Countach, the ultimate supercar

She also allowed me these rare images of the cutaway wood models of the LP500 done at the Turin Polytechnic.

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Also at the Turin Polytechnic, as organized by Bertone SpA, the controversial ink dot aerodynamic test (using wet ink dots and a blower in a chamber) was performed, Wallace wasn't sold on this and insisted on testing the car on the road using the wool tuft test.

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Behold the Turin Polytechnic ink dot aerodynamic test chamber.

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The original Countach LP500, quite a few differences between this car and the recently-commissioned replica, this is also a Bertone SpA publicity shot Image Unavailable, Please Login .

 

No, the color images of the LP500 model at Turin Polytechnic carrying out the ink dot aerodynamic test and the color image of it in the chamber are not in the Coltrin book.

They were given to me by Bertone SpA.

 

Speaking of rare color images, here's one of 1120001 at Sant Agata early in it's life, dated 1973 by Peter Coltrin.

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Here's another of 1120001 upon it's return from testing at Misano, also by Peter Coltrin in the spring of 1973.

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1120001 in it's original Rosso livery (more of a red-orange Miura Rosso color), double standard sweeping wipers affixed, showing the original 1st pure iteration of it's nose with no driving lamps in the bumper, and a tow-hook affixed to the driver's side in the location of the brake vents before the scoops were added.

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In today's evolution it exists with riveted-on angular brake scoops, 2 tow hooks relocated to a center front chassis mounting extension point, driving lamps mounted in the front bumper, and a fender turn-signal light.

Note the hand-made Prototype has brake scoops that are slightly different sizes when left is compared to right.

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On this yes, generally on production QV Downdrafts, no.

 

The original LP500 was a hand-built Muletta which oozed Italian character with a general aura of automotive greatness created by it's rough & raw finish, the new version (below) is much more sanitized and of course features a number of obvious detail changes, but you'll get a sense.

Agreed, if I were in charge 1120001 would be in it's 1st iteration, that said, in the 2nd iteration it was much-used for Lamborghini factory PR purposes as a Prototype so fair game to them for leaving it on that final guise.

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Stephen, if you're looking for a good 60th event, a good driving event is always better than a car show, and I daresay your original LP400 will be a fine addition to the Countach Convoy Jon's organizing from the UK back to Italy https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/a-grande-giro-in-2023.670782/

 

Indeed, I referred a couple of other Countach owners to the event.

 

Bob Wallace with overalls, full-face helmet and harness testing 1120001 at Misano Circuit in the spring of 1973.

He went around there quickly, as he said to me when I interviewed him many years ago: "The job wasn't for sissies"

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