The Italian word Countach is not easy to be translated straight into English. It is an expression of amazement, like: “Wow, Look at that!”. That was exactly how people reacted when they saw the new Lamborghini Countachprototype in 1971 Geneva Motor Show. His name tells us all: Lamborghini wanted to build the most spectacular sports car of all time, would be far more advanced than his time, an even greater impact than Miura was doing would kill himself, would be the dream car of every student in the following years.

Having tasted first success with Miura, Bertone’s chief designer Marcello Gandini drew an even imaginative and radical design for the new Lamborghini supercar. Its appearance can be described as space-time. Never before has a production car looked as sharp as a knife, with a non-proportional body, a windshield so fast, spectacular looking “scissor doors” (another brilliant gimmick, because “Gullwing”), sky-looking windows, a sharp yet flowing waist line targeted mounting hood and a tail that looked like a spaceship!

The bound body was made of aluminum alloy on a light tubular space frame by Paolo Stanzani, now managed Giampaolo Dallara designed as chief engineers. Suspensions were once again all-round double-wishbone with ventilated disc brakes as a stopper. Engine was originally planned, a 5-liter V12 good for 440HP stopped, but overheating and reliability problems, forcing the development of its approved Lamborghini Bizzarrini-designed 3929cc V12, the 10th in his Year of service was to be paid is still very competitive.

To avoid blocking the view to the rear of the carburetor had been valuable to horizontal mounting back. This reduced power from 385hp to 375hp recent Miura at 8000 rpm, assuming you believe their claims. The engine was longitudinally (as opposed to Miura), but unusually for installing the gear and the clutch before the engine, that is within the broad center tunnel. Power transfer goes back to the rear wheels by a drive shaft in the dry sump.

This arrangement had two advantages:

Lamborghini Countach Top Speed claimed 300km / h (186 mph) for the first Countach LP400. However, as engine power, was aware of the speed limit over-estimated to overcome Ferrari Daytona. His real achievement was around 170 km / h, with 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, very close, but still slower than the front engine Daytona. Nevertheless, the wild looks of the Lamborghini successfully deceived most people what they think it was the fastest car in the world.

In 1979 the Countach to LP400S has been updated. He introduced new low-profile Pirelli P7 tires, 345/35VR15 on the back, is intended to infringe enormous traction and grip without ride quality. The wider tires for massive wheel arch extensions called (glass fiber), which also improved his appearance, some commercial purity of LP400 for aggression.

Another popular optical enhancement improved the optional V-shaped rear wing, the stability at high speeds, but reduces speed of at least 10mph. The engine was unchanged at all, although now it rerated Lamborghini at a more realistic 353 hp. Higher draw meant LP400S Countach was the slowest. Fortunately, the contemporary Ferrari 512BB also suffered from performance degradation due to emission control.

In 1982, the 4754cc V12 has been increased, thus a new name LP500. Stricter emission standards for the reduction of 10.5:1 compression ratio to 9.2:1 called. Nevertheless, the larger engine produces 375 hp and 302 lbft torque to restore the power of the LP400, despite additional weight. Other areas were largely unchanged from the previous car.

In my opinion, the best of the Countach QV (Quattrovalvole) 1985-88. It was upgraded to the V12 5167cc and 4 valves per cylinder. The Weber carburetors were converted to vertically mounted to smooth breathing. As a result, the output rose to a true 455 hp (420 hp for the U.S. version that uses direct injection) and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Weight gain was offset mainly by the Kelvar before boot lid and bonnet. New Pirelli tires P7R better hold back. Driving tests found the QV had a top speed of more than 180 mph and 0-60 mph consistently below 5 seconds. She presented again at the forefront of contemporary supercar. If not the Countach had a drag coefficient as high as 0.42, it could well have reached 200 mph!

The last Lamborghini Countach was the 25th Anniversary edition, 1990. Mechanically, it was largely unchanged from the QV. It sorts a couple of old problems, but – the motor and brake overheating was new body panels, the more ventilation openings had ordered, the unfriendly cockpit won power seats and power windows, thanks to the guidance of new owner Chrysler. The additional weight was offset by using carbon fiber bumpers and skirts. By the way, was the anniversary edition of Horacio Pagani designed before he founded his own sports car. However, I have strong reservations as to their taste.

The Countach was not all about spectacular looks and performance. The handling was also praised by testers on the road (at least since LP400S) – precise steering, excellent traction and grip, rock-steady body control and excellent balance. Compared with most other contemporary supercars, no matter Ferrari Boxer / Testa Rossa, Aston Martin Vantage or Porsche 911 Turbo was the Countach better handling. His rear end was much more down, bound in contrast to competitors who could easily oversteer if provoked. Only the group B light sports car, which was better in the last moment of his life, when it appeared.

Its handling could be a surprise to many, but that’s not to say that their controls were friendly too. Far from it. The Countach was notorious for heavy controls, regardless of steering, clutch, gear or brakes. It was also notorious for cramped cabin, noisy environment (although the engine noise was wonderful) and poor visibility. It was never intended to be a Grand Tourer. However, it was this uncompromising character, the super sports cars in the 1970s and 1980s defined. Today when we talk about super sports cars of those decades, Countach is always the first to come to mind.

Article archive in Italian Sports Cars The King of Supercars in 1970 – 1980 Lamborghini Countach also see our Super Cars Collection.