History (summary by Tony Ierardi, Auto Italia) Photos in the order of the write-up:
The Countach series of Lamborghinis were among the most remarkable cars of their time. Their striking appearance, extreme performance and outrageous price tag placed this car in a class of its own. Production spanned some 16 years with just under 2,000 cars produced.
The first version was the LP400, it had a 4 liter V12 engine with six 45MM Weber DCOE side-draft carburetors that made 375 horsepower at 8,000 RPM, built between 1974-1977 this car coined the phrase "exotic car" 157 cars produced.
In 1978 Lamborghini introduced the "S" version of the Countach. Retaining the 4 liter 375 horsepower engine it added wheel arches to properly house the new Pirelli P7 tires along with a rear wing option that gave the Countach its most aggressive look yet. The "S" version was made in III different variants:
Series I cars built from 1978-1979 had LP400 instruments for the first 27 cars and Bravo wheels, 50 cars produced.
Series II cars 1980-1981 had the new Jaeger gauges that began in 79' with the later Series I cars and smooth 5 hole wheels, 105 cars produced.
Series III cars built from 1981-1982 began the new larger interior "5000S" style body and raised suspension height. While still retaining the 4 liter engine, the Weber DCOE's were made smaller to 40MM for export, the result was a horsepower decrease from 375 to 353 at 8,000 RPM, 82 cars produced.
In 1982 the new 5000S was introduced built from 1982-1985. Displacement was raised to 5 liters with 45MM Weber DCOE's horsepower returned to 375 but came on sooner at 7,500 RPM, 321 cars produced.
In 1985 Lamborghini introduced the 5000 Quattrovalve from 1985-1988 these cars produced 455 horsepower at 7,500 RPM with six 44MM Weber DCNF down-draft carburetors, and 420 horsepower in fuel injected form. 610 cars produced.
In 1988 Lamborghini celebrated its 25th anniversary, with a special body treatment for the Countach. Built from 1988-1990 the new "Anniversary Countach" was the final version of the Countach, 657 cars produced.
I really like the red s and black one. Can't believe it was 4.5 years since I sat in it. With my new skinnier shoes I can hit only the gas and brake now rather than bothb togrther . Clutch is a lil tight though, and soooooo long of a throw!!
the Sledgehammer
2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 - Jealous of the CGT
2004 Porsche Carrera GT -Terrorizing society since Oct 16
2001 Acura NSX -SOLD-
One of the things that really gets me about the Countach is that it came at a time when the world was focused on gas rations, long lines, unleaded fuel mandated, 80 mph speedos to save us from ourselves, etc... Jimmy Carter was telling us we all needed "shared sacrifice" (hmm, where have I heard that recently) Then like a sucker punch the Countach came snarling out of a bankrupt factory defying logic and the world with a blank you attitude.
Bob Wallace at a boarder crossing in 1974 driving the lp500 prototype thru the Alps en route to it's first motor show unveiling. Wearing Italian test plate.
Leather barron Armin Johl's new LP400S. Test driver Balboni (see 60 Minutes video clip earlier in this thread for the way they drove these cars on the road) put it in the ditch to miss a milk truck that pulled out in front of him. With doors that open "up" it could a challenge to escape a wreck like this. He crawled thru the windshield. The factory had to build him a new one to replace this.
And worse defect to the dark.....errr gayside with ferrari??
To own that car, you have to have two of them. It still has 1000 miles, nubs on the original Pirellis, original heater hoses, even the wiper blade is original, it was stored in the trunk all it's life. Italian air in the tyres.
I wanted to DRIVE. Still, I should never have sold it, just won the lottery and bought her a mate. I'll get another someday. This recent flurry of Countachs has me excited.
To own that car, you have to have two of them. It still has 1000 miles, nubs on the original Pirellis, original heater hoses, even the wiper blade is original, it was stored in the trunk all it's life. Italian air in the tyres.
I wanted to DRIVE. Still, I should never have sold it, just won the lottery and bought her a mate. I'll get another someday. This recent flurry of Countachs has me excited.
Bah! Low miles is for ferraris! Look what I did to my lambo! Ill never sell it....unless it shoots up to 500k too
!
And u won the lotto? The lotto is my plan for a mclaren f1
the Sledgehammer
2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 - Jealous of the CGT
2004 Porsche Carrera GT -Terrorizing society since Oct 16
2001 Acura NSX -SOLD-
Bah! Low miles is for ferraris! Look what I did to my lambo! Ill never sell it....unless it shoots up to 500k too
!
And u won the lotto? The lotto is my plan for a mclaren f1
No, I meant to say, "I should have just won the Lottery and bought....."