1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Coupe

This 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series II by Bertone is titled as a 1982. It is one of 105 'low-body' models that include the lowered suspension, ride height, and body of the earlier LP400. It has been given a recent comprehensive, multi-year restoration by Evans Automotive in Columbus Ohio. Over $250,000 was invested in returning the car to its former glory. The car shows less than 35,000 km on the odometer and has fewer than 200 miles since the mechanical and cosmetic restoration. It has new correct tires, a proper Ansa Sport exhaust, Alpine stereo, and an upgraded air conditioning system.

The Lamborghini Countach made its debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. It wore a design by Marcello Gandini and was a drastic departure from the Miura. It had an aggressive wedge shape, sharp lines, and scissor doors. It utilized a tubular space frame chassis and aircraft-grade aluminum body. Initially, power was courtesy of a 5.0-liter V12 engine in the prototypes and show cars. The production LP400 models were fitted with a 4.0-liter from the Miura. Horsepower was rated at 370 hp and 266 foot-pounds of torque.

Canadian F1 team owner Walter Wolf sought more power for his own personal Countach. He worked with chief Lamborghini engineer Gianpaolo Dallara to modify the car by installing a 5.0-liter engine and much larger Pirelli P7 tires. To accommodate the larger tires, the suspension geometry and bodywork were extensively altered. Wolf was able to convince Lamborghini to commercialize his modifications, and the LP400 S was born.

Many of the Wolf upgrades made it onto the series production cars. S models were fitted with fender flares, wider tires, revised suspension, chin spoiler, but not the larger engine. The V-shaped wing was later added to the options list. Modifications, updates, and enhancements followed throughout the 1980s. The LP500 S was introduced in 1982, coming with a 4,754cc engine. The 5000 Quattrovalvole arrived in 1985. The final rendition of the Countach arrived in 1988 with the celebration of the company's 25th anniversary.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019