1989 Lambo Countach Spec. Ed. 25 yr Ann.

You're in for some "fun". The Countach has virtually no rear view so backing up is tricky. It is a lot easier if you have a helper to guide you. The "side saddle" technique requires some practice and not everyone can do it. Don't fall out!

The Countach would be an excellent place for a rear-view video system.

San Francisco hills eh? It's bound to be tough on both the clutch and the front air dam. The "angle technique" will be necessary, hopefully enough.


You probably should avoid Lombard St. LOL

 

I just sold my white/red/white piping 89 Anniv Countach. I used to put the car in neutral with the engine off and cold, and push it back airplane style.

- It is a thrill to do that !!

With hills and steep driveways, it probably will not work. I knew an original Countach owner in Monte Sorreno, who had the car for fifteen years, and the car still had the original clutch.

The clearance of the front fascia, should not be much of a problem. You can reverse the car, by sitting on the door sill, look over your shoulder, and let the clutch out, without jumping on the gas. Another option, is to install a small camera in the back, to help you with backing it up.

You will love the steering feel of the Countach. It is difficult at low speeds, but it all makes sense, when the car becomes fun to drive at speed. In addition, the car will become easier to drive, after you have become experienced with it.


Good luck with your new ride !!!!!

 

And when you do wear out the clutch, I heard they're pretty cheap and easy to install.

<cough>

 

LOL. Love that, good one.

Oh and when sitting on the door sill trying to reverse, try not to fall out. It never looks good with such a sleek car, sort of ruins the moment and causes the gathered admiring crowd to disperse, muttering words like: "Poseur..."

Seriously, SF will be a challenge but many Countach have indeed lived there.


Joe
www.JoeSackey.com

 

Are you talking from experience ? You may want to talk to people, that have had the same original clutch for over a decade. I have never burned out a clutch. However I have replaced the belts, in my flat-12. You can't have the same original belts, in a flat-12, for over six years.

 

I sold my 1st car, to buy a different L car.

I sold my 2nd car, to buy an early Countach.

Hold value ? The car is fully depreciated. You will simply pay for maintainance. This will not be bad, if you have a good mechanical car to begin with, you do not let the car sit, and you protect the clutch. The car may increase in value.

With my first car, my only overhead was the freight, and the A/C rebuild. I traded it, for the exact amount I paid for it. - I did not lose on the other end either.

The 2nd car, I lost $1,000, but it had a minor mechanical problem (which I disclosed).

The 3rd car has increased in value.

I have never burned out a clutch.

It is difficult to drive in traffic, and or around town. It may help, to try and drive it around town like a truck. Try to look approx 200/300 meters ahead, and attempt to time the traffic lights. I also had fun with some stop signs, at very low speeds, while driving in residential neighborhoods. After the car is stopped, it is best to launch the car between 1,000-1,500 rpms. This will help protect the life of the clutch. Burnouts, will take away the longevity of the clutch. - After you are rolling in 1st gear, you can jump all over it.

You may have to drive with just one shoe. I am used to driving the car in socks. Whatever works ! The clutch, brake, and gas pedals are very close. Another item is the passenger mirror. Some people have had a glazier, cut out a modern wide angle mirror, and install it in the original mirror housing, to help with lane changes. Another technique, is to pass up cars, and wait until you see the car in your rearview mirror.

When you first drive it, you may be shocked how it feels. It is not modern and user friendly. Heavy clutch and shifting. They drive like they look. Don't worry, you will get used to it. When I rent an airport econobox, it takes awhile before I settle in with the car. - It will obviously take more time with a Countach. After awhile, you will learn all the good and bad points about the car, and work with it accordingly. At fun speed, it all makes sense.


Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

For what it's worth...I always enjoyed sitting on the sill and backing up, looking over the roof. I once backed into a spot on a friday night in front of a posh Italian cafe in Naples with the world looking on. I was on the sill, door up, pulled in, shut the car off and the place erupted in applause. Seeing that done and done right is a sight. On the other hand I'm 6'2" tall and working the pedals from the sill is easy for me.

 

I cannot look over the roof. (sorry)

_____________


Push it back airplane style, while it is cold and quiet. You have the entire thing in front of you. Get in and fire it up !

 

Seriously, its one of the pleasures of Countach ownership and when mastered is as easy as putting on a pair of pants

Joe
www.joesackey.com

 

great story, Tony