Countach, the ultimate supercar

totally beautiful

 

Raymond,
can you tell us more about the red Bizzarrini P538 shooted at Duesseldorf ???
is a Corvette engine or later Pantera/Ford basis ?

 

Oliver, sorry i can't remember but here is the sale ad

http://www.bratke.de/en/car-sales.html

Es ist der einzige Bizzarini der P 538 Serie mit einem De Tomaso Pantera/Ford Cleveland Motor.

 

from 1985 Salon of Geneve

folder, pic and specs
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I took pictures of that white QV and guess what next to it stood my former Jalpa I sold 2006...

 

Raymond,
so is this white DD in Swiss ?
now you have to post a couple pics

 

That's the one with both cars, it doesn't mean that the white QV was sold necessarily to switzerland, but could be we have a white/white in Ticino and a white/red now in france both being 1985 cars.

http://www.jalpa.ch/Register/Images/fla12203_2.jpg

 

I've got a euro downdraft and a voltage problem. Recent major service, clutch, hoses, electricals/grounds checked, etc. Sporadic problem with startup after driving the car for 20-30 minutes, especially with earlier AC use or lights on. Car performs impeccably with engine running. Shut off engine even for 5 minutes, go to restart, get clicking sound, no engine turn-over, try 2-3 times, same thing, wait 10 seconds, engine turns over with no problem. Original Bosch alternator was rebuilt, starter rebuilt, battery a year old. Voltage drops to 12.5. If I hook up a battery charger, car starts up every time. Suggestions or advice? Yeh or nay? Chad suggested installing larger main battery cable (as with Diablos that don't have this problem).Any other options? Get a different voltage regulator with higher voltage capacity (15 volts?), recheck battery status (again)? Advice welcome.

Mike

 

"Original Bosch alternator was rebuilt, starter rebuilt, battery a year old."
You did all I would suggest. I like Chad's idea though. Is the starter wrapped or shielded? Hat is the cars worst enemy. Check ground and ground straps, battery cable clamps, reclean!

 

That mad me laugh
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Good one. I guess heat would be an enemy too.

 

It almost sounds like you might have a poor ground somewhere.

Chad Bolles has mentioned on more than one occasion that grounding issues are a common problem for Countach. Given the age of the cars and the difficulty in getting a good ground from flat wire connectors trying to butt up against a round tube frame it is quite possible that a little corrosion is preventing a good ground.

Also, retest all of the items you replaced. It is not uncommon for a battery, starter or alternator to fail, even if it is "new".

As an aside, the alternator for the Countach is basically the same as one for a Porsche 928.
I think the Bosch rebuild number is AL170X. (Just in case you want to have a spare one on hand).

 

Busy at work, getting a kick out of your typo and look what I did:

"mad me laugh" instead of "made me laugh" LOL!!

Oh the irony

 

looking at one manual of my small collection, i noticed something interesting: it was not the regular QV manual,but one dated 1988 that reports the late model A/C panels, commands, etc...

it also reports the first VIN for the new upgraded A/C model as "GLA12997"

p.s. i do not know it the manual info on the first "upgraded" car VIN is accurate...but still interesting
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

My car (which is GLA12997) does not have the automated AC Control but was the first with the new dashboard which came in summer 1986.
I have this manual as well, it's the one for the US QV's.

I have the new button row for the vents and the additional side vents but still manual controls for the AC/Temperature.
http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/P1050121.JPG
http://www.countach.ch/Dashboard/index.html

 

interesting Raymond, so it was 50% correct ...very much lambo style!

my understanding is the manual is for carbed QV, the FI cars are covered on a supplement

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lamborghini-1981-Lamborghini-Countach-/160438888836?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item255ae72984

 

Nice looking car. Nice F40 in the background too....anyone on here?

 

We will now refer to you and Peter as the MAD HATTERS

 

Looks like an open wheel car in the garage as well.

 

Nice looking car.

Not much information.

 

yours should look even better when its done.

 

It's not me.

The things lurking right under your nose that you never knew were there.

If anyone is interested in the car I will be happy to do a full PPI.

Tony

 

Whatever you say !