The string holds a little circular lead seal with a stamp on it, awarded to any car that has had export duties paid (or something similar). On Miuras, it was usually tied around the steering column as seen below. On the LP400 it seems to have been tied around the steering wheel spokes. I have only ever seen it on LP400, but not on an LP400S or beyond. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Perhaps it was mounted in this position so as to be instantly visible by the authorities upon export or at borders etc. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Joe, any details on the twine, size of seal, and embossed pattern? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have a few of those seals left over from 1970 when I was a parachute rigger. I used them to seal freshly packed reserves. Back in the 70's they were used to seal Stromberg carburettors on Jaguar engines to prevent tampering with the emission system. I recently had a 1970 Etype in the shop that still had the intact seals on it. Pretty incredible that the tops hadn't been off the carbs in 39 years. I have no idea why the seal would be around the steering wheel or column other than the previously mentioned tax payment. Sort of like the tax stamps on cigarette packs.
I thought you had an export duty lead seal and twine hangin' roun' red. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thats on a Miura. I you look at post 4159 there seems to be a different embossing on the seal, the seal itself is much more substantial, the string looks different, and the application is different. Any details?
I aint never see'd nutin' lik' et' 'fore. Will be aware (wolf?) Lux lik numer 6 cud benign? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here is the gauge cluster of 1120001 as it exists today- plus some other interesting detail. I think the In Rodaggio sticker was added recently, and look at the size of the water overflow tank! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I think it was already on the car in 2000, unfortunately I can't remember, perhaps I can find the original foto and scan with better resolution. http://www.countach.ch/History/LP400/1120001_5.jpg Edit, it was on the car in 2000, just found another picture showing it. Also the engine bay looks like having been cleaned only. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Raymond, do you remember how much they were asking for the car in 2000? did the owner knew it was the first LP400 car?
Thanks Raymond. It was definitely not there in the historic images of the car in '72 & '73. The gold wheels have been repainted silver, the goofy mirrors deleted along with the red seat belts, but that's about it.