Bob Wallace at the wheel of the prototype, and his high tech wind tunnel testing of the prototype.

Bob Wallace at a boarder crossing in 1974 driving the lp500 prototype thru the Alps en route to it's first motor show unveiling. Wearing Italian test plate.

One of the things that really gets me about the Countach is that it came at a time when the world was focused on gas rations, long lines, unleaded fuel mandated, 80 mph speedos to save us from ourselves, etc... Jimmy Carter was telling us we all needed "shared sacrifice" (hmm, where have I heard that recently) Then like a sucker punch the Countach came snarling out of a bankrupt factory defying logic and the world with a blank you attitude.

The Cannonball Run Countach Series 2 car as is today:

Bump for THE COUNTACH THREAD!!!!

Starting with a video on board of an early 400LP car. The interior decibles and gear/mechanical noise is awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wupBsgjVoM&feature=r...



Then a sound clip of an Anniversario 1989 car with Konnesing exhaust:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAqFBRrARb4&feature=e...

History (summary by Tony Ierardi, Auto Italia) Photos in the order of the write-up:

The Countach series of Lamborghinis were among the most remarkable cars of their time. Their striking appearance, extreme performance and outrageous price tag placed this car in a class of its own. Production spanned some 16 years with just under 2,000 cars produced.



The first version was the LP400, it had a 4 liter V12 engine with six 45MM Weber DCOE side-draft carburetors that made 375 horsepower at 8,000 RPM, built between 1974-1977 this car coined the phrase "exotic car" 157 cars produced.



In 1978 Lamborghini introduced the "S" version of the Countach. Retaining the 4 liter 375 horsepower engine it added wheel arches to properly house the new Pirelli P7 tires along with a rear wing option that gave the Countach its most aggressive look yet. The "S" version was made in III different variants:

Series I cars built from 1978-1979 had LP400 instruments for the first 27 cars and Bravo wheels, 50 cars produced.



Series II cars 1980-1981 had the new Jaeger gauges that began in 79' with the later Series I cars and smooth 5 hole wheels, 105 cars produced.



Series III cars built from 1981-1982 began the new larger interior "5000S" style body and raised suspension height. While still retaining the 4 liter engine, the Weber DCOE's were made smaller to 40MM for export, the result was a horsepower decrease from 375 to 353 at 8,000 RPM, 82 cars produced.



In 1982 the new 5000S was introduced built from 1982-1985. Displacement was raised to 5 liters with 45MM Weber DCOE's horsepower returned to 375 but came on sooner at 7,500 RPM, 321 cars produced.




In 1985 Lamborghini introduced the 5000 Quattrovalve from 1985-1988 these cars produced 455 horsepower at 7,500 RPM with six 44MM Weber DCNF down-draft carburetors, and 420 horsepower in fuel injected form. 610 cars produced.



In 1988 Lamborghini celebrated its 25th anniversary, with a special body treatment for the Countach. Built from 1988-1990 the new "Anniversary Countach" was the final version of the Countach, 657 cars produced.

Current owner sent this link to me. Thought ya'll would like the cars and story.

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detailers-showcase/37627...

He even drives something for a living.


Fairly embarrassing, esp in the age of internet car forums!

How was the kart race event?

Lots of cool ideas incorporated into this 308.

http://www.forza-mag.com/issues/115/articles/mission-creep

Webby,
I like the new format with random photos. Looks fresh and is interesting to see the various event photos.