“Greatest“ Countach’s

yes, it is

 

I owned a white LP5000S right hand drive in Wales 2006 and believe it's now in Australia, no unusual significance though 1 of only about 60 (RHD) of that model. Also owned a red LP5000S (LHD) for 6 years that belonged to Kool & The Gang, sold 2016. Two wonderful cars and very much regret selling them both.

 

Mine of course. #12368 bought new from NH dealer in late 1988 and shipped to socal. I was racing at the time and could not resist taking it to the track. Worst exotic to do that with, but I loved the beast. Kept it four years and could have written a book about those 12K miles. Was on the 11 o'clock news when a tv crew caught me standing standing next to it on the shoulder of the busy Santa Monica freeway with smoke bellowing out of the car's rear end.

 

Stories like this seem to be very few and far between in my experience with the cars over the past 35 years.

In 1988 I was a Countach owner, I also owned a 930, and the Countach was by far the best car on the track (Goodwood and Castle Combe) and in the various Supercar Test Days organized by Mike Pullen, the Countachs held their own against various Porsches and Ferraris as recorded by lots of period images in the Downdraft thread https://lamborghinichat.com/forum/threads/countach-downdraft.503457/

My LP500S and Downdraft in the 80s were both dead reliable over many miles on roads, motorways and on the track.

Since you were racing I imagine that you were/are a pretty good driver, and so, given it's manners on the track and freeway breakdowns which you describe, I can only conclude the car you purchased had numerous issues to begin with. I looked it up and if your car was JLA12368, it was a late 1987 (88.5) Fuelie.

 

Instead of just mentioning my own car, or referring to cars that no longer exist, or exist in liveries that are far from aesthetically acceptable, to me, the 2 Greatest existing Countachs are the 2 cars that Lamborghini SpA has retained, the 2 veritable First and Last of the legendary model.

The LP400 Prototype 1120001 and the 25th Anniversario KLA12085.

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All the credit for 1120001's existence with it's maker belongs to none other than Raymond, sort of a special lifetime achievement, when you consider the rich and peerless history of this car from it's early days as a showcar when red, as extensively tested by Bob Wallace, to the present day.

I am consulted by individuals and entities from all over the world regarding values sometimes for insurance purposes and often for purchase purposes, and IMO, this is the most valuable Lamborghini extant, if I were advising the works, I'd recommend an insurance policy in excess of $10 million.

The Greatest.

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Jet Setter.

In it's more recent career as a factory Showcar, 1120001 has travelled and been shown all over the world by the factory (I recall when it was here in California for a while) in recent years.

Here it is somewhere in Europe.

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Raymond's part in the survival of the first Countach is very special. Kudos for him for his efforts!

 

Thanks a lot, despite the fact some collectors are unhappy not being able to get #1, honestly this car must be in the factory museum - nowhere else.

 

I agree Raymond and I appreciate that you gave the factory the opportunity and not kept her for yourself. A lot of people probably would have done so to profit and or lock away in a private collection. It's wonderful that the car is able to be seen and admired by many over the world.

Well played Sir !
R

 

Totally agree, IMO it's the most important car in the Museo.

Exactly, I wanted to highlight this point but you've said it best.

 

First red, then the factory painted it green and used it as a PR car.

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Since we attach our own feelings to these types of things, I will say without disagreeing with any previously mentioned Countach, that this is my choice.
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Certainly the gateway for many.

 

I have seen the original countach at the factory and while it is a beautiful color combination, of all the color choices, was there any significance to the green? Or just to offset the red Ferrari and keep with Italian flag motif? Just wondering.....

 

Good question, one I have wondered.

 

Rod Stewart has owned LP400, LP400S, LP500S, QV Downdraft, and 25th.

He's also the most prominent celebrity who has had the most enduring love affair with the brand:
Miura, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago and currently has an Aventador.

 

Don’t forget his Gallardo(‘s?)!!

 

I remember seeing a pic Eddie Van Halen & a white Countach. I think Eddie Murphy had one as well. Of course Donal Trump had a Diablo Roadster & Charlie Sheen had a 91 or 92 black Diablo.

 

Van Halen owned 1121010, Eddie Murphy had a black LP500s which is since decades in Germany.

 

Raymond, once upon-a-time in 1975 the LP400 Prototype was the subject of failed application for an exemption of USA DOT EPA mandates, which tells you how long ago the story of a USA version begun. Fortunately the application was denied by the USA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which meant the LP400 Prototype was spared from side-markers and front & rear safety panels, plus a likely crash-test.

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