Countach, the ultimate supercar

Here is where things get confusing for me. If you say that the factory used an LP400 as a donor are you referring to taking an existing LP400 car that was at one time finished and then taking it apart to make an LP400S or does it mean that they used left over bodies that were never made into LP400 cars to make an S car? If the former was the case then the cars would presumably have an LP400 serial number. I know that some Miuras ran through the assembly lines starting as a P400 and eventually becoming an S or an SV so how are the serial numbers handled in this case? I have always been interested to know this and if there are any true factory periscope LP400s cars.

 

Rob: the subject of re-assignment of Lamborghini chassis numbers in that period is a tricky one. It happened. In a number of different ways. Mostly for economic reasons... there wasn't a strictly adhered-to formula by which an LP400 became LP400S... ditto with the Miura. Some Miura P400 became S or SV and retained the old P400 chassis number. Some were assigned a "new" S or SV chassis number. Depended on the customer, the laws of the country he was based in, and the economic advantages to both parties. I am sure you understand.

 

What I understand is that it is totally confusing however I guess the short answer is that Lamborghini fudged the numbers to favor clients and get around certain international tax laws at the expense of good record keeping. Just another colourful page in the history of the marque.

That said if we assume that there are 157 LP400's and 237 LP400s' for a total of 394 cars, is it correct to say that in actual fact the number of cars made is less than this number as some LP400's were turned into LP400S' ?

 

Yep, and the tahiti blue one with swiss registration.
These two are known, but since I don't know the VIN of this tahiti car it might also be a modded LP400, Lambo Motors Aesch changed some cars to S spec.
Picture was taken in 1990 by Marcel de Lange.
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Yes.

 

i think it is the case

4 liter countach are pretty rare machines

 

Società Carrozzai Nonantola, Italy... Some years ago. Before, during and after repair.
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Thanks for posting Francis. I recognize this car from the Senape interior and leather (instead of 'mouse-hair') dash...

 

I don't know what's cooler....his shades or blazer Great shot of a great man!

As always this is a fascinating thread....but these recent posts regarding Mr. Wolf are definetly special....and more would be great

 

Wolf's everlasting legacy in Formula One will be that his Wolf Racing Formula One Team's scored the first-ever debut season hat-trick (Argentina, Monaco, Canada) with the very first race being a victory beating all the giants including Ferrari & Lotus. Here is the awesome WR1 which struck fear in the hearts of its competitors. Is it a surprise that Wolf's Countach sported Lockheed brakes, Borg & Beck competition clutch, and a plethora of other components supplied by Automotive Products who supplied for his F1 team? I think not...
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Speaking of Monaco...
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Yes, we indeed have to thank Mr. Wolf, he made the LP400 into my childhood dreamcar!! And it still is ;-). I really wonder what would have become of the Countach if he was not there at that time. He probably did not just saved the Countach, but it was very important for the surviving of the marque Lamborghini as well. A friend if mine took this picture at Spa Francorchamps just a few weeks ago.....Ciao! Marcel
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I recently discovered such matter with this 400 GT 2+2 that is being offered for sale at the moment.
The chassis number was to early for the car, and in fact already excisted on another car.
But it sure looked factory done, including change of VIN plate and welded VIN plate on chassis, here is the story: http://www.kidston.com/kidston-Motor-Cars/kidston-motor-cars-available/1966-lamborghini-400-gt-22-Coupe

 

nice pics, Joe

tks for sharing them

 

Anyone know if the Wolfman still owns a Countach? With such a level of personal
interest in the model, it would be surprising if he ever lost passion for it.

 

No.

 

Ecclestone ran the Brabham team. Brabham used Alfa Romeo engines between 1976 and 1979.

 

Do you know the chassis number?

 

Yes, for sure he was influenced by racing cars. But first came the "bewinged" Countach #1120006 (1974) and #1120148 (1975) then came his involvement in F1: the Wolf-Williams team (1976) and his own team Wolf (1977-1979).

 

Swiss LP400S2.
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1121180, now in Belgium

 

Another photo with Walter Wolf. Next to Jody Scheckter is Peter Warr. Great Formula One car!
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1120288 but 99% of the car is 1120130.
Sad car.

 

looks nice

it has a not proper small wing on