Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

Thanks Emilio, please share when you have them.

There'll be a publication on this at some point in the future.

 

Here is a German in-period performance test of the then-new Downdraft we have somehow missed until now, published by the esteemed Rallye Racing magazine in June 1985.

Translated, the title reads "Countach, even stronger".

The piece underscores what we already know.

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Another cover article that hasn't been posted here before is the a November 1987 issue of Motor magazine, where Stirling Moss drove the Countach Downdraft alongside the Ferrari TR, Porsche 930 and Aston Martin Zagato.

Typically excellent UK test piece.

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The May-June 2011 edition of GT Collector magazine features what is arguably the most-enjoyed Countach in the world (based on mileage), the famed JLA12307.

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The August 2013 edition of Auto Bild Klassik magazine features perhaps the greatest cars Ferrari & Mclaren ever created (certainly the most valuable) and the Countach Downdraft in a seminal piece which flatters the latter.

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With magazine articles in mind, if it remains on-schedule, its possible that the April 2018 issue (number 178 which comes out at the beginning of March) of Octane magazine will feature the Countach Downdraft and the 288 GTO in a comparo.

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Thank you, all credit to Webb Bland, his talent is sought after by major manufacturers (Ferrari, GM etc) and magazines (Top Gear, Octane etc) and it was a priveledge to work with such a professional. I've seen the whole portfolio from our shoot and there are some cracking images that will appear in the article and be shared by myself soon.

 

I've just been out this morning for a blast in GLA12997, and the steering is nice, tight, and kart-sharp in feel. Honestly, it's the first time in recent memory of driving any number of cars that I can recall a Countach's steering feeling this precise.

Some of you may recall my steering issues that arouse during the Octane magazine photoshoot, mentioned here https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/145741457/ and https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/145741458/

Long story short, IMHO, the Countach's steering column linkage is weak compared to that of its rival counterpart, the GTO. If you own a 30-year-old-plus Countach, I would reccommend checking the CV joints, especially the one at the point of attachment to the steering rack pinion, very carefully. Sitting inside the car at standstill, turn the steering wheel left-and-right in a sawing motion as Valentino was seen doing at the beginning of our short film (excerpts below), and if there is any play, check out the linkage. When testing our car a year ago, he stated that he could feel the early signs of an impending issue, and, he was right.

I have had the fastening bolts replaced with high-torque items, the bottom item being a locking-bolt with a D-profile so it's snug fitment with the pinion head ensures we will likely never see a failure.

Be safe out there.

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I should have simply captioned the leading image of the Champ and the car: 80's Superstars.

I'm fortunate to spend time with either.

 

Two of the most enjoyed Countachs anywhere on the planet, both apparently taken care of by renowned marque specialist Toni Sisinni.

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Good eye, yes, and FWIW this Countach is Nero Tenebre, or black, it's so dirty it's hard to tell!

Yes.

Yes, correct for ME spec.

Correct.

This Downdraft is a Middle East-spec example which was originally supplied with 3rd brake light and rear safety panel.

When the rear safety panel was removed years ago to accomplish the full Eu/ROW look, the bull, Countach and 5000 quattrovalvole badges were all placed slightly askew from the standard factory production application. This is not an uncommon occurrence when the rear safety panel is removed to gain the Eu/ROW look, and is in fact a tell-tale sign that the aforementioned has happend.

 

I apologize I don't have it handy, but the number is posted several times within the thread.

On another subject, do you recall the Japanese-registered Giallo 88.5 whose image you posted speculating it might be JLA12345?

Apparently, the Japanese car is another car, likely a repainted one.

JLA12345 is still in France, French-registered 6000 TQ 14, and it has just been seen at noted coach-builder Carrosserie LeCoq in the Paris area, apparently getting some work done.

It is fantastic to see this one-off Giallo Metallizzato car again after all these years, the last time I saw it was in London 27 years ago parked in front of the Carlton Towers hotel where it's young first owner would bring it often.

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This image shows the metal flake in the paint a bit better.

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Wing removed in this image of JLA12345, I believe the windows have been tinted

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JLA12345 in the background

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