Lamborghini Countach. Icon of the supercar is 50 years old!

If the Lamborghini Countach was without a doubt the most emblematic supercar of the 1970s and 1980s (2000 units from 1974 to 1990), His first appearance It dates back to March 1971 Shaped like an LP500 concept car, Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

To read. Italian cars celebrate their birthdays in 2021

The most expensive car possible!

The specifications were very simple and straightforward: Draw the most expensive car possible. This was the request made by the architect Paolo Stanzani to the designer Marcelo Gandini. The honorary designer who was working, at the time, for Bertone was free because the car was not custom Starting To be produced in series. To say that his debut caused quite a stir is an understatement. Countach, the name for a car baptism, expresses the idea of ​​something wonderful in the Piedmont slang. According to legend, it would be Nuccio Bertone personally, who would have chanted that way upon discovering the car. In any case, the LP500 prototype did not leave anyone indifferent, and at Lamborghini we quickly thought of moving to the series.

In order to adapt to manufacturing limitations, the LP500 prototype has to be modified, which means the Longitudionale Posteriore engine with 5 liters of displacement. The V12 engine was lost in the battle which explains the brand name Lamborghini Countach LP400. Initially it was moved by a 3929 cm block³ Strong from 375 ch, the Italian did not cease to increase in strength. At the end of its run, it contained a 5.2 liter engine with 455 hp.

The technology featured four valves per cylinder (Quattro Valvole) and imposed bumps on the top of the hood Engine punishes blowback, and it’s really unpretentious. Besides mechanical development, the Countach has kept changing his physical appearance, like a bodybuilder sculpting his body over and over again. At first it was flexible and refined, gradually his style became … more sophisticated. In 1978, the LP 400S version adopted the body kit imposed by the presence of wider tires, and some versions were marked by an optional Dallara wing. The so-called “periscopio” exclusive version has disappeared, with a hollow spoiler in the central part to facilitate rear viewing.

25^e Birthday “to end in style?”

Lamborghini Countach’s career ends with version 25^e Anniversary Celebrating 25 years of the brand’s automotive division. It derives from the LP500 QV, and is distinguished primarily by redesigned air intakes and narrower headlights at the rear. The next generation will take the form of the Lamborghini Diablo.

• Lamborghini Countach production volumes

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