Lamborghini Countach Review
First introduced in the iconic era of the 1970s, the original Lamborghini Countach specs are those of the first Italian wedge car, which conceptualized sharp angles and sleek lines. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this visionary blueprint was originally introduced as the design for the Lancia Stratos Zero concept Car. The first Countach prototype released in 1971, however, would eventually set the standard for the design of all supercar successors with its cutting-edge appearance. Equipped with scissor doors, a cab-forward layout and a powerful V12 engine, the first-generation Lamborghini Countach was produced until 1990. With a total production number of 2,049, the Countach remained in high demand for nearly two decades. Then, in 2021, the new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 was revealed as a new hybrid hypercar. No matter how many years pass since the original unveiling of the first generation Countach, it will be an iconic automobile that went into the history books as soon as it rolled off of the production line.
Countach Engine
The original Countach engine includes a standard Lamborghini V12, which was mounted longitudinally, earning the first generation models the title of “LP 400.” This decision was made to allow the engine to point backward, in comparison to other models, in efforts to improve the weight distribution of the vehicle. This move proved successful, allowing the first gen Countach models to produce 375 CV and reach maximum speeds of 179 mph. With the ability to reach 0 to 60 mph in around 5.4 seconds, the Countach proved to have both a striking style and a powerful engine that exceeded expectations of the Lamborghini brand. Being an older V12 engine, the original Countach’s engine most definitely does not compare to the new Countach specs that we see today. That being said, there’s nothing quite like the sound of an Original Countach’s V12 engine.
Countach Transmission
Each of the Lambo Countach between 1974 and 1990 demanded a potent five-speed manual transmission. The inclusion of the manual transmission and the traditional clutch operation sits well with supercar enthusiasts who prefer a hands-on approach to driving the iconic automobile. Shifting from gear to gear, you can truly feel the power that lies in the Lamborghini V12 engine. In this unique layout, the output shaft of the transmission runs through the engine’s oil pan. The differential and engine share the same oil, and the driveshafts emerge next to the timing cover. Go easy on the clutch, as it isn’t easy to access!
Lamborghini Countach Specs:
Horsepower: 455 hp
Torque: 369 lb-ft
0-60: 4.5 seconds
1/4 Mile: 13.3@104 mph
Top Speed: 183 mph
Weight: 3,505 lbs
Countach Brakes
When it comes to supercars like the Lamborghini Countach, speed is essential. The first-generation Countach models have the capability to reach 179 mph, with subsequent models topping this number at a shocking 185 mph. At these top speeds, stopping at the drop of a dime is a necessary safety precaution. To ensure the safety of drivers, Lamborghini designers included a braking system that harnesses the stopping power of 12-inch ventilated disk brakes. This makes for a braking distance from 80 mph to 0 mph of 226 feet. A number of used Lamborghini Countach models may also be equipped with newer-model, high-performance brakes.
Countach Design
Crafted with aircraft-quality aluminum and a race car-inspired tubular frame, the Countach design was to be robust and lightweight. Weighing in at around 3,000 lbs, with dimensions of 74.28 inches wide and 42.05 inches in height, the Countach was designed to be low and wide. These dimensions give the vehicle a more compact look than other models, which contributes to its boxy yet angular body. A two-door coupe, with vertically hinged scissor doors and the unique implementation of four side windows, adds to the allure of the Countach’s strikingly impressive appearance. Throughout its original production run, the Lamborghini Countach was known for quite a few design aspects on top of the infamous scissor doors. In the front were two different sets of headlights, one of which were flip-up headlights. Along the sides only the iconic gills were found until the 25th Anniversary variant added new intake openings at the bottom. In the rear are wedge-shaped taillight clusters that each included three lights, while some variants had an added rear wing for added downforce.
Countach Price
A classic and exemplary model of the Lamborghini brand, the Lamborghini Countach price include are those of a highly sought-after supercar. It was produced for 16 years, and there are a number of models available. The price for a used Lamborghini Countach is largely determined by the model, with first-generation and the 25th-anniversary models falling at the higher end of the spectrum. Other factors, such as the overall condition and the mileage, will also play a significant role in pricing. Typically, you can expect the Lamborghini Countach price range from $250,000 to $550,000, although prices have been known to extend upwards to more than $1 million for vehicles in pristine condition. Even in the current marketplace, prices of used Countach examples don’t compare to the new Lamborghini Countach price of $2.6 million.
Countach Interior
Elegantly adorned in leather, two low-slung seats provide an impressive level of comfort for a supercar. Each of these seats are well cushioned and features geometric padding, an aspect that was actually carried over to the new Countach. With a classic Italian flare, the bold interior colors, typically red or tan, reflect the opulent nature of the Countach. The sophisticated cabin offers air conditioning with vents situated on the top of the dashboard and indicators placed on the right side of the steering column. A slanted wheel and pedals ensure maximum comfort while you drive, while a slanted windshield and four side windows offer impressive views of your surroundings. The original Countach’s steering wheel has a simple three-spoke design with the famous Lamborghini raging bull logo in the center. Interestingly enough, the original prototype Countach examples had a single-spoke steering wheel.
Standout Features
The most notable features of the Lamborghini Countach models are related to the exterior design. This is largely because the Countach strayed from the expectations of exotic car models of its time. This risky design was unprecedented, making it one of the most iconic supercars of its time. With its angular shape and the absence of bulky mudguards and spoilers in the rear, it is one of the most widely recognizable Lamborghini models to date. Likewise, the design was the first to include scissor doors, which would eventually become a staple feature for the Lamborghini brand. United States-specific examples of the Lamborghini Countach included larger safety bumpers and a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system.
LP400 Countach
The first-generation model to be released, the Countach LP400 has the lowest drag of the Countach models with top speeds of 179 mph. Ferruccio Lamborghini entrusted the exterior to the same artist also responsible for its predecessor. Marcello Gandini at Bertone sculped a flowing wedge that didn’t need fancy aerodynamics. It was the fastest Countach because the wheels were tucked inside the body, and the massive NACA ducts behind the door handle. Rear visibility wasn’t bad thanks to side-draught carburetors. They allowed the decklid to be low and not obstruct the driver. The best feature was an indention in the middle of the roof. It was a rear-facing periscope with a mirror to the driver’s line of sight – one of the most brilliant styling cues of all time. In fact, Lamborghini carried this “periscope” design over to the new Countach as the model is a true homage to the original.
LP400 S Countach
Introduced in 1978, the Countach LP400 S has wider tires for stability and sleeker lines. This was a substantial redesign. Wider and lower, it allowed for 345/35/15 tires on the rear. This size was so unique that only Pirelli decided to take on the project. The second-generation Lamborghini Countach LP400 S specs also included dender flares. They were designed by an apprentice named Horacio Pagani, under the supervision of Gandini. The roof was flattened and lost its periscope to reduce turbulence. Small Stewart-Warner gauges and a lowered suspension were standard on the first 50 cars. The next 105 cars had smooth deep-dish wheels and the gauges were easier to see. The final 82 cars had revised suspension. They are 1.2″ higher to avoid scrapes.
LP500 S Countach
The LP500 S was produced in 1982 and features a more powerful 4.8L engine and a modified Countach interior. Still running the Weber 45mm carburetors, compression was increased to make 375 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. This made it one of the most powerful cars of the early ’80s. Production lasted from late 1982 to mid-1985. This was the last Lamborghini Countach to have two valves per cylinder.
Turbo S Countach
The Turbo S Countach includes a giant turbocharger, and it was meant to be a competitor against the other turbo cars of the mid-80’s. Only two examples were built. Both had analog boost controllers adjacent to the steering column, which could allow the driver to adjust between 10.2 and 21.8 pounds. When dialed up, it made 747 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque. Without any stability or traction control, it scared test driver Valentino Balboni, and he said it was too fast for the public. Two cars were built, and one remains. These turbo Countach was a response to turbos being adopted by the competition, but this car was simply before its time.
LP5000 Quattrovalvole Countach
In 1985, the LP5000 Quattrovalvole Lamborghini Countach top speed was 185 mph with an upgraded 5.2L engine, along with Bosch fuel injection in 1986. The name comes from new cylinder heads, which introduced 4 valves per cylinder. Only 610 examples were built between ’85 and ’88. The bored and stroked engine had 9.5:1 compression, this is competitive even in modern engines. The Bosch intake was taller than the carburetors, so the rear deck lid received a bump to accommodate them. The system was also made to run lean to meet EPA standards, so power was limited to 420 hp. Power locks and HVAC controls were upgraded to make it an easier daily driver and less disco-era.
25th Anniversary Countach
The fastest and sleekest edition of the Countach, the 25th-anniversary model was the last model produced before the release of its successor, the Lamborghini Diablo. The final Lamborghini Countach was meant to send the Countach out in style. So it is the widest, meanest version that was overseen by Chief Engineer Horacio Pagani. Revised intakes allowed the radiators to be mounted vertically, which allows them to run cooler. Ground effect aerodynamics were added to the rocker panels and the bumpers, and the styling was praised around the world. Unprecedented demand spilled over from 1988 into 1990, with 658 examples produced.
Images via Lamborghini
