1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S

The 1981 Lamborghini Countach was in the third and final phase of the LP400 S , having been first introduced in 1978. The first production version was the LP400, which had entered production in 1974 and produced through 1977 with 158 examples built. By this point in history, the Marcello Gandini styling, having been penned while working at Bertone, had found its way into the hearts of automotive enthusiasts throughout the world, and its rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, and potent V12 engine had made it the ultimate supercar of its era.

The project had begun in the late 1960s and would serve as the successor to the Miura. It was overseen by chief engineer Paolo Stanzani and his staff under the project name 'LP112.' Collaboration and input were provided by numerous individuals including test driver Bob Wallace, designer Marcello Gandini, and assistant engineer Massimo Parenti. It had been hoped that a five-liter version of Lamborghini's V12 engine would power the new supercar, however, it was not ready in time, so the tried-and-true 3,929cc displacement size powering many previous Lamborghini models was selected. The 3.9-liter engine powering the LP400 used side-draft Weber 45 DCOE carburetors instead of the down-draft carburetors on the Miura and delivered 370 horsepower at 8,000 RPM. All variants of the Countach would employ six Weber carburetors until the arrival of the LP5000 QV model, some of which were fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection.

The chassis was constructed primarily of unstressed aluminum panels with body panels formed from conventional aluminum alloy supported by thin steel frames welded to the main chassis. A separate fiberglass and aluminum panel was installed underneath the passenger compartment. While the LP400 used an all-aluminum body, later versions of the Countach received body components formed from fiberglass and carbon composites.

The aggressive styling of the Countach had a sharp wedge shape with low, flat front, angular details, and a truncated tail. The sloping snout appeared to descend directly out of its windshield in a single, extended plane. The scissor doors were inspired by the Alfa Romeo Carabo Concept, which pivoted up from the front hinge, in the manner of a lever or scissors, hence the name 'scissor doors.' There were minimal creases and scoops, which improved aerodynamic efficiency.

The name was inspired by the word that most people stated when they first saw the car, commenting 'Countach!' The name originated from the word contacc , an exclamation of astonishment in the Piedmontese language.

The LP400 styling added larger air scoops and vents than previously applied on the prototypes to aid in keeping the engine from overheating. Early examples of the LP400 wore narrow tires. The 3.9-liter engine delivered 370 horsepower, used a five-speed synchromesh transmission, rested on a 96.46-inch wheelbase, and weighed approximately 2,867 pounds. The weight of the LP400S increased slightly, to 2,978 pounds.

The engine powering the LP400 S was slightly downgraded from the previous model, now delivering 350 horsepower. The most visual change was the wide Pirelli P7 tires which measured 345/35R15, the widest tires available on a production car at the time. With the new wheels came larger (11-inch) discs and shock absorbers, and the suspension geometry was redesigned to suit. Fiberglass wheel arch extensions were added, enclosing the tires and increasing the aggressive profile even further. An optional V-shaped rear wing (a $5,000 option) was available over the rear deck, which improved high-speed stability but reduced the top speed by at least ten mph. Despite the slow top speed, most owners selected this option.

The LP400 S Series was produced in three series with minor visual distinctions between each. Fifty Series One examples were built, ending with chassis number 1121100. They wore Campagnolo 'Bravo' wheels with protruding hole edges and used a lowered ride height. Early examples received small Stewart-Warner dashboard gauges, later replaced by larger versions midway through 1979. Early 1978 Countach models had the original, unpadded LP400 steering wheel; later examples used a padded style.

Lamborghini produced 105 examples of the Series Two with the final chassis number being 1121310. They wore smooth, concave wheels and lowered suspension ride height.

The Series Three was the first 'series' with 82 examples built. The first chassis number of this series was 1121312 and the final chassis number was 1121468. The 'Series Three' had increased suspension ride height and more usable interior space, albeit with that space increasing by 1.2-inches. The neater (pre-US regs) bumpers and the classic 'telephone dial' wheels were retained.

Lamborghini produced 237 examples of the Lamborghini Countach LP400 S before the arrival of the LP500 S equipped with the more powerful 4,754cc (4.8-liter) engine. The exterior styling remained unchanged, but the interior received an update. Production continued through 1984, with 321 examples built during that time.

The LP5000 Quattrovalvole arrived in 1985 with a 5,167cc engine which now had four valves per cylinder, thus earning it the quattrovalvole name. Cooling was increased by relocating the carburetors from the sides to the top of the engine. This change necessitated a hump on the engine cover, which further reduced the rearward visibility.

Some of the later versions of the LP5000 Quattrovalvole used a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system which brought horsepower to 414 bhp. In comparison, with the six Weber carburetors installed, the engine was rated at 449 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 500 Nm of torque at 5,200 RPM. Lamborghini produced 610 examples of the LP5000 Quattrovalvole with 66 of those fitted with the fuel injection system.

The final version of the Lamborghini Countach was introduced in 1988, dubbed the 25th Anniversary Edition. They wore styling updates performed by Horacio Pagani which smoothed some of the sharp angles, enlarged the rear 'air-box' intake-ducts, added a refashioned fin which was now longitudinally positioned rather than transversely, Various redevelopments applied to the rear, most notably the addition of a rear bumper extending outwardly from the lower portion.

First introduced in 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show and remaining in production, through various iterations for 15 years, the car's 'flying wedge' shape demonstrated to the world that Gandini's ability to create automotive drama was alive and well. Its exotic shape, innovative scissor doors, and sloping snout would become a template for every 'supercar' that followed.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 1121252
Engine number: 1121252

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 Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 1121314

Delivered new to Lamborghini Automobili owner Jean-Claude Mimran on May 15, 1981, this LP400 was used as one of the four safety Cars during the Monaco F1 Grand Prix in 1981 and 1982. All of the safety cars were retained by Nuova Automobili F. Lamborghini and were owned by the Mimran brothers at the time. This example was built specifically for Jean Claude Mimran, one of two brothers responsible for purchasing Lamborghini in 1981. It was finished in Bianco with blue leather and included special appointments requested by Mimran. Upon completion, it was shipped to Monte Carlo as an 'Intervention' pace for the 1981 Monte Grand Prix, complete with flashing police lights and graphics.

Arguably one of the most iconic Countachs in existence, the 81/82 Monaco Grand Prix Safety Car is an incredible example and one of the two early Series III 'Low Body' models (this was the second 1981 Countach LP400S Series III built). The Countach was retained by Nuova Automobili F. Lamborghini for an extended period following the Monaco Grand Prix events and stored for over 30 years. In 2019, with less than 5,000 miles, the car then traveled from Belgium to the United States, where it was recommissioned by marque specialists, with an eye on maintaining the car's originality.

After an eight-month mechanical restoration and preservation of the original Bianco paint and blue leather interior, this immediately recognizable supercar made its debut at The 26th Annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. It was later shown at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the Postwar Preservation class.

Coupe
Chassis number: 1121316

This Countach is the third of the LP400S Series III supercars built by Lamborghini - one of only 82, and the first delivered to a private owner, as the first two were retained by Nuova Automobili Lamborghini owner Patrick Mimran. This Countach was special-ordered by a Saudi oil sheikh from Achilli Motors of Milano, in this unique color combination of Verde Metallizzato (metallic green) over khaki leather with green carpeting. When its second owner, Swedish Lamborghini enthusiast Gino Donatella purchased the car, it came with only pre-registration custom papers from Saudi Arabia, indicating that its original owner never bothered to register his Countach, apparently because he just loved to look at it. The Countach's third owner returned it to its origins in Sant'Agata for a full restoration by the same artisans who built the car in 1981. In recognition of its significance, it was displayed at the factory's Museo Lamborghini.

Coupe
Chassis number: 1121296
Engine number: 1121198

This Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S by Bertone is a second-series example, exhibiting smooth-finish wheels and lower suspension settings (third-series cars had slightly raised suspension). A total of 237 examples of the LP400 S were produced, with 105 of those being second series examples.

When this example left the factory, it wore a red exterior over a beige leather interior. It spent its early life in Switzerland, who drove it approximately 5,000 kilometers over ten years. It was given an engine overhaul completed by a Swiss Lamborghini specialist before it entered the care of its second owner. The third owner took possession in 2005 and the car's fourth owner (Jean Guikas) purchased it in 2015. Six years later, in 2021, it was purchased by its fifth (and current) owner. The car was sent to the same Italian craftsmen who do work for Lamborghini Polo Storico, the automaker's in-house classic center, for cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment, with receipts totallying €71,000. The work included stripping and repainting the car to Tahiti Blue, a very rare color for the Countach.

by Dan Vaughan

The Lamborghini Countach was the predecessor to the very successful Miura, and it wore a body designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, with exotic mid-engine layout in a two-door coupe configuration. It featured an attractive, wedge-shaped, and angular body with elegant lines and fitted with modern mechanical components and technology. The engine was mounted longitudinally and replaced the transverse layout of its predecessor. The transmission was now fitted in front of the engine offering excellent weight distribution. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a driveshaft, which ran in its own tunnel in the engine's sump. Top speed was achieved at nearly 200 mph with zero-to-sixty taking under six seconds.

The Countach was first shown to the public at the 1971 Geneva Motorshow. It was dubbed the Countach LP500, for its five-liter powerplant. It was finished in an eye-catching bright sunflower yellow and had small air intake ducts. The production version, though similar in design, was a vast departure from the prototype version. The car customers received did not have the five-liter engine or the monocoque chassis. Instead, a four-liter derivative engine was mounted inside a tubular frame. Though the engine was smaller in displacement size, it was much more reliable and durable. The 5-liter unit had failed initial testing and was destroyed during a high-speed test session. Part of the issue was the car's poor ability to keep the engine cool, which eventually resulted in larger air ducts.

The prototype car was destroyed in a European crash test demonstration. A sad end to a unique vehicle that could only be described as 'priceless' in the modern era.

The Countach had elegant lines that ran from the front to the rear in classic Bertone style. The only things disrupting those lines were the vehicle's cooling vents, which were necessary to provide air to the engine. The doors opened in a scissor-like fashion and added to the ambiance and exotic nature of the vehicle.

Two years after the Geneva Motorshow debut, the production version was ready for the customers. The cars were called the 'Countach LP400', again, in reference to the vehicle's engine displacement size. The car remained in production for two decades; during that time five different versions and iterations of the Countach were offered. By 1982, a suitable five-liter engine had been created and could be found in the vehicle's engine bay; three years later the engine evolved again, being given four-valve heads and increasing horsepower to 455 for the European versions.

The first individual to receive a Countach was an Australian who took possession in 1974. D. Milne was a member of the Australian Defense Force Transport Corps.

This car, along with most of the other cars built by Lamborghini had one purpose: To beat Ferrari. Mr. Ferruccio Lamborghini, a tractor manufacturer, had an argument with Enzo Ferrari. He had bought a Ferrari and had a complaint about the car. When he approached Enzo Ferrari with his comments, Enzo replied that the problem was with the driver and not with the car. He also remarked that Ferruccio was just a tractor maker and did not understand real engineering. The result was a supercar dynasty.

The first series of Countach's were known as the LP400 followed by the LP400S in 1978. The engine was further increased in 1982 to 4.8 liters and the model designation changed to LP500s. The LP500S was Lamborghini's response to Ferrari's 'Boxer' car, the 365 GT4. It was called 'Boxer' because it used a horizontally opposed engine that resembled a boxer boxing. Ferrari's response to the LP500S was the Testarossa. Once again, Lamborghini answered by creating the Quattrovalvole that produced 455 horsepower.

Electric fans and large ducts located behind the door helped with keeping the mid-engine V-12 cool. By placing the engine in the middle, better handling was achieved through better weight distribution. The body was made entirely of alloy except for the fiberglass doors.

Trunk space was limited. Both the front and the rear had minimal compartments for storage.

A rear spoiler was optional and provided extra downforce and stability. It also looked good as well.

In 1991, after twenty years of production, the Countach was laid to rest to make room for the new Diablo. There were 157 examples of the LP400 produced; 237 of the LP400S. 321 of the LP500S were created and 676 examples of the LP500S QV. The 25th Anniversary edition had some of the highest production figures of all the Countach's, second to the LP500S QV, with 650 examples being produced.

by Dan Vaughan