1984 Lamborghini Countach Coupe

After World War II, tooling around in a Lamborghini meant driving a tractor. They were no testosterone-fueled supercars or howling V12s. Just farm equipment built by Ferruccio Lamborghini, former air force mechanic turned industrialist. As his fledgling tractor business prospered, Lamborghini's growing wealth permitted him to indulge his passion for fast cars. He owned many, including a few Ferraris. Disillusioned with Ferrari, he decided to beat them at their own game. In 1963, the Lamborghini sports car debuted.

The Countach in all its aggressive, air-ducted, sharp-angled glory stepped onto the world stage at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. This outrageous, exotic supercar was a sensation. For production, the Miura's V12 4V engine was installed longitudinally. A five-speed gearbox was positioned in front of the engine for better balance and the aerodynamically clean, aluminum-skinned Countach could reach 170 mph. And - as one might expect - it came with track-worthy handling to match.

In 1978 larger tires required large fender arches and new suspension and brakes. A rear airfoil became available, making the Countach look even more menacing. Not surprisingly, it was the choice of most customers. But it wasn't until the arrival of the emissions-friendly 5000 S that the Countach came to the States in 1982. Only 321 examples were built. The Countach with its signature flip-up doors, snarling angles, and growling malevolence proudly and unabashedly played the perfect foil as the poster child for 1980s supercars.