As an homage to the first deliveries of the limited-edition 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 to customers in Japan, Automobili Lamborghini SpA showcased a stunning Rosso over Bianco unit at the Warehouse Terrada in Tokyo, where they invited 90 members of the local press to admire this hybrid supercar that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Lamborghini Countach, with just 112 units available worldwide, even despite the controversy about resurrecting the Countach name on this design, the car sold out in a heartbeat, and what made this event in Tokyo even more interesting was the fact they had an almost identical spec 1980s Lamborghini Countach next to the 2022 version.
Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director for Automobili Lamborghini in Asia Pacific said: “We are excited to present the Countach LPI 800-4 along with the 1989 Countach 25th Anniversary to our media friends in Japan. The Countach has been one of the most popular Lamborghini models ever since it was first introduced to the world five decades ago. As we begin the first deliveries of the Countach LPI 800-4 to our discerning owners in Japan, we can expect that the Countach will continue to turn many heads when it is on the Japanese roads as it has been for the past fifty years.”
If we take a look at the photos added to the official press release for this unveil in Japan, I do notice the red on tan Lamborghini Countach next to the new 814hp, 355 km/h top speed lady, but that doesn’t look like a 25th Anniversary edition, but at most a Quattrovalvole, still seeing this Rosso on Bianco 2022 version next to a Rosso on Tan classic from the Eighties, both rolling on gold finished wheels, it just matches, and yes, the 2022 doesn’t have wide wheel arches nor a tall rear wing, but you can still recognize the family resemblance nonetheless.
From the press release:
The Countach: beloved in Japan and starring in Manga
It is not just a question of sales figures but of emotional and cultural impact. Japan has always been friendly territory for the Countach, with a host of enthusiasts ready to celebrate it and make it the protagonist of some famous Manga series.
Manga comics were first produced as early as the 18th century, but it was from the beginning of the 20th century that they began to be widely disseminated, and from the mid-1950s became one of Japan’s most important publishing products. Characterized by being in black and white and having a rather simple finish, they are still read today by people of all age groups.
The presence of the Countach in Manga comics dates back to the ’70s when it captivated the Japanese public with its futuristic shapes, angular forms, scissor doors, power, and performance. This affection led to the publication and success of the Manga named “Countach” published in 28 volumes starting in 2004 by the Shueisha publishing house and drawn by Haruto Umezawa. The story’s main character, Sorayama Shun, dreamt since childhood of becoming a racing driver and owning a Countach LP 400 in the future. Twenty-five years later, thanks to his efforts to see his wish come true, and with a bit of luck, he manages to get his own Countach, which ends up being the protagonist of various adventures and racing challenges. It is a coveted series, now sought after by enthusiasts all over the world, and quite rare to find complete.