Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

No question it happens a lot!
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The weave is very evident after a run, after the engine cover has absorbed the heat from the engine - later, when it cools the "mesh" tends to flatten.

 

Typical kevlar/resin ,fiberglass combo from that time period, lots have happened since then in that field,but kindaa part of the hand built caracter of the Countach, wich is also evident in a lot of places on the car, all good in my opinion, nothing sterile or blaa enywhere. Matches the mecanical caracter of the engine perfect, gears and chains,valves and exhaust , wonderful.

 

Joe, so prior to 1985 the transmissions were manufactured by Lamborghini themselves in house?

 

I saw that car parked out in a side street in Abu Dhabi about 5 years ago. It was an 88.5 with the side skirts. Really rough car, the windshield was broken and interior water damaged. I took some photos at the time.

I tried to buy it but could not track down the owner. I understand it went to Kuwait.

 

It has been already mentioned that there were changes in the dash during the production life of the DD, however there are also small differences in other parts of the interior. The seat perforations and the central tunnel for example. Most of the seats were upholstered by Mr. Bruno Paratelli, however to satisfy the increased demand of the QV Lamborghini outsourced the upholstery with another artisan – do not recall the name - based in Milan if I am not mistaken - ; the seats of the latter did not have the perforations between the seat squares – I have seen several seats w/o perforations in the ’87 and ’88 MYs.
Another difference are the edges of the seats and center tunnel (transmission cover): some had "leather piping" and others had the triple stitching – the last picture shows the the “leather piping” of the seat and tunnel.
Amazing how the interior leather is still tender after all these years, if a neutral face cream is applied every 6 months or so.
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This picture demonstrates the size of the DD power dome on the engine bay
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Alex, these type of details speak to the depth of your experience with the car!

 

Vic, like you I'm hoping to learn the definitive answer to this myself, but I think your assertion is correct.

 

Good to behold the details of the genius of leather artisan Paratelli, your car-care as I know it is just incredible, your DD has you to thank.

Was the other artisan Autosport?

 

I know the black DD following you!

Here it is below @ Le Mans, its owned by a member of the French Lamborghini Club, and I'm told it has many many miles on the clock!

BTW a Downdraft owner told me he refers to the engine hood hump as the 'power dome', I like that, sounds more appropriate.
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BTW a Downdraft owner told me he refers to the engine hood hump as the 'power dome', I like that, sounds more appropriate.

You're right Joe, it does sound much better, my post has been corrected! Cheers! Alex

 

I know the Jalpa used Lamborghini's own gears up to about car #104. Starting with car #105, they switched over to Z.F.

So, it wouldn't surprise me that they did the same with the Countach as well.

It appears some change did occur. From the parts manual, the gear pack shows (from #760).

Mike
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Excellent!

 

Here is some of his original work on a Downdraft today, well-used, but holding up nicely
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Just identified the red/magnolia car which was used in that comparison test with the Testarossa, was not Martini's as Joe mentioned but a car which was used extensively as test/press car and was therefore also well tuned - Plates EE426AK

 

It says May 1985?

 

'EE.426.AK' was clearly a much-used & tested Press car
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Note EE.426.AK sometimes appeared with gold wheels, sometimes with silver.

With gold wheels
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With silver wheels
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Another of Press Car EE.426.AK with silver wheels
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Another Press Car was EE.202.AK as used in the factory Countach QV Brochure
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EE.202.AK as featured in the factory Countach QV Brochure
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Phil & Lynne Robinson just sent me these images from New Zealand of their spectacular black/red/gold DD.

Obviously, they tow their own fuel!
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The NZ-based DD again
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