A Lamborghini Countach that was once owned by the Italian-born American Formula 1 legend and world champion Mario Andretti has sold for over GBP 400,000.

Newsflash obtained a statement from the Dorotheum auction house saying that the historical vehicle, a Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary, which once belonged to Andretti, 82, has sold for EUR 460,000 (GBP 401,313).

The auction house said (in English): “Spontaneously applauded by an ardent saleroom audience, a 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary changed hands for 460,000 euros in Dorotheum’s sale at Classic Expo Salzburg.

“The auction’s absolute highlight, which has driven a mere 7,400 kilometres [4,600 miles], formerly belonged to Formula One pilot and world champion Mario Andretti.”

Mario Andretti is considered to be one of the most successful racing car drivers in the history of motorsports. He is one of only two drivers – the other is Dan Gurney – to have won races in Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and the World Sportscar Championship.

Andretti won the 1978 Formula One World Championship, racing a Lotus 79 with a Ford engine for Team Lotus. He dominated the season, with six outright wins and clinched the championship by winning the Italian Grand Prix.

The auction house also said: “On 7th December 2022, Dorotheum is going to offer another world champion racer in a Single Object Auction, namely a car once steered by Niki ‘Nazionale’ Lauda.

“Two years before winning his first world title, the Formula One legend received his Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 directly from Enzo Ferrari in 1973, upon having signed his contract with the company’s racing division.”