The 1981 film “The Cannonball Run” had a significant impact on the popularity and cultural status of the Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S. The Countach’s appearance in the movie’s iconic opening scene, featuring a high-speed police chase, showcased the car’s striking design, power, and speed. This memorable sequence left a lasting impression on audiences and elevated the Countach from a niche supercar to a mainstream cultural icon.
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.
The front spoiler and twin spotlights were added to the Countach LP 400S to add more glamourAs 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).
| Specifications | Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S details |
|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 1978 |
| Engine | 3.9-liter (3929 cc) V12 |
| Power Output | 350 hp at 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 356 Nm (263 lb⋅ft) at 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 5.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 158 mph (255 Kph) |
| Dry Weight | 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
