Countach, the ultimate supercar

Joe,
That is great information. I have that Alpine Poster, and it is one of the largest of the Alpine posters, so you can see the number 300 at the end of the vin dash plate (probably put on for importation) and I alway wondered if it really was that vin, so it is cool to know this information. I have also dealt with Gary Hall on Pantera items, so it is neat to know he was a Countach guy also!

 

This information is absolutely valuable, too.

 

Sadly he recently died. Gary was a neat guy.

 

Yes.

RIP.

 

We recently witnessed the metallic blue LP400 1120154 that failed to sell at $315k at the Monterey RM auctions. Why? Because it was restored with a plethora of erroneous details, I think. We have seen 1120178 restored into something it never was. As with 1120036. All this begs the question: why are so many LP400 being brought back to life in a manner that blatantly strays away from the car's original character & disposition?? Surely this has a hugely negative impact upon the car's current and future value, and makes it far less appealing to most enthusiasts. Are owners and restorers simply not aware of what is correct in detail, or what is original in specification? Or do they simply not care?? Do all the poor cars out there serve to bring LP400 values lower in general?

The latest example of a poor resurrection is this obviously restored orange example recently displayed on the grounds at Goodwood. With all respect, if you're going to bring a car to a prestigious show, expect people to criticize (or praise), or keep it at home. A colleague of mine took a close look, and here is what he reported to me:

- Bright blue interior using non-original dashboard material in a hue much brighter than original.
- Rubber window trim sagging in places.
- Non original wiper end piece, unit crooked
- Replacement running-in sticker placed in window at wrong angle
- Paintwork poor with runs and flaws in evidence throughout - uneven body panels
- Campagnolo wheel stickers wrongly placed
- Blackout line on sills missing
- Carello driving lamps missing (Hellas used)
- LP400S to LP5000QV rear tail-light surrounds used

It would be refreshing to see a truly nicely restored LP400, done to correct-for-period detail, in correct specification and livery. That would be a treat!
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

"Periscopica"

 

Especially important to the LP400 are the original details. It seems to me, that this
version of the car is desired by "collectors" that value these details and specs. A little bit
different desire than some of the later versions and their owners.

 

On a brighter note, slightly off-topic, here is the car that influenced the Countach so much with its shape, being introduced to the public.

Nice rear end. Car is not bad either!
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Another from the same set.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Frontal...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

the original stratos

i would love to drive it on the streets

 

Where is it today?

 

I have a book or magazine that says that the Porsche 917 was main source of influence as stated by M. G.

I didn't know anything about this car and yes, very impressive!

 

Holy crap! That's the car that is in one of the versions of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal video.
And I thinks it's being driven!

 

Replica.

 

Tim, I think Bertone has managed to hang on to the 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Salon.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Baby you can drive my car...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

A pretty cool looking car.

How do you get in?

 

Look just how low & flat it is. Some of that is left in the Countach.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The girls are demonstrating...

 

Pretty wide tires, for the time.

 

Sorry for the OT trip down memory lane, but the Alfa Carabo is another car that directly influenced the Countach...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The two together (i waited a hell of a long time for the crowds to part for this shot, even so i still had to rush it!) but i knew the historical importance
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The Countach puts the Carabo in the shade...metaphorically speaking.
Image Unavailable, Please Login