History
The Lamborghini Countach, one of the most recognizable names in supercar history, was first presented to the world at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show as a pointy slice of pure design. So much a design concept, in fact, that it re-debuted in Geneva in 1973 with a much more workable, near-production form. The first streetable car was delivered in 1974 with the designation LP 400, for its rear-mounted 4-liter V12. As for the rest of its name, Countach is reportedly a way to say, "holy crap!" or words to that effect, in an Italian dialect.
The LP400 stuck around from 1972-1978, and was followed by the LP400S, with wider tires, extended wheel arches, and a V-shaped rear wing that added stability but sacrificed a bit of speed. The Countach LP500S, built from 1982-1985, got the storied 5-liter V12 engine that Lamborghini had wanted to use a decade before. With the new emissions rules, though, horsepower was still 375 hp, though torque increased and 0-60 mph times decreased.
Engine
The show car Countach had come on the scene with a monster 5-liter engine, but the realities of production necessitated the 4-liter V12 with "only" 375 hp. The gearbox was mounted between the seats, and the routing of the final drive to the differential resulted in the engine's high placement behind the cockpit. Keeping the engine cool required the addition of the distinctive ducts on the sides of the car.
Design
The taillights of the Countach might look familiar. Though they don't use LED technology, their shape is very similar to the forms used on modern Lamborghinis, like the Gallardo and Murcielago. The Countach also used scissor doors, which would become a trademark of Lambo's flashy style. The chassis was one of the lowest available, with wide stance and aggressive body style. Early versions of the car had so little rear visibility that a "periscope" mirror on the roof.
Interior
Though the car is wide, the space frame the body hangs on takes up a lot of space. Open a scissor door and you'll see the wide sill you have to step over to get in. This means the interior is tight, though not uncomfortable. The seats, which are bolted to the floor, are swathed in leather, and fine materials are used throughout the cockpit.
Specs
- Engine: 4-liter V12
- Horsepower: 375 hp
- Torque: 268 lb-ft
- Top speed: 160 mph (est.)
- 0-60 mph: 6 seconds (est.)
