Countach, the ultimate supercar

This is not mine, but it is a nice model of a blue countach. It is basically the same kit as the one I built & posted here...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1054964&highlight=countach

 

This is unbelivable stuff.

 

Very cool, especially the Wolf wide-buttressed wing..

 

Yes, this version of the kit is labelled as LP500S, but is obviously a take on the Wolf cars. In fact, this model was tooled before Lamborghini had their "S" version. The kit even comes with Wolf racing decals...

 

While the definition of an LP400S car is a bit fluid, most people believe there were about 50 or 51 cars made during 1978-79 (maybe even 1-2 in early 1980).

The LP400S cars are typically those with fender flares and front spoiler, P7 tires in 205 and 345 specification, magnesium "Bravo" wheels, upgraded suspension, the LP400 motor, ATE brakes, different shocks, new suspension points, new steering box, and new hub carriers).

Trefor G. Thomas, former manager of Lamborghini North America, claimed that he knew of 38 LP400 cars that were "converted" to, at least, look like LP400S models. He made his claim in the Lamborghini Club -- America magazine, Issue #45, page 66.

When the S model came out in 1978 there was a huge demand for the new model and demand for the LP400 quickly waned. Thomas claimed there was about a $20,000 difference between a new LP400 and a new LP400S at that time. Thus, people were willing to shell out a substantial premium for the new LP400S model.

Some LP400 cars were "upgraded" to full LP400S specification by the factory. I do not know the cost of such a factory conversion but it must have been substantial. Other LP400 cars were converted by others in various places in Europe. Some cars got a complete treatment while others got only fender flares and Bravo wheels -- and many combinations in between extremes.

Of the cars fully converted by the factory, were they given a new serial number (that is in the 1,000 range)? This then begs the question about how many actual LP400S cars were made (excluding the cars that started life as an LP400)? Who knows the details of this messy issue? What about conversions (full or partial) done by certain dealers; were these serial numbers left as if they were LP400 cars?

Valentino Balboni told me in 2005 that all of the records on the LP400S cars were burned in a fire at the factory some years before. Thus, I doubt if the factory has the information needed to sort this out. I fear that Mr. Thomas died several years ago.

Can anyone add to the history of this issue? Does the Registry add anything to this puzzle?

Anderson

 

David, this topic is exhaustively discussed within this thread. A couple of highlights would be:

Yes, there are about 50 S1 cars built that way as new cars by the factory from the Spring of 1978 to the summer of 1979. You suggest maybe 1-2 in 1980? that's not correct.

Trefor's notes about 38 LP400 converted to LP400S S1 included post-production privateer conversions. For purposes of definition 'privateer' means non-factory, but includes dealers. The factory used about 25 LP400 and put them back on the assembly line, creating new LP400S1 cars out of them, but it appears clear this includes LP400 chassis that never became LP 400. This was the era of dire financial circumstances and all sorts of things went on. Given the abysmal record-keeping of the era, we shall never know what percentage exactly. The physical proof of the cars themselves has been the most reliable record. From an owner or collector's standpoint, what matters is if a car started life from Sant Agata as an S1, no matter if the chassis was originally designated as an LP400.

I love the "...records on the LP400S cars were burned in a fire at the factory" story Well, that's interesting because they must have miraculously been restored! I think the point he is making in a typically charming Italian way is "we hardly kept any records, so stop pestering me, ok?" . I remember a certain request I made of the factory that was greeted with the typical "Impossible!" response. 2 weeks later I had what I needed via other means...

In the case of S1 cars, those that still have some LP400 features (roof notch especially) are actually more revered. Funny how that works, but its true.

 

Here is a pic of that car with an Norwegian reg.plate, pic is taken in Norway.
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David, did I see your car at last summer's ACC Concours? Bella macchina! I've got some pictures somewhere....might even have one on this site. Again this year? Doing Automezzi?

 

What would the advantage be to having an LM block? Now I could understand a 950 hp marine engine, but...?

 

Thanks for clarifying that..

 

My boys like this pair of Supercars from my youth at this weekend's cars and coffee.
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Almost white hide? Then it's LLA12038

 

I've asked myself the same question. However, when I do I shug my shoulders...does nothing for me.

 

Is someone able to help me with front lens covers.
I need a new one for my LP400 and was given the frosted one shown.Not correct needs to be clear.I was then sent the clear one also shown.
This looks correct but on closer examination the marking in the top corner reads PlastiCenter Bologna.
Having looked at an early 400s and pics of an LP400 also enclosed it appears there is a different marking.
Can anyone help tell me what this says or has a better picture
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might check the back of that frosted one to see if there is a film on there to protect against scratching...otherwise, pm me

Cheers,
Will

 

this is the only way I've seen it , but hey, maybe someone that has a 400 will chime in and show differently
Will
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Thanks Will your picture clearly show the marking i have on my clear lens.
The other nlens that is frosted has been made that way.
Both of them have the part number 6319504 engraved on them.
The early 400S and the LP400 had 6310554.

 

Frosted lens = Annivesario.

 

Thankyou Joe
This is what i had been told but the part number for both the clear and frosted ones that i have is the same,which is confusing me.Pic of my old Anniversary with the frosted lens
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Did you enjoy the Annivesario?

 

they are the same lens, made by the same firm also today, but with the writing "Plasticenter Bologna" instead of "Lamborghini" writing, it costs ten times less as it may be sold by the firm while the one with the Lamborghini writing may be sold just by Lamborghini spare parts service...

I bought the OEM

 

Just another day on the 405 from 30 years ago...
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In South Africa it might come as somewhat of a surprise to be passed by an LP500S! (well-known car there)
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Great picture! Brings back a lot of memories.

 

Those rear tires look like slicks!