Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

Looks lovely Joe. Thanks very much!

Rob

 

Hi, I've been asked about this already. I know Needham and he next owner, but don't know the owner of 12309 today. It is currently registered E3ULL. Robert

 

I do, I've mailed him.
Cheers
Rob

 

Awesome Rob!

 

FLA12842 is one of a few DDs finished in Canna Di Fucile Metalizzato (PPG 2.463.012)

It lived for a time on the Island of Corsica.

Shown French-registered 1986 FW 2B in 2013, presently 12842 is registered in the USA.
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The Rosso Perlato DD in the UK
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Blu Acapulco DD in Paris (2014), still searching for the chassis number of this car
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Ive concluded that they changed the window cranks after 1987 production to these smooth items without the metal trim and with black rubber knobs not covered with leather.
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Interim series interior with original window cranks
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First series interior with same
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Not 100% convinced, since these handle are from Fiat Uno/Punto! But you never know, perhaps they found out that the newer ones are less work to be produced.

This car with the new Dashboard (vertical vents) has the Fiat Argenta handles:
http://www.lambocars.com/images/countach/4/lp500qv119.html

This is a 88.5 which also has the other ones:
http://www.lambocars.com/images/countach/7/lp500qv186.html
http://www.lambocars.com/images/countach/7/lp500qv199.html

So it could be that in 88 with the new climate control also the window cranks were changed, perhaps they didn't get Fiat Argenta handles any more (produced 1981 - 1986)... and used newer ones from the actual Fiats.

 

Exactly.

I've done a little research in this and I'm 100% certain in 1988 they went to these new window cranks for all DDs, including UK production.
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Here is a UK car, 88.5 registered 1 EBH, with the second series cranks
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Here is a USA car, same late series cranks
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Special-ordered by a UK gentleman who previously owned a Blu Acapulco LP500S, this 88.5 car features a unique interior.
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Joe, have you asked Pierre, club secretary of the French Lambo club? He might know:

Email: [email protected]

R

 

Epic thread

 

when did the ac control unit change to the digital style,? i notice these two cars have old and new, mine is oct 87 and has the old manual control.

 

Period Ad. (1985) of UK Importer Portman - published in a News Letter of the LOC GB.
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Hi Emilio,

You have now found the owner of the car.

Many thanks for searching and I would love to reunite the warranty manual, with the car.

Please contact me.

Best wishes,
Tadek

 

Yes, I agree. Rob should become a marriage counsellor for car and man!

 

Again, thank-you Rob.

 

Wow, that is a jewel of a piece of period 80's literature - iconic Lamborghini concessionaire, and iconic car.

Barry Robinson was quite a guy, as posted earlier in this thread, and he drove the wheels off that DD registered BR 33.

In fact, in that time period, we all did! I purchased 2 Countachs from Portman Lamborghini, the second being my first Downdraft shown below.

I distinctly recall driving it as fast as it would go on a certain motorway in the dead of night

Thanks for sharing that piece, it brings back so many memories, cruising with the notorious Gang of Four etc.
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My Downdraft was fast, but I think my AMG Hammer was just as fast!

Pic circa 1989, taken @ Oxford Square, London, close to Portman Lamborghini's George Street W1 showroom, where I was a regular.
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Continuing on the trip down Memory Lane, here is Steve Downs' Blu Acapulco 88.5 when new, with its original wheels still on, @ the Portman Lamborghini showroom.
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