Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5 | Page 148 | FerrariChat
Buy

Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

Discussion in 'LamborghiniChat.com' started by joe sackey, Oct 25, 2015.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Page 148 of 643
  1. paul328

    paul328 Formula Junior

    May 5, 2009
    764
    Scotland UK
    Full Name:
    Paul Santoni
    #3676 paul328, Aug 12, 2016
    Daniel

    Once again thanks. My browser only shows one page and no base plate and when I tried to buy one mirror they dont deliver to Scotland! We are still in the EU.....just.

    I have sent an email to them to ask and try and sort this out.

    Regards

    Paul
     
  2. Robert W

    Robert W Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2005
    1,471
    Oxford, UK
    Full Name:
    Robert Westall
    #3677 Robert W, Aug 12, 2016
    I can give you an exact date on that photo, as I took it. Also have photos of your car at Talacrest being serviced and many others, including I think at Pprtman when originally delivered unregistered and in London on original plate. PM me
     
  3. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3678 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016

    Thanks for sharing Dani.

    What a resourceful community!

    I should add that if anyone just wants the cases for a sensible price, Peugeot used the same Vitaloni units, although the bases are different.
     
  4. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3679 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Paul,

    @ 28 years ago I drove my then-Downdraft on a certain Motorway heading west of London pointing towards Wales in the dead of night @ 2am, as fast as it would go.

    5th gear, WOT for @ 5 miles at least.

    Ive no idea how fast that actually was, as my eyes were laser-focused on the road. Since the car was only a few years old and well-maintained by Portmans, I think it was in the region of 170-180mph.

    I did this on twice, purely for the thrill of it.

    Yes, back then I was young, inexperienced, and feared nothing!

    It so happened that the first time was with a wing, and the second time without. As I have shared earlier in the thread I used that particular car with and without.

    The first time with the wing felt great, but the car eased its way up to top speed slowly over a couple of miles.

    The second time without the wing was positively frightening. The car seemed to get to top speed rather quickly, but over 150mph it started to 'wander'. I recall having to make small steering inputs, and I can tell you that over 150 mph you do not want to have to do this! It was a struggle keeping it in one lane, and I was relived to back off after a while.

    Long story short, if you want stability over 150mph in a Countach, you need the wing. Below 100 mph its effectively for looks only.

    Only you can decide what's best for you, but that's my Countach DD high-speed experiences in a nutshell. I can tell you I won't be repeating them, so I tip my hat to you sir for your upcoming adventure!

    For looks, I lean towards the way Harry's car (below) used to be - wingless. Maybe I'm getting old!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  5. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3680 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3681 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3682 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. paul328

    paul328 Formula Junior

    May 5, 2009
    764
    Scotland UK
    Full Name:
    Paul Santoni
    #3683 paul328, Aug 12, 2016
    Joe

    Thanks for that. I notice in my car that it tends to 'hunker down' above 130mph and feels very stable and secure. I have driven it 130 plus more often and cruised a bit at that speed. I have only ever noticed any wander when there are very strong cross winds.

    I believe Harry has driven his car more regularly at very high speed and he may have a view, as his car originally had a wing.

    I would prefer stability to outright speed. In the old days I used to drive very quickly, but much less so now due to many reasons. Back then I was over 130mph at least every other day.

    We are all getting older not just the cars!

    Input appreiated.

    Regards

    Paul
     
  9. jb21

    jb21 Karting

    Apr 28, 2015
    144
    #3684 jb21, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2016
    Robert, that is a very kind offer. Many thanks. PM on its way...
     
  10. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3685 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Coming down to interior details, I spent some time getting the shift-knob to match the as-new condition of the steering wheel.

    Of course, when driving the car the interior components are what you're looking at, so their condition makes a difference.

    Here is a good-looking knob IMHO...
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  11. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3686 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  12. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3687 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3688 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  14. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3689 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  15. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3690 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3691 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  17. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3692 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  18. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3693 joe sackey, Aug 12, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  19. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3694 joe sackey, Aug 13, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  20. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3695 joe sackey, Aug 13, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  21. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3696 joe sackey, Aug 13, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Paul,

    The thing we all have to remember is that these are 30-year-old cars.

    They don't brake and handle like the contemporary everyday cars we drive. My everyday car is a 991 GT3 which would run circles around a Countach Downdraft in every performance category imaginable. With that in mind, I can only advise driving well within one's limits! Its all about enjoying the drive and the sound these days. Perhaps some spirited driving here & there, but, personally, I will not try and be a hero.

    Speaking of the old days, I have no idea how I got away with some of the things I did!

    In fact, not a minute after this image below was taken, the entire test-session at the old Goodwood in which I was participating was black-flagged as I found the limits of adherence of my P7s, resulting in a 90 mph lurid 360 degree spin punctuated by clouds of blue tire-smoke at St Marys corner. How I kept the (stalled) car on the track I don't know, but it was a "Dear God" moment. The point is, these days I have no desire to find limits! :D

    Be careful out there guys..
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  22. mt_jt

    mt_jt Formula Junior

    May 9, 2012
    602
    Australia
    #3697 mt_jt, Aug 13, 2016
    That's a track. Testing limits on public roads is not good, and I'm sure no one on this forum is that silly.
    Also, Joe - your detail photos are a treasure trove for scale modellers and collectors. There are certainly many books and older grainy photos available but even your smartphone photos are infinitely better. Your restoration photos are very much appreciated.
     
  23. jb21

    jb21 Karting

    Apr 28, 2015
    144
    #3698 jb21, Aug 13, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  24. NürScud

    NürScud F1 Veteran

    Nov 3, 2012
    7,307
    #3699 NürScud, Aug 13, 2016
  25. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    #3700 joe sackey, Aug 13, 2016
    Thank you for your kind words, I'm all about sharing wherever I can.
     
Page 148 of 643

Share This Page