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 Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021