Not too many automobiles have the distinction of being both a supercar and a cult car, but the Lamborghini Countach is one. Referred to by Forbes Magazine as "the poster child for cult cars", the Countach featured the exotic design and high performance criteria for supercars. Yet it also has the 'cult car' charisma.
The word countach itself implies exotic. In the native Piedmontese language it is used by men when they encounter an amazingly beautiful woman. The word is not translatable into English but expresses the same idea as a wolf whistle.
Marcello Gandini of the Bertone Design Studio designed the Countach. The Bertone Studio was also responsible for the Lamborghini Miura. The Miura is among the first if not the first of the super cars. British motor journalist used the phrase to describe the Miura in an article in CAR Magazine published during the 1960's. CAR magazine then claimed the credit for 'coining the phrase.'
A single prototype, the LP500, painted sunflower yellow, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971. However the design needed considerable modification before it could be put into production.
The first production model was the LP400. It was a 2-door sports coupe with a rear mid-engine and rear-wheel drive.
Several modifications had to be made to the prototype. The air intake valves on the prototype were found to be inadequate for cooling the engine. So large air box scoops were added on the rear shoulders and large NACA ducts were added on the sides. The original futuristic light clusters were also replaced by conventional lights.
A total of 157 LP400's were produced. The first recorded delivery was made to D. Milne of the Australian Defence Force Transport Corps.
Then in 1978, Lamborghini brought out the LP400S. This was manufactured in a series of three. While the interior modifications were limited to an upgrade in the engine, the exterior changes were extensive. Lamborghini added fiberglass arch extension and replaced the tires with Pirelli P7 units, a much wider tire than was mounted on the LP400.
In 1982, the LP500S was introduced. The engine was upgraded to a more powerful 5-liter model but no changes were made to the exterior.
In 1985 additional improvements were made to the engine. Other changes were made to conform to US federal standards so the car could now be sold in the United States. This model was priced at $99,5000.
The year 1988 marked the 25th anniversary of the company. They celebrated by introducing the 25th anniversary Countach. This model had undergone considerable changes in styling that proved to be unpopular with many Lamborghini followers.
Then in 1975, Walter Wolf, an extremely wealthy Canadian businessman and owner of the Wolf Racing Team, purchased a LP400. However, he didn't like the engine. He, therefore, contacted Lamborghini's chief engineer and requested that the company custom build a special high-powered engine.
The result was an engine capable of reaching 315 kilometers per hour and producing 447 hp/7900 rpm. This model was also equipped with the upgraded wheels, Pirelli P tires, large fender flares and rear spoilers as had been installed on the LP400S. It was painted red with black fender flares.
The company produced 2,042 cars from 1974 to 1989 when they retired the design. Although its popularity has declined somewhat, it continues to be a collectible with a loyal following.
