87 downdraft Countach-questions | FerrariChat

87 downdraft Countach-questions

Discussion in 'LamborghiniChat.com' started by mdrlambo, Apr 4, 2009.

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  1. mdrlambo

    mdrlambo Rookie

    Feb 8, 2007
    37
    This is the 3rd time I've tried to post this. IT'S NOT MY CAR, I'M NOT SELLING IT, I DON'T KNOW THE SELLER, I'M A BUYER and I have questions and I know there are a lot of Countach experts on this forum.

    I'm interested in buying this car, anyone have any info on the car? Why is it listed as an 87 when it's an 86. How hard is it to remove the side skirts?


    http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=587931
     
  2. Countachqv

    Countachqv Formula 3

    Apr 25, 2007
    2,350
    USA/France
    first question is what is the vin? You can track some history from the vin. There are not too many 87 downdraft in the US, let alone CA
     
  3. alan

    alan Formula 3

    Apr 17, 2004
    1,502
    United Kingdom
    Full Name:
    Alan
    Thats an 88 and a half model year Countach those side skirts are factory original, and were introduced on 1988 cars. So removing them is probably not a wise idea value wise, although i dont know how easy or difficult it would be in practise.
     
  4. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    Have you asked the SELLER these questions, and what does HE say?
     
  5. enzokidd

    enzokidd Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2009
    727
    SoCal
    Full Name:
    Shaunt
    +1
     
  6. raymondQV

    raymondQV F1 Rookie

    Aug 22, 2007
    4,061
    Switzerland
    Full Name:
    Raymond S.
    And for the third time, it's not even a 1987 car, it has the old dashboard and the old engine lid of the pre 1987 cars.
     
  7. alan

    alan Formula 3

    Apr 17, 2004
    1,502
    United Kingdom
    Full Name:
    Alan
    #7 alan, Apr 4, 2009
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2009
    Sorry im confused, please explain why that is an old engine lid. It looks to me like a standard Euro 85-88 engine lid? Or am i missing something.

    Edit / Wow im in shock i never noticed a difference with the engine cover from 86 models to 87 models, even after all these years of being a hugh Countach enthusiast!!! just did a little research and see what you mean. So i guess those 88 skirts have been retro fitted on that car, my apologies.
     
  8. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Joe Sackey
    Alan: Raymond is referring to the aluminum vents that run transversely alongside the engine bay hood.

    If you know what to look for, this will distinguish the car clearly as a type 1985 or 1986 Quattrovalvole. Obviously, Raymond knows what to look for...

    Why is the car listed as a 1987? There can be a thousand reasons why and all roads lead back to the SELLER to answer that question. I dare say that mdrlambo might get more assistance if he didn't come off as DEMANDING information in such a foot-stamping way!
     
  9. alan

    alan Formula 3

    Apr 17, 2004
    1,502
    United Kingdom
    Full Name:
    Alan
    Yeah thanks Joe, see my edit above, still slightly in shock!!
     
  10. ken qv

    ken qv Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2006
    1,925
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Ken Roberson
    The side sills are incorrect for the year and were added later. Probably not the biggest project to take them
    back off. Looks like a nice car. Not too many DD's around.
     
  11. raymondQV

    raymondQV F1 Rookie

    Aug 22, 2007
    4,061
    Switzerland
    Full Name:
    Raymond S.
    Since my car (April 1986) was the prototype for the renewed dashboard (my car is also mentioned in the US Owners Manual) I know what I'm talking of.
    The MY 1987 had closed engine lid, look in the registry the swiss cars from HLA1204* on, these were the September 1986 cars.
     
  12. EMILIO

    EMILIO F1 Veteran

    Feb 23, 2006
    6,854
    Italia
    good eye
    many QVs had these....not so good looking...skirts added later

    these skirts must have looked COOL in the 80's...personally i think they detract from the design: the round low part of the countach is awesome and the way the fenders goes on the body was perfect as it was designed on the S to QV cars imo
     
  13. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #13 Shamile, Apr 5, 2009
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2009

    The side skirts were considered an update to freshen the look...at the time. This is from the huge impact of the Testarossa design ( linear look ) back in the mid 80's.

    I remember when they added the skirts and thought "oh cool ! " Sure, now it looks dated. :)


    ....of course, the anniversary Countach took that look to the extreme.

    I hate waxing each strake on my TR, I can't imagine what it would be to do all the strakes on the A-Countach.



    Shamile

    Freeze....Miami Vice !
     
  14. Jota 5084

    Jota 5084 Formula 3

    May 18, 2006
    1,922
    Sweden
    Full Name:
    Eric Andersson
    I remember when the -88 car came out i really didnt like thoose side skirts, but this was just the beginning of what was to come.
     
  15. Downdraft1

    Downdraft1 Formula Junior

    Nov 13, 2008
    800
    Check to see if the serial number is FLA or GLA (85 and 86 MY). The drawback with the 1985 is that they were still installing the Lamborghini transmissions of the 5000S while in 1986 the ZF transmission was installed (much better). In 87 the new motor lid w/o the side vents and some with side skirts. The removal of the side skirts is quite time consuming I have heard - one of the "beauty points" of the Countach is the rounded underbelly that the skirts take away.
     

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