Car "Lamborghini Countach": description, specifications and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

If you touch on the topic of the Italian car industry, then for sure every second person will come up with the name of such a concern as Lamborghini. "Countach" is one of the unique models released by this company. Countach is a supercar produced by the company for 16 years, from 1974 to 1990. But during this time, not so many copies were produced - only 1,997. However, this fact makes the car even more unique.

Model in brief

The first thing that distinguishes Lamborghini Countach is its name. The word "countach" is the Italian version of "wow!" in the Piedmontese dialect. This exclamation of admiration breaks out from the lips of local men at the sight of a beautiful woman. And initially the car had the code name "Project 112". In terms of naming, the car has become unique in its kind, since the Lamborghini concern usually endows its models with such designations that are somehow connected with bullfighting.

Design

The appearance of the model was developedby a specialist named Marcello Gandini from the Bertone studio. He did not focus on ergonomics, but simply conveyed his vision of the car. The model turned out to be angular, low and wide. The case design is interesting, in many ways this unusual look was achieved through the use of trapezoidal planes. Yes, smooth lines can be traced in the image, but they do not soften the external angularity.

Another highlight that Lamborghini Countach boasts is its guillotine doors. They are also called "scissors". However, standard doors would not fit this particular car, as it is too wide for them.

The Countach range includes several modifications. And the LP400S is considered one of the most original. Its features were wide tires, as well as spoilers (front and rear), thanks to which it was possible to increase the stability of the model at high speeds. And a feature of the extreme modification, which became known as the Evoluzione, was a very modest weight of the car - only 980 kg.

Interior

A couple of words should be said about the characteristics of the Lamborghini Countach in terms of aesthetics and comfort. After all, how successful the interior of the model means a lot. Since it is inside the car that a person spends time sitting behind the wheel.

Well, the first two generations of models were distinguished by a too low roof. Because of this feature, the tall driver was extremely uncomfortable inside, as was his passenger. But this defect was eliminated in 1982. Then the roofraised by 3 centimeters, thanks to which there was at least a little more free space.

But the finish, judging by the reviews, was excellent for all models. The interior was clearly sporting design notes, but no surplus could be seen. Since the developers relied on ease of design.

But in the anniversary versions such nice features as power windows, automatic seat adjustment and a brand new leather interior have already appeared. These Lamborghini cars sold out very quickly.

Lamborghini Countach, by the way, like any other car, had a luggage compartment. Its volume was 240 liters. If you remember that this model is a supercar, then you can say with confidence that the trunk is quite impressive. It is also worth noting that, at the request of the buyer, air conditioning could be installed in the car.

Prototype

The first version of Lamborghini Countach is the LP500. It was bright yellow in color. It was this car that was shown to the public in 1971 in Geneva at a car show.

The model was unusual. Its body was made of porous aluminum, and several unique design solutions were also applied. Serial cars were different. Even under the hood of the prototype was a 5-liter engine. They decided not to put this motor on production versions, since it was poorly cooled.

Unfortunately, this car has not survived to this day. It was destroyed during a crash test in order to obtain a European safety certificate. BUTthe prototype was the only one.

Features

The first production Lamborghini Countach was released in 1974. The modification became known as the LP400. Under its hood was a 12-cylinder V-engine with a volume of 4 liters. It produced 375 horsepower! Thanks to him, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in just 6.3 seconds. And the maximum that the speedometer needle could reach was 290 km / h.

This version of the Lamborghini Countach existed for four years. The last copy was released in 1978. He was the closest of all other cars to the design of the prototype. The exception was the rear lights and the installed air intakes with ventilation holes, thanks to which the engine was cooled better. A total of 157 such machines were produced.

His follower was the LP500S version with a 5-liter engine. The body has changed somewhat, which made it possible to install such a large engine and provide it with a good level of cooling. And in terms of dynamics, the model was better than its predecessor - it exchanged the first “hundred” after 5.6 seconds from the start. And its maximum speed was 315 kilometers. True, after some time, an even more powerful version appeared - with a 5.2-liter engine that produces 455 "horses".

Other models

The notorious LP400S was designed by engineer Giampaolo Dallar. Some changes have affected the power unit, but the appearance of the car has changed the most.

In addition to wide tires, largewheel arches. By the way, because of the previously mentioned spoilers, the model has become 50 kilograms heavier. This, in turn, affected the maximum speed performance of the supercar. They have become less by 15 km/h. So, as the reviews say, few people decided to prefer stability to speed. Moreover, handling became better anyway - wide wheels contributed to it.

But then came the Lamborghini Countach 5000QV. A 48-valve 455-horsepower V12 engine was installed under its hood. There was a noticeable change in the novelty - the carburetors were now not on the side, but above the engine. So it turned out to improve the air intake. But there were also negative points. Because of this innovation, rear visibility has become almost zero.

Later, when the Countach era was coming to an end, it was decided to replace the carburetors with injectors, and add some Kevlar elements to the body.

Anniversary edition

To mark the 25th anniversary of the company, a model called the 25th Anniversary Countach was released. If we talk about the technical part, then the machine is almost identical to the 5000QV mentioned above. True, even the developers finally solved the problems associated with the cooling of the brakes. It was decided to install air intakes in the front spoiler, as well as on the roof of the engine compartment and on the sides. By the way, at that time, Lamborghini bought out Chrysler, whose developers contributed to the novelty. They decided to use carbon fiber in the process of making the body kit and bumper.

Comments from motorists

It is safe to say that in Russia there are no owners of such a car as the Countach. After all, these machines were produced in such a limited number. So all the owners are in Europe, mainly in Italy. But even there, the Lamborghini Countach is considered a rarity. The price of the 5000QV version was $ 100,000 at the time of its release (this is 1985). Now, according to experts, the cost of a rare supercar may well be $250,000. And this is at least. If the model is equipped with a rear wing, audio system, air conditioning and other nice features, you will have to pay a more impressive amount for the purchase.

Foreign owners pay special attention to the quiet operation of the engine, smooth running, easy handling and, of course, high cost. The fuel tank of the model holds 120 liters of gasoline, that's just enough for 300 kilometers. Plus, you can add a considerable cost of maintenance, which is mandatory for a car of this class.

Interesting facts

Few people know that in the 1981 film "Cannonball Race" the characters Tara Burkman and Adrienne Barbro conquer speed on the Countach. True, the version is modified, painted black especially for filming. A triquel called "Speed Zone" featured a bright red model. It was on it that one of the most difficult and spectacular car stunts in the history of cinema was performed - the Lamborghini slipped through a 30-meter moat with water.

And this particular model belonged to RockyBalboa, played by Sylvester Stallone in the legendary "Italian Stallion" film series. And the Countach car was also featured in the film The Wolf of Wall Street, the main character of which was played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Also, the car participated in the films "David and Madame Ansen", "Kung Fury", "Doberman" and in the series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". However, such interest shown in relation to the car is not surprising. The model is bright, effective, so it adds an extra zest to the film.