Countach, the ultimate supercar

So does anyone know the vin number for the first one or two Anniversaries?

 

I remember a factory new Countach in this color with blue inserts on the seats when it was unloaded at Ultimate Motorworks in Longwood Florida.

 

This car has white leather, dark blue carpets, dark blue perforated inserts on the seats, as well as dark blue piping with dark blue stitching along the seams....very "Speciale"

Likely the same car...

 

Exactly, I remember the white interior too.

 

If you look in the background of the first pic, you can see the Ultimate Motorworks logo on the transport truck, too.

Also, if you look REALLY close in the first pic, you can make out the blue seat inserts. Actually they're even easier to see in the 3rd pic.

Does anyone know approx. how many miles are on her now?

Historical significance or not, the US bumpers simply got to go. The ONLY flaw on that car.

 

I'm selling my f430 and I'm looking into something without a loan on my head and also I'm really tired of taking huge hits at resale. A Countach is something that I always wanted, but something so many people tell me not to buy, their concerns are because of of the running costs. Is this a car that can be driven at least 6,000 miles a year? What is out there for $100k?

 

yes,

It will not be as easy to drive around town, as with the 430's and Testarossa autos etc...



You don't have good rear exterior visibility and the pedals are spaced close together. In addition, the clutch and shifter take significant effort to engage. The car takes a lot of effort to move it around at slow parking lot speeds - no power steering - excellent ! The interior does not have a lot of room for most people. Ingress and egress effort is not easy. It is a difficult car to back-up (compared to others) - you are probably aware of how that is accomplished.

It can be used as a semi-dd, if you want to put up with the effort. At hi speeds, it begins to all make sense. Yes, I have gone to the supermarket and picked up a gallon of milk in the Countach.

Maintainance should not be too bad, if you find a good car up front and do not ride the clutch. 100K, will buy you a very nice car.

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The Blue Miura painted Countach is hot !

 

Your assessment and desciption is right on target with my experiences!

 

I don't know of many Lambo enthusiasts that would tell you not to own a Countach. Ferrari guys maybe and for good reason as they have very different personalities (the cars I mean...maybe owners too). I think everyone should own one. I have driven a 430 and marvelled at how well it did so many things. I then got in my Countach and felt alot more soul. Drive them responsibly, ie, not dropping the clutch and you will have a very good car. All three of my Lambos have been better than any Porsche I have owned. Go for it!

 

Any pics of that Countach?

 

drive a 430 as a daily driver. And drive my Countach whenever the 43o is in service or being repaired. After I restored the Countach, it has run perfectly without ever letting me down. The only problem I had was a leaking fuel filter $20 fix. The key is getting a properly serviced sorted car that has being driven since a major service.

The car is wonderful and difficult to drive. Very exciting and very demanding to drive. It's exactly what you'd expect. The only problem that makes it impossible is very hot weather (the ac is not good, like all vintage cars from Italy.

As a second car it's perfect. You can easily drive it 6k if it's a good car.

 

I think all Countach come with power steering.... by Arm Strong.

 

He's referring to the car in post #2645, I'm pretty sure.

 

Of course, there is no human being who has driven more Countach than 'Maestro' Balboni himself having test driven most of the 2,000 cars built personally. Therefore is a special privilege to have been coached by the man himself how to get the most out of a Countach. When driving with Valentino, its interesting to note how softly he caresses the wheel and shoves the shifter. Note his short-shifting technique.

A book is forthcoming on the exploits of the man whom so many who love the cars from Sant Agata identify with..
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Thanks for the positive Countach insight guys. I can see myself in one in the near future.

 

I believe that book is already out, now.

 

Here in the USA?

 

The book about Valentino is not yet out, I was several times in contact with the author, I think he even used some of my pictures, he's a german but seems to be in Switzerland, Matthias Pfannmüller is his name.

 

The more books the better... (hint hint Joe)
The beautiful blue Countach I think is still in Florida. I also think it is
owned by a Karate man who owns and runs martial arts schools.

 

I assumed this book was done already after someone emailed the attached photo to me and a link to Amazon.de Looks like it is a German language book. Too bad. I hope he will also be doing an English version. Perhaps you could ask the author, Raymond. I imagine he would sell a lot more copies, though I'll probably buy a German copy anyway.

http://www.amazon.de/Valentino-Balboni-beste-Welt-Lamborghini-Testfahrer/dp/3613028654/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235595734&sr=1-14

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See, now I have heard of 2 different schools of thought on how to get the most out of a Countach. Some say it's a brute that you have to grab by the nape of the neck and bend to your will and if you don't command it with total confidence, it can "smell" fear and will buck you off right into a ditch. You know, like "breaking" a wild horse (or a raging bull in this context).

Others I have heard say to let it be as wild as it wants and just kind of nudge it into doing what you want it to do. Subtle tactile inputs. Almost like not even letting the car "know" you're inside it. This seems to be more in line with how you describe Balboni handles the cars.

I, unfortunately having yet to pilot one of these bulls, have to rely on second-hand impressions. However, I emphasize YET. Gotta keep the goals in focus!

 

I believe a nice balance of the two. I have had two and my experience is that a commited, strong, confident driver would find them very rewarding, while the meek would be too intimidated to really have much fun. From my 84 to my 89 DD there is sure a difference. The Annviversario is a much better car to drive.

 

With the countach, the "man" part is the steering... that aspect is where you really need to work those arms. The clutch to me is high effort but amazingly easier to use than a early year diablo.. The tranny itself is wonderful to row with once you get it up to temp. The key with driving this car is not only respecting it but coaxing it to do things through the right amount of effort. Thats why when journalist test out the car, its not just any car, it needs the driver to acclimate himself. It seems to be that the driver works towards the character of the car and not the other way around... I suppose its just that a countach only drives right a certain way and if you dont work up to that way, its a bad driving experience... However, adapt to its way and you will love the experience. I hate to say this but it feels much much more rewarding to drive than my diablo... Perhaps its just the fact that cars nowadays are sooooo user friendly that some of that character is lost... cant blame the car makers making cars easier to drive, the easier to sell a car... But I cant help but appreciate the fact that these cars require you to relearn how to drive it. That relearning to me is the rewarding part of the experience...

 

Very well put and I agree totally. My father has a brilliant 91 Diablo and driving the Anniversary and it back to back is quite a day! The Countach is so raw, while the Diablo is so strong. Too completely different feels.

 

In 2007 we made a tour in the swiss alpes, from St.Moritz to Davos, Livigno and back to St. Moritz, covering 191km, 5 passes (Julier, Fluela, Ofen, Forcola di Livigno and finally Bernina) 10'000 of altitude, I wasn't tired at all in the evening because I know exactly how to throw my QV into the corners.

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