Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

Sensational image, a red, low Italian road rocket amongst more utilitarian and pedestrian cars, like a shark among minnows, thank you for digging that up.

 

Thank you for sharing these also.

I first saw a Countachs in magazines in the mid-70s, then I saw my first one in the summer of 1978, a nearly new LP400S Lowbody. From then on I followed the cars into the early 80s, and by the mid-80s I owned my first one. I recall seeing a USA version for the first time circa 1986, I remember thinking that everything about the USA components compromised the car's character, I guess 32 years later I still feel the same way, and I understand that people who buy them need to modify them.

 

Nice.

The ones of the Fuelie ought to be in the Fuelie thread.

 

Bianco/Nero Downdraft JLA12307 with @ 200,000 kms, I understand it's owned by an airline pilot who maintains it as meticulously as his aircrafts are

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Ferruccio Lamborghini Jr diving his dad's Downdraft, for those who may not know, Ferruccio was an Italian motorcycle racer who competed in the 125cc World Championship, the Moto2 World Championship, the Supersport World Championship, the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup and the European Superstock 600 Championship. He won the CIV Moto 2 Championship in 2012!

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GLA12909 @ the Beach Club in San Tropez

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Rick Lee's JLA12396 not far from home in Battersea Park, London

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Tadek's JLA12309 on the Valentino event

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The sublime JLA12292, new to Denver Broncos owner Edgar Kaiser Jr, one of my favorite Downdrafts,
presently in the care of a gentleman and in extremely good company

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Jude's FLA12824 in rare Canna Di Fucile

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Cleaning day, rinse & repeat

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Did a little checking: the GM car indeed had side-markers, the Ford car did not.

 

In late 2016 it had @ 180,000 kms and it is seen out with the Lamborghini Club France very often so one assumes it is @ 200k now

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I feel differently about this car, and I think more than "just a few things" need to be attended to.

In fact, at 32 years old, and considering the extensive body modifications plus it's present condition, I think it's a perfect candidate to go back to Polo Storico to be completely restored, factor in that cost.

 

Although a wingless 88.5 Downdraft is pretty cool, there's no question that the original skirt-less body is very desirable

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Time marches on and age affects Countachs, whether they are being used or not.

Just from images I have seen of this car from this Ad and elsewhere, I can see that this car will almost certainly be a candidate for all the mechanicals to be overhauled, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, add that to all the bodywork that needs to be done, you might as well restore the whole car and end up with something truly usable, or you'll be like the proverbial dog chasing it's tail