In the annals of automotive history, few names evoke as much passion and awe as the Lamborghini Countach Car. Born from the ambitious Project LP112 in 1970, the Countach was more than just a car; it was a statement, a revolution on wheels. The very name “Countach” itself, exclaimed by a styling assistant in Piedmontese dialect as “contacc!” – an expression of astonishment – perfectly captured the impact this vehicle was destined to have. Unveiled as a concept in 1971, it became an instant sensation, though it wasn’t until 1974 that the production version of the Countach car finally graced the roads.
The first generation of the Countach car, known as the LP 400, set the stage for supercar design for decades to come. Its lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis, masterfully engineered by Paolo Stanzani, was cloaked in striking aluminum alloy bodywork. The vehicle boasted advanced double-wishbone suspension on all four wheels, complemented by powerful ventilated disc brakes. Initially, a potent 5-liter V12 engine targeting 440 horsepower was envisioned. However, challenges with overheating and reliability forced Lamborghini to rely on their tried-and-true 3929cc V12 engine, a design from the legendary Bizzarrini. This powerplant was longitudinally mounted, with a unique configuration placing the gearbox and clutch ahead of the engine. A 5-speed manual transmission directed power to the rear wheels via a driveshaft ingeniously routed through the engine’s dry sump. This innovative arrangement optimized weight distribution, enhancing handling, and also resulted in a more direct and precise gear linkage.
This groundbreaking engine and transmission layout proved highly effective. The first generation Countach car delivered an impressive 325 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 260 ft lbs of torque at 5,500 rpm. This translated to exhilarating performance figures, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.9 seconds and achieving a top speed of 181 mph.
Throughout its production run, the Countach car was in a state of constant evolution. The earliest models, produced in 1974 and affectionately nicknamed “Periscopio” due to their distinctive periscope-style rear-view mirror system, are considered the purest in terms of design. They lacked the prominent scoops, vents, wings, and flares that would become characteristic of later iterations of the Countach car.
The journey of the Countach car wasn’t without its challenges. By 1980, Lamborghini Automobili faced bankruptcy. However, a turning point arrived in 1982 with new ownership. This marked a crucial moment as the Countach car was finally homologated for sale in the United States – a market that would soon become Lamborghini’s largest. That same year, the V12 engine was enlarged to 4754cc, leading to the introduction of the LP500 (known as the LP5000S in the US market). Stricter emissions regulations necessitated a reduction in the compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 9.2:1. Despite this, the larger engine generated 375 hp and 302 lbft of torque, effectively maintaining the performance levels of the original LP400, even with added weight. While performance figures remained similar, many drivers noted a sportier feel to this version of the Countach car. Other aspects of the car remained largely unchanged from its predecessor.
1985 witnessed the arrival of the Countach LP5000 QV, with “QV” standing for “quattrovalvole,” Italian for four-valve. Staying true to its name, the engine, now enlarged to 5.2 liters, was equipped with four-valves-per-cylinder heads. This enhancement boosted efficiency and further increased power output to 455 horsepower in models fitted with six downdraft Weber carburetors (commonly known as “Downdraft” cars). US-market versions, equipped with Bosch fuel injection to meet federal emissions standards, produced 415 horsepower. American-specification Countach cars also featured larger, heavier impact bumpers compared to their European counterparts, along with a different engine fuel system to comply with stringent emission requirements.
In 1988, the 25th Anniversary Edition Countach car debuted, showcasing an even more extravagant restyling penned by Horacio Pagani (yes, the very same Horacio Pagani). The 25th Anniversary Edition Countach was often interpreted as both a tribute to the excesses of the 1980s and a caricature of the original Periscopio models. Mechanically, it was nearly identical to the 5000QV, but incorporated several refinements aimed at addressing well-known Countach issues. Increased ventilation openings were incorporated into the air dam, side skirts, and engine lid to improve cooling for the brakes and engine. The air box intakes were also enlarged for enhanced airflow.
The Lamborghini Countach car reigned supreme as the definitive supercar of the late 1970s and 1980s. Its striking design, powerful engine, and innovative engineering captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Finally, in 1990, after a remarkable production run, the Countach car was discontinued, paving the way for its successor, the Lamborghini Diablo. The legacy of the Countach car, however, remains firmly cemented in automotive history as a true icon.
