The Lamborghini Countach is one of the most iconic supercars of all time and played a major role in shaping the image of Lamborghini as a maker of bold, high-performance cars. First introduced in 1974, the Countach stunned the automotive world with its futuristic wedge-shaped design, scissor doors, and powerful V12 engine. It became the poster car for an entire generation of enthusiasts and remains a symbol of extreme automotive design.
Overview
Manufacturer: Lamborghini
Production: 1974–1990
Class: Supercar
Layout: Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD)
Body Style: 2-door coupe
Design and Styling
The Lamborghini Countach is renowned for its radical, wedge-shaped design, which was a massive departure from the more curvaceous supercars of the 1960s. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, it remains one of the most distinctive car designs in history.
Futuristic Wedge Shape: The car's sharp angles, flat surfaces, and low-slung profile made it look like something out of a science fiction movie. The design was groundbreaking in the 1970s and influenced many supercars that followed.
Scissor Doors: The Countach was the first Lamborghini to feature Lamborghini's now-signature scissor doors (also known as "Lambo doors"), which open upwards rather than outwards. This feature not only contributed to its exotic look but also became a defining characteristic of future Lamborghini models.
Aggressive Aerodynamics: The sharp front end and wide, flared rear arches made the Countach look aggressive and purposeful. Later models featured large, optional rear wings that added to its outlandish appearance.
Compact Cabin: The cabin of the Countach was relatively small, designed more for the driver to sit low and close to the ground, enhancing the car’s racing-inspired feel.
Generations and Key Models
Lamborghini Countach LP400 (1974–1977)
Engine: 3.9L V12, producing 375 hp.
Performance: The LP400 could reach a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds.
Design: The original LP400 had a cleaner, more minimalist design, with no large spoilers or flared arches. It was also the lightest version of the Countach.
Lamborghini Countach LP400S (1978–1982)
Performance Upgrades: The LP400S introduced wider tires and lower suspension, improving handling but slightly reducing top speed.
Design Changes: This model introduced wheel arch flares, a wider stance, and an optional rear wing, which made the car look more aggressive. Though the rear wing didn’t enhance performance, it became an iconic aesthetic feature.
Lamborghini Countach LP500S (1982–1985)
Engine: A larger 4.8L V12, producing 375 hp.
Performance: Despite the bigger engine, the LP500S offered similar performance to the LP400 but with more torque and improved mid-range power.
Design: The LP500S retained the wide body and aerodynamic features of the LP400S but gained more luxury interior options.
Engine: 5.2L V12 with four valves per cylinder, producing 455 hp.
Performance: The 5000 QV (Quattrovalvole) had improved performance, with a top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of about 4.8 seconds.
Design and Engineering: This version had even wider tires and a redesigned engine cover to accommodate the larger V12. Fuel injection was added in the U.S. market to meet emissions standards, slightly reducing power compared to the carbureted European models.
Commemorative Model: Released to celebrate Lamborghini’s 25th anniversary, this version was the final and most refined version of the Countach.
Performance: The 25th Anniversary Edition retained the 5.2L V12 from the Quattrovalvole, producing 455 hp.
Design: The exterior featured more integrated bumpers, enlarged rear air intakes, and improved aerodynamics. The design was slightly more rounded, and the rear wing remained optional.
Interior: This edition offered improved interior materials and a more comfortable cabin, though it retained its racing-inspired cockpit feel.
Engine and Performance
The Lamborghini Countach is powered by a range of V12 engines over its lifespan, delivering ever-increasing levels of performance:
Early Models (LP400): The original 3.9-liter V12 engine was mounted longitudinally, producing 375 hp, which was extraordinary for the time. It set the standard for future Lamborghini supercars.
Later Models (LP500S and Quattrovalvole): As the engine size increased to 5.2 liters, the horsepower rose to 455 hp, making the Countach one of the fastest cars of the 1980s. The Quattrovalvole added four valves per cylinder, increasing both performance and efficiency.
Manual Transmission: All versions of the Countach came with a 5-speed manual transmission, adding to the car’s analog, driver-focused experience.
Driving Experience
Brutal Power: The Countach was known for its raw and unfiltered driving experience. Its V12 engine delivered power in an aggressive manner, and the car's rear-wheel-drive layout made it challenging but rewarding for skilled drivers.
Handling: While the car was fast, its handling was often described as difficult, particularly at low speeds. The Countach lacked modern electronic aids, making it a purist’s car that demanded attention and precision when driving.
Visibility: One of the more notorious aspects of the Countach is its poor visibility, particularly out of the rear. Parking or reversing the car required opening the scissor doors and sitting on the sill to see behind the car.
Cultural Impact
The Lamborghini Countach became an automotive legend not just because of its performance, but also due to its impact on popular culture.
Poster Car: It was the ultimate poster car of the 1970s and 1980s, adorning the walls of car enthusiasts worldwide. The Countach represented excess, speed, and aspiration.
Media Presence: The Countach has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and music videos, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.
Legacy and Influence
The Lamborghini Countach left a lasting legacy in the automotive world:
It set the template for future Lamborghini models, particularly with its use of scissor doors and bold, wedge-shaped design.
The car's sharp and angular design influenced the aesthetics of many supercars and exotic cars that followed.
The Countach continues to be revered by collectors and enthusiasts, with well-preserved models fetching high prices at auctions today.
Modern Countach Tribute (2021)
In 2021, Lamborghini unveiled the Countach LPI 800-4, a modern homage to the original Countach, celebrating its 50th anniversary. This limited-edition model is based on the Aventador platform, featuring a hybrid-assisted 6.5L V12, producing 803 hp. It blends modern technology with retro styling cues from the original Countach, reimagining the legend for the 21st century.
