restored examples often commanding much higher prices.
Together, the two cars represent a snapshot of 1980s performance culture. Both vehicles were built during a period when Italian manufacturers focused on analog driving experiences, distinctive styling, and limited production numbers.
The student and her family reportedly indicated that they may consider selling the vehicles due to the cost of restoration. For collectors, the discovery represents a rare opportunity to acquire two classic supercars with a unique family history.
For now, the Lamborghini Countach LP500S and Ferrari 308 GTS remain parked where they were discovered, serving as a reminder that valuable automotive history can sometimes sit quietly, hidden for decades behind a garage door.