Lamborghini Countach : 1974

To understand the Lamborghini Countach, look no further trhat the origin of it's name. In the Piedmontese dialect, the word "Countach" is an exclamation directed at a gorgeous woman to show appreciation of her beauty.

1974 LP 400 Lamborghini Countach.

While this expression may not fit the gold-chain, overly extroverted, and hypermacho later Countachs, a review of the car's history illustrates its true beauty.

Lamborghini showed the Countach prototype (the LP500) at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the wedge-shaped, scissor-door concept was so stunning that most attendees failed to notice Lamborghini's own updated Miura SV.

The Countach went into production in 1974 as the LP400. These early cars use a 3.9 litre V-12 with 375 hp and only weigh about 3000 ounds. Although the LP400 is very fast, it lacks the grip of latereditions, and its narrow Michelin XWX tires don't help. The LP400 is also the most valuable Countach today because of its limited build numbers, its simple yet gorgeus design, and its unique periscope-style roof.

The second generation car (the LP400S) arrived in 1978.
To improve roadholding, Lamborghini fitted larger wheels and Pirelli's newest tires, the P7. To accommodate the gigantic, 345-section-width rear tires, Lamborghini tacked on fender flares and revised the suspension and the brakes. It also introduced the notorious rear wing that added only minimal downforce and hurt top speed.

The third generation Countach (the LP500S) boiwed in 1982. Like Elvis, the Countach bulged as it aged. It had the same slightly taller body found on later LP400S models, which helped make room for a 4.8 litre V-12. It also gained more padding and leather inside the cockpit and offered handling that was more forgiving for the avarge driver but slightly compromised for the hard-core enthusiast.

Horsepower junkies got their fix with the introduction of the 5000 Quattrovavole, or QV in 1985.
The carburated QVs produced a stonking 455 hp and are more valuable than the less powerful fuel injected versions.

The most polarizing Countach arrived in 1989 to commemorate Lamborghini's twenty-fifth anniversary. Horacio Pagani, who later built the Pagani Zonda supercar, was responsible for the car's questionable wings, ducts, slats and scoops. Althought the anniversary edition is controversial, it is well sorted and the best of the lot to drive.

So, does one choose aesthetics or handling dymanics? For Automobile the answer is a no-brainer. Buy a proper, unmolested LP400 in period correct yellow or green and park it where you can admire the minimalist design, but make sure there is an open road nearby where you can regularly exercise the glorious twelve-cylinder engine. In the end, it is there early Countachs that tryly merit the "Countach" catcall.

About 1950 Lamborghini Countachs were produced worldwide, including approximately 700 official U.S. cars.

(text source: Automobile Magazine, by Matt Noordeloos).