Lamborghini Countach (Ultimate Guide)

Lamborghini Countach

The Lamborghini Countach represented the backbone of the Lamborghini legend. Sure, the Miura came first and wowed crowds, but it was the Countach that took the brand to an entire new level. Once again, designer Marcello Gandini managed to draw a fascinating, unconventional car that left everyone speechless. Lamborghini wanted to build the most spectacular supercar ever made, one would be far more advanced than its time, one would bring even bigger impact than Miura did, one would become the dreamcar of every schoolboy in the following many years. When the Lamborghini Countach prototype was first shown at the 1971 Geneva motor show, there was a broad expression of wonder and excitement.

The Lamborghini Countach conceptualized sharp angles and sleek lines. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this visionary blueprint was originally introduced as the design for the Lancia Stratos Zero concept Car. Equipped with scissor doors, a cab-forward layout and a powerful V12 engine, the Lamborghini Countach was produced until 1990. With a total production number of almost 2000 units, the Countach remained in high demand for nearly two decades. In that time it got many upgrades and improvements all the way to the final Anniversary Edition car that ran from 1988 to 1990.

Below we take an in depth look at one of the most iconic supercars ever made, the Lamborghini Countach.

Countach History

In 1970, Project LP112 was the code name given to what would ultimately become the Countach. The Countach name came from a styling assistant who said the Piedmontese term “contacc!”—an excited term of awe—upon seeing the final concept. The concept shown in 1971 was a huge hit and it took till 1974 before we saw the first production Countach.

The first Countach generation was named LP 400. The bodywork was made of aluminum alloy bonded on a lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis designed by Paolo Stanzani. Suspension was double-wishbones all around, coupled with strong ventilated disc brakes. The engine was originally planned to be a 5-liter V12 good for 440hp, but overheating and reliability problems halted the development and forced Lamborghini to settle on its proven Bizzarrini-designed 3929cc V12. The engine was mounted longitudinally with the gearbox and clutch located in front of the engine. The gearbox was a 5-speed manual. Power transferred back to the rear wheels by a driveshaft running inside the dry engine sump. This arrangement improved front-rear weight distribution leading to better handling and it shortened gear linkage thus made gearchanges more precise.

The innovations in engine and transmission placement worked, with the first-generation Countach making 325 bhp @ 7,500 rpm and 260 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm, leading to a very quick 0 to 60 mph in around 5.9 seconds and top speed of 181 mph.

Through the years, the Countach continually evolved. The earliest 1974 models, known as “Periscopio” for their unique periscope-style rear-view mirror setup, are the purest from a styling standpoint, without the big scoops, vents, wings, and flares that would come to epitomize the later cars.

By 1980, Lamborghini Automobili was in bankruptcy. When new owners came into the picture in 1982, the Countach was finally federalized for U.S. sales—a market that would come to be the automaker’s largest. In 1982, the V12 was enlarged to 4754cc, hence a new designation LP500 (also known as LP5000S in the United States). Tougher emission standard called for reducing compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 9.2:1. Still, the larger engine produced 375 hp and 302 lbft of torque to restore the performance of LP400, despite the additional weight. Performance was not very different although many said the car felt sportier. Other areas were basically unchanged from the previous car.

For 1985, the Countach LP5000 QV was introduced, QV standing for “quattrovalvole,” or four-valve in Italian. True to its name, the now-5.2-liter V-12 was given a four-valves-per-cylinder head for increased efficiency, as well as another bump in output to 455 horsepower when equipped with six downdraft Weber carburetors (leading to these being commonly known as “Downdraft” cars), or 415 horsepower with the Bosch fuel injection U.S.-market cars received to meet Federal emissions standards. American-spec cars also got larger, heavier impact bumpers than their European counterparts and different engine fuel system because of stricter emission requirement.

Arriving in 1988, the 25th Anniversary Edition Countach received an even more outrageous restyle by Horacio Pagani (yes, that Horatio Pagani). The 25th Anniversary Edition Countach was often seen as a tribute to 1980s excess as well as a caricature of the earliest Periscopio models. Mechanically, it was nearly identical to the 5000QV, except that several changes were made to solve well known Countach issues. More ventilation holes were opened in the air dam, side skirts and engine lid in order to better cool the brakes and engine. The air box intakes were also enlarged.

The Lamborghini Countach was the defining supercar of the late 1970s and 1980 before it was finally discontinued to make way for the Diablo in 1990.

Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4

The Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 is a limited-production, mid-engine hybrid-electric sports car produced by the Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini. The design of this modern Countach is credited to Lamborghini’s head of design, Mitja Borkert. The car was unveiled on August 14, 2021, and it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original Countach, a vehicle that left a significant mark in the world of supercars.

The Countach LPI 800-4 features a modern powertrain, combining a 6.5-liter V-12 engine with a small electric motor that draws power from a supercapacitor. This setup generates a total of 802 horsepower, which is sent to all four wheels. The car’s exterior is built with lightweight carbon fiber, contributing to its performance capabilities. Its low geometric cabin design complements the car’s exterior lines, creating a futuristic feel.

The car’s interior showcases a modern, two-seat cockpit with an 8.0-inch vertically oriented touchscreen for its infotainment system. Despite its modern interpretation, the interior design maintains some nostalgic touches, including the red-and-black interior version that Lamborghini initially debuted to the world.

Despite its hybrid setup, the fuel economy ratings for the Countach LPI 800-4 are not expected to be significantly high, as the Aventador, which it is based on, is rated at only 9 mpg city and 16 mpg highway. The car can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 221 mph.

The Countach LPI 800-4 is priced at a base figure of $2.64 million, with final costs varying depending on the customer’s choice of features and bespoke options. The car will be sold in very limited quantities, adding to its exclusivity.

The Basics

• Years: 1974-1990

• Production: 1,983 units

• Assembly: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

• Layout: Longitudinal rear mid-engine

• Driven Wheels: Rear-wheel-drive

• Engine: 3.9L, 4.8L, 5.2L Nat Asp V12

• Original price (base): $72,200 (1974)

• Predecessor: Lamborghini Miura

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  Successor: Lamborghini Diablo

Countach Fun Fact

The name “Countach” actually translates to a swear word. Countach is a swear word in the Piedmontese dialect, and it’s what the head of the Bertone design house exclaimed when he saw the car’s design for the first time.

Best Countach? The Countach LP5000S QV

That special 5.2 liter fuel-injected four-valve motor is the pick for us. 455 horsepower, consistently delivered with tons of torque to boot. Arguably the 25th Anniversary model with its Testarossa-inspired strakes and grilles just goes too far and changes the essence of the original Countach, plus the LP500S QV looks better anyway.

Lamborghini Countach LP400 (Original)

• Years: 1974 – 1978

• Production: 150 units

• Engine: 4.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 375 bhp @ 8,000 rpm

• Torque: 270 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds

• Top Speed: 196 mph

Lamborghini Countach LP 400. The first Countach generation was named LP 400. Its 4 liter V12 engine was mounted lengthwise and produced 375 hp and 266 ft/lbs of torque. It truly created the new age of the supercar. 150 units were made.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach LP400 S

• Years: 1978 – 1982

• Production: 235 units

• Engine: 4.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 353 bhp @ 7,500 rpm

• Torque: 270 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 181 mph

Lamborghini Countach LP 400S. After a few years Lamborghini updated the Countach both inside and out. The more aggressive look (new spoilers) was a result of adding the widest tires available. The suspension was replaced and it lost its Periscopa roof.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach LP500 S

• Years: 1982 – 1985

• Production: 323 units

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 375 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 302 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds

• Top Speed: 186 mph

Lamborghini Countach LP 500S. At the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, the Countach finally got the 5-liter engine it was originally design for. This was the first Countach update in four years. Power was up 50 hp compared to the 4 liter engine.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole

• Years: 1985 – 1988

• Production: 610 units

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 455 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 340 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 182 mph

Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV. Lamborghini’s third major Countach revision came in 1985 at the Geneva Show. The model was named after its new cylinder head which featured four valves per cylinder (it was known either as the Quattrovalvole or QV).

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversario

• Years: 1988 – 1990

• Production: 657 units

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 455 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 370 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds

• Top Speed: 183 mph

Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary. The 25th Anniversary was the last and most aggressive Countach. Taking the 5000S further it had redesigned aero ducts and a redesigned front and rear kevlar hoods. The chassis was upgraded extensively too.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Walter Wolf Countach Special

• Year: 1975 – 1978

• Production: 3 units

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Walter Wolf Countach. This was painted white with a black interior and featured a unique roof-mounted aerofoil. He then asked Dallara to create a special version with more power. It was the code No. 1120148 “Walter Wolf Special” with an engine identical to the 5.0 L engine from the original 1971 LP500 prototype. Two subsequent Wolf Specials were produced.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach LP400 Speciale

• Year: 1976

• Production: 3 units

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Countach LP 400 Speciale. In 1976 Lamborghini produced three further examples. One was built for Ermanno Spazzapan (chassis 1120188) and another for Albert Silvera (1120222). Walter Wolf also took delivery of a second Countach Speciale (1120202) which received the special five-litre engine originally fitted to his red car. Each of these vehicles was highly customised.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach Evoluzione

• Year: 1987

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 449 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds

• Top Speed: 205 mph

Lamborghini Countach Evoluzione. The Evoluzione was designed and built in 1987 under the direction of Horacio Pagani, by the newly-formed ‘Composites Department’, they decided to change the steel space-frame of the original Countach to a chassis/body construction in composite materials. The cockpit and roof panels, tranny tunnel, door sills and front and rear were all composite.

Guide / Specs

Lamborghini Countach LP5000

• Year: 1971

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 5.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 440 bhp @ 7,500 rpm

• Torque: 367 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: 186 mph

Lamborghini Countach LP5000. On the 1971 Geneva Auto Show Lamborghini introduced the mind-blowing Countach, the full denomination was LP 500 Countach, where the LP stood for Longitudinale Posteriore 5000 cc, and the 5-Liter engine was put longitudinally in the back.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Countach 7000 Prototype

• Year: 1986

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 7.1 L Twin-Turbo V12

• Power: 592 bhp

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Countach 7000. Toward the end of 1986 the Countach 7000 was presented, this very different looking Countach used a four-valve engine bored out to 7.1 Liter with twin-turbo chargers, pumping out a whopping 600 Bhp, instead of the 455 Bhp produced by the ‘normal’ 5 Liter QV engine. A top speed of 240 Mph was mentioned.

Guide

Lamborghini Countach Restyling Prototype (L150)

• Year: 1987

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 5.0 L Naturally Aspirated V12

• Power: 455 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini L150. Lamborghini Countach L150 Prototipo, 1987. An experimental Countach development that would have updated the car’s technology and styling at a time when Lamborghini were short of funds. It remained a one-off.

Guide / Pictures

Recent lamborghini Countach News & Updates

Lamborghini Countach NEWS, UPDATES, AUCTION RESULTS, WALLPAPERS AND MORE. While the Countach has long been out of production, there are lots of people the world over with one in their garage and millions more wishing that there was a Countach in theirs! Whenever we find something cool about the LAMBORGHINI Countach, we will post it here.