Lamborghinis go racing

Even though colour-changed and static-stored in Finland for the last 15 years, and therefore liable for additional tax if domiciled within the EU, a ‘no reserve’ Countach (below) magnetised the investors in Monaco, where it raised €504,000 (£398,160) including 12% RM Sotheby’s premium.

With the original 4.0-litre V12 still present and roaring well on start-up, the 14th of the 50 Series 1 Countach LP400S reared by Lamborghini in 1978 – with distinctive telephone dial alloys shod with wider Pirellis to help put down the Raging Bull’s 375bhp to planet earth – was much viewed by potential tamers as it entered the carpeted underground car park at Le Sporting.

A world record €672,000 (£530,880) was also forthcoming for a 17 years younger Lamborghini, an even more intimidating looking Diablo SE30, one of 150 wild animals bred to commemorate Lambo’s 30th anniversary and one of only 15 to factory-upgraded Jota specification.

Among other valuations to blip my lap-top’s screen beside the Med, a 1968 Roman-registered Ferrari Dino 206GT, one of 153 aluminium-bodied ones that reportedly had been largely original prior to a recent back to bare-metal repaint, made a more than top estimate €560,000 (£442,400).

The €476,000 paid (£376,040) for a 1982 Renault 5 Turbo was a memorable milestone for the French pocket rocket. Admittedly the record breaker was the ex-Renault Chartres Group IV