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 .

 

Great postings Joe thank you. Not seen the wind tunnel model shots before.

 

These pictures are all in the Coltrin/Marchet book.
Lamborghini Countach: LP 500, LP400, Countach & S : V12 Mid-Engine by Jean-Francois Marchet, Peter Coltrin and Jean-Franðcois Marchet (1981, Book, Illustrated) for sale online | eBay

 

Some very interesting photos, thanks.

 

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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ANSA red stripes on

 

@zachbrehl


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

 

I hear the LP500 factory rep will be on show at Retro Mobile in Paris this year, 1-5 Feb if I recall. I may go.

Also silver LP400 "barn find" ( not really) to be auctioned during the show.

Also Joe, surely the factory green LP400 should look like the blood orange version from 1973 with no brake scoops and paint pattern and exhaust surround and front bumper and and? In these matters you know best.

 

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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The recreation of the LP500 was at Retromobile last year, at the Polo Storico stand. I have not heard what will be on display this year, but with the 60th anniversary, it will most likely be good. Also, Simon Kidston's stand is usually worth the trip alone Image Unavailable, Please Login

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Thanks maybe I was reading an old press release, sorry if so.

 

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/

 

Stephen is already on the WhatsApp group

Be great if we can get a good showing for this event!
R

 

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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1121192 is off at Iain Tyrrell's for a refresh. One of the major things getting done is refinishing the sills and flares that were sprayed with rock-chip coating back in the 1980's. According to Iain's inspection the rest of the paint is mostly original, the car has less than 4k miles - curious this groups opinion on preservation vs presentation - I can either have the full car resprayed or just stick to the sills and flares and try to have the rest of the paintwork detailed, pdr'ed, and preserved as best as possible. The price difference isn't the issue - it's choosing between doing the conservation work on good but not perfect paint and redoing to new/perfect Is originality more important than perfection here?
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Im not an expert on valuation by any means
But there comes a time when cars need a respray
Id do what pleases you most