Countach Restyling prototype - the STORY

In 1984, Giulio Alfieri decided to modify the Countach into something new, but not radically different, a kind of transition between the current Countach and its real heir.

This car became known as the Restyling prototype, not to be confused with the Countach Evoluzione however.

He remedied several disadvantages of the original Countach design, like its Cx value, which was a problem from the LP400 S on, he jointed the wheel wells in a less abrupt way by mounting special rocker panels, softening several corners and redesigning the air scoops behind the side windows. Cooling air for the radiator, oil cooler and engine was now 'grabbed' through grilles similar to those used on the initial 1971 prototype, but by increasing the inclination of the side windows, these air intakes conveyed more air. Also because of this inclination, these side windows were now finished in one piece, and not in two as on the 'normal' Countach, and were even electrically powered.

To the side, the original NACA ducts were replaced with large side grilles, mounted in enlarged, flat rear wings like on a Porsche 935. These grilles used thermostatically-controlled vertical louvers, as on the Bugatti 57, the front spoiler was now blended into the body line.

The chassis had to be redesigned to accommodate the radiator and oil cooler to the left of the engine, behind the driver's seat, with the fuel tank to the right.

Suspension, brakes and the rest of the space frame structure were left unchanged. This car was developed during 1987, and Patrick Mimran himself decided to have this prototype actually built to be able to judge the entire car. The Restyling prototype, an unofficial name given inside the company for the official 'Project L150', was completed in April 1987, but it was never used for further tests, it was finished for Patrick Mimran, who as a lover of exotic cars, added it to his collection of special Lamborghinis.

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