Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

And it was faster than the Ferrari 288 GTO at 0-60, 0-100 and the 1/4 mile.
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No, even in the images you have posted the quality and beauty is easy to see. This is nothing like I have ever seen before and the fact it is a complex car to restore makes it all the more incredible. Countless hours of patient hands required. Have you documented this restoration with photos for book such as Traveller did with his LM?

 

Thank you for your kind words!

I have documented each phase of the restoration in high-resolution format, so we have more than enough material for a book.

At this point, a book is just a thought.

 

new information for me, what a surprise.

Its a bargain for what 288 GTO's go for these days.

 

Such a difference in price between the GTO and DD. Very interesting, I wonder if that holds up over time? Park them next to each other and you have to believe that most would consider the DD to look the part of Supercar much more than than the 308 derived look of the 288. I know that in the 1980's it was no contest when we dreamed about something. It was the Countach hands down. I know that Ferrari has its racing history and 2 decades longer existence. But current Ferrari collectors must think that the Countach represents a unique investment opportunity. And the DD, the most powerful version could be the future "no brainer". We'll see.

 

Hi
Only two blue RHD skirted 88 Countachs - Steve Downs car has mag interior where the other one has blue piped purple, so I'd reckon Steve Downs car assuming it is skirted. At the moment last seen it had a wing too.

Where and when on the photo Joe?

Robert

 

Agreed.

 

I doubt it, I look for the disparity to narrow, as we have seen over time with many makes & models when they are rediscovered by the faithful and their heritage & attributes become clear.

 

Lamborghini Birmingham, UK.

 

I forgot to mention - the positive results of this test are because it was executed properly, like the AUTOCAR test in the UK @ Bruntingthorpe, and the German test.

I should also point out that the test of the Downdraft in the USA @ Ford's proving ground was NOT published by Car & Driver in its April 1986. Instead, the editor erroneously used a test performed by a Fuelie car, misleading readers, and sparking off an inconsistency that has been parroted for years.
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Noticed the R&T 288 was faster & the Countach was quicker in the 1/4. Lambo better from a dig? Different drivers/diver days? Both pretty fun, I bet, either way!

 

Having spent a lot of time behind the wheel of both, I'd warrant that the Countach requires a Countach-experienced driver to get the best out of it, more so than the GTO.

 

Looking for a period garage sign, and & all leads TIA
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Wing aficionados will be happy to see a Countach with the wing being put to good use!

I'm thinking this is the ex-Vahe Melkonian JLA12283, whilst in its tenure in Malaysia (there registered BJX 9130), now back in the UK.

Can anyone confirm this?
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Finally, after some adjustment, fettling and sorting, we have a Countach that is flat @ all 4 corners, and posed in a stance that looks like it can go down the road like it should.
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A few cellphone pics taken by my restorer today (apologies, better ones to come), I’m still yet to see or drive it in its completed state, next week for sure!
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A few more as the sun went down...
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Gorgeous!

 

Absolutely stunning

 

Beautiful. Great job Joe.

And You've really helped finally capture the importance of the DD variant, which has always been my personal favorite.

 

Absolutely stunning.

 

Looks fantastic! Great job!

From this perspective the car looks almost like a low body Countach.

 

Thank you Dani.

As you are going through the restorative process (or three!), you can understand or imagine what it takes to get to this point.

My fascination over the car's ride-height/alignment/camber-settings began to border on an obsession which I'm sure had my restorer questioning my sanity!

I believe most Countachs could use adjustment in the aforementioned areas to achieve optimum settings, and this is very important to how the car behaves on the road.

One thing I should mention that alarms me greatly is, there are a good number of Countachs using rear springs that are too tall. This is very dangerous at high speeds. Because of the car's wedge shape, the last thing you want in a Countach at speed is the rear in the air as Valentino will tell you, especially if you are running no wing.

Anyway all is well now, I think the car looks poised in its stance, like a road-going missile ready to be deployed!

 

Thank you John.

I've always thought the Downdraft was important, but when I discovered those FIA papers it was time to start a dedicated resource thread.

BTW, I notice how many people refer to the variant as "DD". I find this sort of strange, like referring to the Countach as "CT'. The cars and variants are too special for such abbreviations. The only reason why DD and Countach should ever be used in the same sentence should be if a well-endowed lady is sitting in one

 

Thank you for the complimentary words, Raymond, Chaos & NürScud!