Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

Indeed.

This may take some further attention as tests with another unit show that we could have issues with the posts, and contamination of the acid, by painting the top. Also, even when primer-prepped & painted, the least scuffing rids the yellow paint.

So, unless I can find a clear/opaque-case battery with a yellow top in the right size which I can convert (I'll keep looking), alas we may have to settle for this black-topped opaque-cased unit. At least it has the correct opaque case with FIAMM logo and does the job. Period correct FIAMM batteries came in several top colors, but the casing was always opaque, so I thought this was more important, and what I have is the closest rendition currently feasible. I think it'll look good in there.

FWIW Duralast have a yellow-topped battery, but it has black casing, which no FIAMM battery of the period used in the Countach ever was, so that's not suitable.
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Magazines from Japan to the USA in the summer of 1985 featured Downdraft vs TR comparos
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January 1988 - Interestingly, Road & Track's piece on the Super Countach was published the same month the FIA granted Group B Homologation number B-291 for Lamborghini's Countach Downdraft
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Look at some parts prices from 15 years ago!
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Paul I think you have to remanufacture.

 

Thank you, I can only do my best!

 

So true about colors John, and now, we need more images!!

As regards Downdrafts available, I can convey three (3) different examples for a principal that is seriously looking to own one, contact me offline.

 

Thank you for your kind words.

The car's history as being special-built for the owner of Lamborghini is no secret, its been right there in front of the whole Lamborghini community for 15 years!

Added to that, Raymond shared the car extensively, taking it to many many Lamborghini meets & gatherings. I first met Raymond and the car in St Moritz Switzerland @ a Lamborghini meet 9 years ago. This is not a car that has been 'hidden' from the public, its been well-shared, so its history has been an open book.

As regards the sale, I had no intention of buying this car, none whatsoever. I was simply acting as a facilitator conveying this car on behalf of my client (Raymond) in a private party transaction.

I offered the car to every Lamborghini collector client I have and more besides, but unfortunately, nobody acted upon my advice that this was a very special car. So, eventually I got tired of this and in order to take care of my client's desire to sell, I simply purchased it myself!

I had no idea I would bring the car to the USA and subject it to a total restoration, but, that's what made sense to me as I figured it out. As I'm an all-or-nothing guy, I decided to do a world-class restoration with the right peole and be personally very involved. The success of the restoration inspired me to reach out to Patrick Mimran himself, and once I tracked him down, I found out he is one super-cool dude. The archetypal International Man of Mystery, and without a doubt the man who saved the Lamborghini brand.

Anyway, FWIW, that's the real story of how it came to be in my hands, and be restored the way it has.

 

Again thank you.

The lesson of hesitating on special cars is well-established. They always sell, and they are always soon worth much more. Also, well-used cars can be made like new (or even better) again.

I see in the other thread you are predicting that Countach Downdrafts will reach a benchmark of $1 million. Please note that benchmark has already been established for a DD, because Jean Guikas (GTC) already sold JLA12305 for that amount.

After I bought the car and did more research, I personally began to feel that this variant will receive the same kind of recognition as the McLaren F1 did a few years ago, perhaps to a lesser degree, but similar. I commented on this previously in the thread http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/144415401-post1333.html in reference to CAR magazine's October 2012 issue entitled "Gods".
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Here's that epic piece where CAR magazine tested what to some are the 3 greatest sports cars of all time
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JLA12307 cruising with Lamborghini Club France
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It wasn't love at first sight for me.

I must confess I wasn't particularly in love with this car's livery when I first saw it pre-restoration, in fact I took consolation in the fact that it was a one-off livery.

But after it has been restored, its beginning to speak to me.

Sometimes you just have to go ahead and see what happens.
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Try as I might, I cannot find reason to argue with you!

 

Paul, you look good in the car on the streets of Glasgow!

This image shows evidence of the automotive vandalism your car was subjected to!
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