50 Years of the Lamborghini Countach: The Birth of a Legend

The Countach’s journey began in 1971 when Lamborghini introduced the LP 500 concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the concept car’s striking wedge shape and innovative engineering captivated the audience. However, transforming the LP 500 into a production-ready vehicle required three years of intense development and rigorous testing.

Finally, in March 1974, Lamborghini began mass production of the Countach LP 400, marking the birth of a legend. The LP 400 featured a 4-liter V12 engine mounted lengthwise, producing 375 CV and enabling a top speed of 497 mph (309 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration in just 5.4 seconds.

The Countach’s design, characterized by sharp angles and sleek lines, was a departure from the curvaceous shapes of its predecessors. Gandini’s futuristic styling, with its low, wide stance and angular features, set the blueprint for the modern supercar.

One of the most distinctive elements of the Countach’s design was its scissor doors, which opened vertically. These doors, first introduced on the Countach, became a hallmark of Lamborghini’s V12 models and continue to feature on the latest offerings, such as the Revuelto.

Pioneering Countach’s Production Process

The Countach marked a big change for Lamborghini’s production approach. For the first time, the company decided to make the car’s bodywork at its factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, rather than hiring outside companies. This gave Lamborghini more control over both the design and quality of their cars, setting a new direction for their future models.

Before the Countach, Lamborghini used to rely on external coachbuilders for certain parts of production. But with the Countach, they brought everything in-house, which helped establish the brand’s reputation for offering highly customized cars—something they still do today.

Moving all production to the Sant’Agata Bolognese plant was a game-changing decision. The factory, which started at 12,000 square meters in the 1960s, has now grown to an enormous 346,000 square meters.

Crafting the Countach Body

The archived video from 1998, shared by Top Gear, highlights how the final ‘Anniversary’ edition of the Countach was built.

The footage shows the impressive craftsmanship behind the car’s production. Instead of using automated machines, skilled metalworkers shaped the car’s distinctive aluminum body panels by hand, using just wooden molds. This was very different from the high-tech stamping methods most car manufacturers used back then.

After the panels were formed, they were carefully welded together to create the Countach’s unique angular shape. It’s clear from the video that this wasn’t a job for machines but for expert craftsmen.

The Countach’s design was unlike anything else on the road. With its sharp edges and geometric lines, it was a bold statement of modern design, where every curve and angle had a purpose. From the slashed rear wheel arches to the iconic scissor doors, every detail added to the car’s dramatic look and feel.

Powertrain Particulars

Under the sleek design of the Lamborghini Countach was the powerful engine of a true Italian sports car. It was equipped with a Lamborghini V12 engine, mounted lengthwise, which started with 4.0 liters of displacement and produced 375 horsepower in the LP400 model.

What made this setup special was the transmission being placed in front of the engine, with the driveshaft running through the oil sump to reach the rear differential. The V12 engine had roots going back to Giotto Bizzarrini’s 1963 design, and versions of it were used in other Lamborghinis from the 1960s and 70s, including the Miura.

Over the Countach’s 16-year run, the V12 was significantly upgraded, with a larger displacement, new cylinder heads, and fuel injection to meet stricter emissions standards. A 5-speed manual transmission helped get the power to the road. The assembly of the powertrain was a precise and careful process, with technicians hand-fitting each component. The transaxle layout, with the transmission and differential placed around the engine, gave the car excellent weight distribution and stability.

Interior Appointments

The same handcrafted approach applied to the Countach’s interior. The 1988 video shows skilled upholsterers meticulously hand-stitching the leather seats, door panels, and dashboard.

The geometric, modernist theme of the exterior continued inside, with a focus on clean lines and minimal adornment. Just as with the exterior, the Countach’s cabin was not designed for comfort or convenience, but rather to envelop the driver in a cocoon of purposeful performance. Comfort and ease of use were secondary concerns – this was a car built to go fast first and foremost.

Countach Evolution and Legacy

Over its 16 years in production, the Lamborghini Countach went through some major changes. It started with the sleek, simple look of the LP400 and evolved into the more aggressive LP400 S with its flared fenders and bolder stance.

The engine also got bigger, with the 5000 S featuring a 4.8-liter displacement, and the Quattrovalvole introducing four-valve cylinder heads. By the time the 25th Anniversary edition came out, composite materials were used for the first time, and the design was even more dramatic.

From 1974 to 1990, a total of 1,999 Countach models were made, each one a reflection of the skill and dedication of the workers at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese factory. The car left a lasting mark on automotive design that’s still evident today in models like the Aventador and Sián.

While the Miura put Lamborghini on the map, the Countach cemented its reputation for producing wild, extreme supercars. Its sharp, angular design defined the brand for years, making Lamborghini a name known for pushing boundaries in the car world.

The 1988 factory video is more than just a look back in time; it’s a tribute to the workers who handcrafted each Countach. It reminds us of the human touch behind these automotive icons, showcasing the power of hand-built craftsmanship in a world that’s become more automated. The Countach was a car that could only be made by hand, and that hands-on approach is still at the heart of Lamborghini today.

Five Unique Design Features That Set The Lamborghini Countach Apart

1. Periscope Rear-View Mirror: Early LP 400 models featured a unique periscope-style rear-view mirror, earning them the nickname “Periscopio.” This innovative solution provided better rear visibility in the absence of a conventional rear window.
2. Unique Wiper Mechanism: The Countach’s windshield wipers were powered by hydraulic pressure, unlike the electric motors used in most cars. This allowed for a more compact and efficient wiper system that complemented the car’s sleek design.
3. Scissor Doors: The Countach was the first production car to feature scissor doors, which have since become a signature design element of Lamborghini’s V12 models. These doors were not only visually striking but also practical, as they required less space to open compared to conventional doors.
4. Longitudinally Mounted V12 Engine: The Countach’s V12 engine was mounted longitudinally, a layout that has become synonymous with Lamborghini’s high-performance ethos. This configuration allowed for better weight distribution and improved handling characteristics.
5. Tubular Spaceframe Chassis: Lamborghini engineers believed that a car as groundbreaking as the Countach deserved an equally innovative chassis. The Countach featured a tubular spaceframe chassis made of aluminum alloy, which provided exceptional rigidity while keeping the overall weight low.

The Lamborghini Countach’s enduring legacy is a testament to its groundbreaking design, innovative engineering, and uncompromising performance. As we celebrate 50 years since the first Countach left the factory, its impact on the automotive world remains as profound as ever. The Countach not only redefined the supercar but also set the stage for Lamborghini’s future success, cementing its position as one of the most iconic and influential marques in automotive history.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Lamborghini Countach Image Gallery

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The film’s box office success, grossing over $72 million, exposed the Countach to a wide audience. Its unique design and impressive performance captured the public’s imagination, transforming the car into a symbol of wealth, success, and the extravagant lifestyle of the 1980s.

To mark the 45th anniversary of the Countach LP 400 S’s appearance in “The Cannonball Run,” a special reunion was organized recently. The event brought together the movie’s actresses, Tara Buckman and Adrienne Barbeau, with the car’s current owner, Jeff Ippoliti.

Ippoliti, a die-hard Lamborghini enthusiast, shared his perspective on owning this piece of cinematic history. He recounted the car’s journey since its movie debut and the painstaking efforts to preserve its originality while ensuring it remains in top mechanical condition. This reunion celebrated the Countach’s enduring legacy and its ability to captivate audiences decades after its silver screen debut.

“The Cannonball Run”: The plot and how it affected the Countach brand image.

“The Cannonball Run” is a comedic action film that follows a group of eccentric characters participating in an illegal cross-country race. The movie, which starred Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, and Dom DeLuise, captured the spirit of the early 80s with its fast cars, outrageous stunts, and irreverent humor.

The Countach’s role in the film’s iconic opening scene was pivotal in establishing its on-screen presence. The sleek black supercar, driven by the beautiful Jill Rivers (Tara Buckman) and Marcie Thatcher (Adrienne Barbeau), speeds through the desert, effortlessly outpacing a police car in pursuit. This memorable sequence showcased the Countach’s power, speed, and appeal, setting the tone for its enduring cultural impact.

The Countach became a poster car for automotive enthusiasts, fueling dreams of owning this ultimate driving machine. Its popularity soared as fans worldwide sought to emulate the style and excitement portrayed in the movie. The enduring popularity of the movie “The Cannonball Run” which grossed over $72 million at the box office kept the Countach LP 400 S in the spotlight for decades.

Actresses Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman, who drove the car in the film, expressed surprise at the movie’s lasting impact, noting that fans frequently request autographs on Countach model cars, even years after the film’s release.

The Countach’s appearance in “The Cannonball Run” cemented its status as an automotive and pop culture legend, influencing public perception and desirability of the car. Its inclusion in the National Historic Vehicle Register in 2021 further underscores the film’s role in shaping the Countach’s enduring legacy.

The enduring legacy of the Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S from “The Cannonball Run” has been recognized by the automotive community. In 2021, the car was inducted into the National Historic Vehicle Register, a prestigious honor reserved for vehicles that have significantly influenced American history and culture.

To celebrate this milestone, the Countach was displayed on the National Mall in Washington D.C., allowing the public to appreciate its historical significance and timeless design. This recognition underscores Countach’s impact not only on the automotive world but also on the broader cultural landscape.

The Countach LP 400 S: A star is born

The 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S featured in the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run” bears the chassis number 1121112. This specific car has a notable history and has been recognized for its cultural significance. It was one of 105 Countach LP400 S models built to Series 2 specifications between the autumn of 1979 and the summer of 1981. It was originally delivered to SEA Auto, the Lamborghini distributor in Rome, Italy before being quickly exported to the United States. The car’s first owner was based in Florida and was a close friend of Hal Needham, the director of “The Cannonball Run.” This connection led to the car being featured prominently in the movie.

The specific 1979 Countach LP 400 S underwent several modifications for its movie appearance, including the addition of a front spoiler, twin spotlights, three antennas, and 12 exhaust pipes, six on each side. These alterations enhanced the car’s already striking presence on the silver screen.

As a 1979 model, chassis 1121112 is an early “Low Body” or Series 1 Countach LP 400 S, sitting about 2 inches lower than later models. It is a rare car, made even more unique by its movie modifications and one-of-a-kind status.

The Countach’s enduring influence

The Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S’s influence on automotive design and supercar culture cannot be overstated. Its wedge-shaped profile, scissor doors, and aggressive stance set a new standard for supercar design. The Countach’s bold, unapologetic aesthetic inspired countless imitators and influenced the design language of Lamborghini’s subsequent models.

Beyond its design impact, the Countach remains a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its rarity, coupled with its cultural significance, has driven its value to stratospheric heights. In recent years, Countach LP 400 S models have sold at auction for millions of dollars, a testament to their enduring desirability and investment potential.

The Lamborghini Countach’s other notable appearance on the silver screen

While its most famous movie appearance is undoubtedly in the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run,” the Countach graced the silver screen in numerous other productions over the years.

• In the popular 1980s TV series “Miami Vice,” the Countach was driven by the suave detective Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson. The car’s appearance in the show further cemented its status as a symbol of 80s excess and style.
• Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street” featured a Countach being recklessly driven by Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jordan Belfort. The scene showcased the car’s association with wealth and extravagance.
• The Countach has also been featured in various automotive-focused TV shows. The series “Ultimate Factories” dedicated an episode to showcasing the car’s manufacturing process, while “Top Gear” and its successor “The Grand Tour” have both featured the Countach in memorable segments. The long-running American series “Motorweek” has also spotlighted the iconic supercar

These appearances across diverse media have contributed to the Countach’s enduring popularity and cultural significance. Its striking design, powerful performance, and association with luxury and success have made it a go-to choice for filmmakers and TV producers looking to add a touch of automotive glamour to their projects.

Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S: specs and details

The Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S, introduced in 1978, was an updated version of the original Countach LP 400. It featured a 3.9-liter (3929 cc) V12 engine that produced 350 hp (355 ps) at 7,500 rpm and 356 Nm (263 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5500 rpm. The car was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 158 mph (255 kph). The LP 400 S had a dry weight of 1,360 kg (2,998 lb).

How is the Countach LP400S different from the standard Countach?

The LP 400 S differed from the standard Countach of that era in several ways. It was fitted with much wider Pirelli P7 tires (345/35R15), the widest available on a production car at the time. To accommodate these tires, the car received fiberglass wheel arch extensions and a more aggressive front bumper with a deeper spoiler, giving it a distinctive look.

The suspension was updated to handle the wider tires, with a new parallel-linked system replacing the original wishbone layout. New ATE disc brakes and Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels were also fitted to the LP 400 S. Later series of the LP 400 S had increased interior space compared to the original LP 400.

Countach LP400S’s main rivals

The Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S competed with other high-performance sports cars and supercars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Some of its main competitors included the Ferrari Testarossa, Porsche 930 Turbo, Maserati Bora, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and De Tomaso Pantera.

5 interesting facts about the Lamborghini Countach that we bet you didn’t know earlier

1. The Countach’s iconic scissor doors were not just for style. They were a practical necessity due to the car’s tubular space frame chassis, which made conventional doors impossible to fit.
2. The LP400 S model introduced in 1978 was fitted with the widest tires available on a production car at the time – massive 345/35R15 Pirelli P7s. This required the addition of flared wheel arches, giving the Countach its distinctive and aggressive look.
3. The Countach was one of the first production cars to use scissor doors, which have since become a signature feature of Lamborghini’s high-performance models. The design was pioneered on Lamborghini’s earlier Carabo concept car.
4. The word “Countach” is an expression of astonishment in the Piedmontese language, often used by men upon seeing a beautiful woman. Lamborghini thought it a fitting name for a car with such striking looks.
5. Despite its impressive performance figures, the Countach was never built for all-out speed. Its primary focus was always on design and presence. The large rear wing that became optional on later models reduced the car’s top speed, but it was so popular with customers that Lamborghini kept it as an option.

Conclusion

The Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S’s appearance in “The Cannonball Run” transformed it from a high-performance supercar into a cultural phenomenon. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and association with the excesses of the 1980s have cemented its place in automotive history.

The Countach’s impact extends far beyond the realm of cinema. It has become a symbol of Lamborghini’s brand identity, representing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. Its influence can be seen in the design of countless supercars that followed in its wake.

As the Countach LP 400 S from “The Cannonball Run” celebrates its 45th anniversary, its legacy remains as strong as ever. It continues to captivate enthusiasts, inspire designers, and embody the spirit of automotive excellence.

Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S Image Gallery

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While the movie poster showed the Countach S in red, the actual car in the movie, chassis number 1121112, was a black 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, originally delivered to SEA Auto, the Lamborghini distributor for Rome, Italy, who almost immediately had the car exported to the United States of America. This black over mustard yellow Countach S ended up with her first owner in Florida, a close friend of Hal Needham and the latter would make this Countach unforgettable, this Raging Bull was set to make history.

Back in the early Eighties, the speed limit in the United States of America was set at 55 mph (or 88 km/h), which isn’t much, let’s face it, so Brock Yates gathered a number of car enthusiasts to race across the US from East to West in the least amount of time naturally, that meant breaking the speed limit just about constantly, but police enforced the limit rigorously, so the drivers had to be inventive on the roads between downtown Manhattan in New York and a marina on the Pacific Ocean at Redondo Beach in California.

This illegal race caught the attention of Hollywood screenwriters who saw an interesting opportunity to put together a fictional plot where famous movie actors of the time would compete against each other behind the wheel of some of the most iconic cars of that era, and with a release date of June 1981, what car would be more iconic than the Lamborghini Countach, more so the latest model, the LP400 S with her wide wheel arches, massive rear wheels, the big rear wing, and those iconic, upward-opening doors.

This black Lamborghini Countach S was a 1979 model, so when filming began on the Cannonball Run, this car was virtually still brand new when the owner ‘lend’ her to Hal Needham who was directing this movie, but they decided the factory original Countach wasn’t wild enough for the movie, so they modified her adding a spoiler to the front with additional lights, probably for more visibility during night-time driving.

But they didn’t end there, remember this was an illegal race, and while cell phones were first made as early as 1973, they didn’t become popular until the 90s, so racers would use CB radios to communicate with each other, hence the addition of three massively long antennas to the Countach, and to make that famous V12 engine really loud a total of 12 exhaust pipes were fitted for the movie in which actress Adrienne Barbeau would regularly use her ‘assets’ to get out of a ticket.

Even while the movie was being recorded, the car changed hands, Ron Rice, the founder of the sunscreen brand Hawaiian Tropic loved this black Countach S so much he bought it from the original owner in a heartbeat and would hold onto this iconic supercar from Sant’Agata for the next 23 years. In comes Jeff Ippolitia, a Florida-based attorney and long-time Lamborghini enthusiast who started the Celebration Exotic Car Festival in Daytona Beach in 2004, who remembered seeing The Cannonball Run several times to admire the Countach.

For his charity event, Jeff wanted to have as many interesting cars as possible, and he found out Ron Rice lived in Florida, it took some networking but Jeff got Mr. Rice on the phone and convinced him to get his black Lamborghini Countach LP400 S out of the garage and onto the show grounds, which is where Jeff learned the car might be for sale so he got back in touch with Ron Rice and after some lengthy negotiations the famous movie car changed hands, only to be put through a two-year restoration by Tony Ierardi.

Ierardi stated “Obviously we didn’t want it to look like any other Countach. It had to look exactly as it did in the movie, with the 12 exhaust pipes and the CB radio antennae. It was a big deal for me to get to restore it—just unreal. I’ve owned five Countachs and I still get chills every time I see this one.”

As this is a 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, we are talking about one of the early ‘Low Body’, or Series 1 models, these rare cars sit about 2 inches lower on their chassis compared to later Countach S models, but this isn’t an S model with the periscope roof, and while very few Countach were fitted with that big wing on the front, this will forever be a rare car, a one-of-one famous movie car.

Ms. Diane Parker, Vice President of Hagerty Drivers Foundation states: “We help to shape the future of car culture by celebrating our automotive history. We provide programs and financial support in three focus areas: Car Culture, Education, Innovation. Every September, we celebrate automotive culture with our event where we showcase historically significant automobiles on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Since 2009, 29 vehicles have been added to the National Historic Vehicle Register, a program created in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior and Library of Congress. We are now very proud to announce that our car no. 30 is the 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 that starred in the 1981 movie ‘The Cannonball Run’“

Let’s go back to 1981 and enjoy this compilation of appearances of this black Lamborghini Countach LP400 S in The Cannonball Run, starting with the impressive opening scene:

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But as always there are exceptions, like chassis 112.1164, a 1980 model originally finished in red over black, but repainted to white over black for none other than the late Ferruccio Lamborghini himself, that car is valued at well into the seven figures roam, and while the one we are looking at here might not be that valuable, this black beauty comes with a different kind of pedigree … this is a world-famous movie car.

Chassis number 112.1112, finished in the beautiful combination of Nero over Senape, that’s black on dark tan or light brown, whichever you prefer, was originally sold in Italy, but got imported into the United States at the end of 1979 or early 1980 … to become the legendary Cannonball Run Countach, after some rather special modifications.

For a complete history and list of custom add-ons to chassis 112.1112, you might want to check out the article we’ve written on this one-of-a-kind Lamborghini Countach S about the fact this Lamborghini got listed in the National Historic Vehicle Register, where she joined other legendary cars like the 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, or the 1947 Tucker 48 prototype, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, the 1968 Ford Mustang, the 1985 Modena Spyder, and the 1981 De Lorean DMC-12 … safe to say this icon from Sant’Agata became an important car in automotive history.

So why do we revisit this black Countach again? Simple, the Hagerty Drivers Foundation just published an amazing, 79-minutes documentary on their YouTube channel on this unique movie car, “The Cannonball Run Countach: Supercar Legend” brings you the entire story about this car and what it meant for The Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash! Kick-started by famed auto journalist Brock Yates as a rebellion against American speed limits and automotive regulations of the 1970s.

It does take a little over an hour of your time, but you really should take a look at this amazing documentary below:

And just so we can admire this amazing movie car from every angle, inside and outside, we’ve put together an extensive image gallery for you below:

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About 25 years after the last Countach left the production line in Sant’Agata these cars still turn heads wherever they go and this customized Lamborghini Countach LP400 S is no exception. This car actually had a Vortech charger installed on the massive V12 engine, this means the Vortech charger compresses air by forcing it into the engine using two closely fitted longitudinal screws, the blower is actually directly coupled to the engine, therefore it does consume a little horsepower to operate, but the output gain easily overcomes this.

An exact power output for this car is difficult, it does pump out 429 Bhp at a pressure of 0.45 bar, which is the limit to comply with the laws in Switzerland, however when running at 0.8 bar the power output is a staggering 523 Bhp, unfortunately at that pressure setting the car is no longer street legal in Switzerland so the owner keeps it running at 0.45 bar. Furthermore this car no longer has carburetors as the owner fitted an electronic fuel injection and two Motec Computers for the motor-management.

Note that the exterior and interior were also slightly tuned, this dark metallic car has a bright red interior, to get the interior to the same level as the engine tuning, the standard seats were removed and replaced by two Alcantara covered racing type bucket seats complete with four-point Sabelt seat belts.

The steering wheel was also replaced with a nice red one, covered in the same Alcantara, while the gear knob is now a Momo Fighter type unit, last but not least the pedals were removed and nice looking aluminum ones were installed, to finish the interior the door panels were covered in red leather with magnificent Carbon Fiber inserts.

Even a standard engine needs enough cool air but a charged one like this needs even more oxygen to keep it at normal working temperatures, therefore the owner had a very nice touch added to the car, the engine cover has been replaced by a new one that looks very much like the later Diablo Jota type one, with two air intakes feeding air directly onto the blowers that have been installed.

At first this magnificent piece of automotive artwork had standard wheel, but later on the owner changed these for the stunning custom ones seen on my photos (taken in 2001), fully chromed three-piece 17 inch units with a truly awesome rim width at the rear axle, front wheels are 9×17 inch with 235/40 tires covering special Alcon Race type disk brakes, while the massive rear wheels measure a whopping 13×17 inch and are shed with 335/35 tires, just like on the early Diablo models.

Also note the special aluminum fuel cap installed on this Countach as a final touch, all in all a very nice looking car that some may consider uninteresting because it is no longer standard, but if nobody ever modified anything on a Lamborghini Walter Wolf would have never given us the Countach S-Series.

This specific Countach is extremely quick and very easy to drive, the engine tuning is not overdone so driving and maintaining it is still rather easy and the engine has performed several thousands of kilometers without any problems whatsoever …

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The first car (nr.188) was finished in a bright red, with a black interior and was delivered to an Italian customer, but the second, finished in a brilliant Bugatti light-blue, with a natural leather upholstery with gold colored wheels and pin striping became the famous Walter Wolf Countach.
This specific car, nr. 202 was recently restructured by the factory and it still wears these original colors.

These two cars would in fact be considered to be the prototypes of what later would be developed into the Countach LP400 S production model.

The LP400 S was the first revision of the Lamborghini Countach, the differences between the LP400 and the LP400 S were not only visible on the outside, although that is where they were most obvious, but the entire suspension geometry had to be redone to cope with the very wide rear wheels.

Walter Wolf could actually be held responsible for the LP400 S to be launched by Automobili Lamborghini, he had two of his cars equipped with a custom built 5.0-Liter engine, just like the one Bob Wallace blew up in 1971. But what was more important, he also had wider Pirelli P7 tires installed on these cars, and had the complete suspension geometry redesigned by Dallara to be able to mount these massive wheels.

When he bought his third personalized Countach, he convinced Lamborghini SpA to take a look at commercializing ‘his’ modifications. But they didn’t follow the Walter Wolf ‘treatment’ completely, the wide Pirelli low-profile high-tech P7 tires were adopted, now mounted on new five-hole telephone-dial rims, as seen on the Bertone’s Bravo show car, the rear ones were 12 inch wide over a 15 inch height.

To be able to fully use the extra grip of these tires, Dallara had to return to Lamborghini SpA and completely redesign the suspension of the Countach, because of the massive width of these tires it was necessary to keep them as horizontal as possible on the tarmac at all times.

To complete the exterior changes, four large fiberglass wheel arch extenders were installed, the front ones connected by a deep chin spoiler, while the rear wing wasn’t available at the start of the LP400 S production, it was a popular option later on.

Note that the 3rd Wolf car, which was used as the Geneva car show, didn’t have the rear wing during that show, it was mounted later, after he took delivery of the car.

Demand for the LP400 S increased and also the rear wing seen on Wolf’s cars became a highly requested item, later Lamborghini SpA was forced to offer it as on option on the Countach, at first it was a large wing mounted on two vertical fins, later two end plates were added at the outer limits of the wing.

All these appendages, together with a slight decrease in engine power to 352 Bhp, to make the Countach easier to handle, made the LP400 S slower than the LP400, therefore Lamborghini decided to keep the LP400 in production along with the new S-type.

It is noteworthy however that some LP400 S models still had the original LP400 engine with 375 Bhp the original Weber carburetors with the high lift camshafts and higher compression, without any emission equipment, while later most cars imported into the United States had to be ‘federalized’ and power dropped even further to 325 Bhp.

All the special tacked-on items made the bodywork less aerodynamic, but the Countach now looked even more aggressive, ready to tear the road to pieces with it’s ground-hugging front spoiler and the widest tires in existence (345mm width still remains the widest available, even today) mounted at the rear.

The suspension was later raised three centimeters, because most customers damaged the deep front spoiler, hitting the sidewalk with it, also during the 1981 production run, the wheels were changed to a simpler design, which would be used right up to the LP 5000 QuattroValvole, note however that the first 24 cars had magnesium wheels, which in the late Seventies were about US $ 2000 each, afterward the wheels were made of aluminum, which were actually a lot cheaper than the exotic magnesium ones, the suspension was modified with new shock absorbers, way Assauto.

At that time the dashboard was also changed, and bigger Jaeger instrumentation (the LP400 used Stewart Warner ones) was installed, the speedometer now started at 20 km/h instead of 40 km/h as on the earlier ones, also different steering wheels were mounted during the LP400 S production.

The roof was raised another three centimeters on the inside, starting from chassis nr. 1121312, to improve the comfort of taller driver, but still nobody taller than 180 cm would fit into the tight cockpit, the tunnel in the roof, which the LP500 used for its rear view mirror, was actually removed and provided these three cm extra space.

The accelerator pedal became hinged from the top and the handbrake lever was moved to the right of the driver.

On the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show, a silver-gray Countach was displayed with new, rectangular rear view mirrors, which would be installed on several cars. Next to this car was a turbo-charged V-12 engine, but it was actually only a mock-up, it was never functional, and the Lamborghini factory never produced a turbo-charged Countach.

Also note that the moment the LP400 S was available for sale, the demand of the original LP400 dropped dramatically, and a new demand was unintentionally created by Lamborghini SpA, several owners of the original LP400 Countach requested to have their car turned into an S-series look alike, now here things start getting complicated, some LP 400’s got the front spoiler and wheel arch extension, but not the expensive wheels and different suspension, while other LP400’s were ‘retrofitted’ with the entire S-series options.

The factory was also persuaded by several wealthy customers to convert brand new LP400’s into the LP400 S model, complete with front spoiler, wheel arches and massive rear wheels with the special setup suspension. You might wonder why? The answer was simple : these cars still had the 375 Bhp engine as mentioned earlier, so these would easily outperform any ‘original’ LP400 S on the open road.

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