Got it, so since your true mileage since last clutch is unknown, your experience isn't really relevant. Yes, he said clutches can go in 5k to 8k miles, and this does not automatically indicate abuse or inability to drive, because even if driven correctly, I can see someone who uses the car as it was intended to be used going through a clutch @ 7,500 miles, which in many cases can take 10 or even 20 years years to cover. Whilst we all know of gently-used cars with original clutches in them at 40k miles, that's often not the case, and, it really does depend where you live, in San Francisco you can go through a clutch in 3k miles, even if driven correctly. I understand your thought process, but you can own one, I own mine. Agreed.
Cool story bro.... But my first Countach had 78K on the clock, still on its original clutch when I sold it.
I’m a real purist, For example, on both my 328 and 355 I went to great lengths to turn back the hands of time and return every detail back to original spec. Considering this, what’s the case for kevlar clutches? Are OE spec clutches really that inferior or is it all a bunch of nonesene?
Jeff, this is similar to brake pads. On a wear item like this, technology advances. This is one area you will never need to worry about a judge noticing
It's a wear part. Kevlar is harder than standard clutch material, thus it lasts longer. A little tougher on the flywheel though (for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, bla bla)... Most people put them on so they don't have to pay for the expensive labor of another clutch change. Price difference between kevlar and standard clutch is fairly negligible.
By the time they were making 4 valve cars they had greatly increased hp and torque, but using the same diameter clutch. If you want to stick with a factory limitation based on spending at the time that’s fine, it’s just that normal clutch material is very inferior to Kevlar. One car I made reference to uses its stock clutch and seems to be lasting just fine, so go with your preference.
Jeez guys I was just trying to help a guy out with real life experience. I have had some bad experiences with previous cars and airplanes. I did clarify that my info was old as I have owned my car for so long. By doing that I was trying to prove how reasonable it can be to own a Countach for how exotic it is. I know how to drive a manual transmission, 22 of my cars have a clutch. I have never had to replace a clutch on a car that I owned except my 2002 Corvette that had a throw out bearing go bad. The Countach clutch was bad from the previous owner. I assume it was worn out by the race team or vip's since my car was provided to a famous race car driver by the first owner, Electrolux. The reason I included every little item is because I know what it is like to fear the cost of ownership. Even though I have many to maintain now I still worry about the next one I want to buy (Gallardo and DB9).
As I mention in the dedicated 25th Anniversario thread, they appear to be the most reliable of the Countach range, which makes sense, coming at the end of 15 years of development, so it's possible he has had to do very little I think you are smart for being a purist with the way values have increased, plus, then, you get the authentic experience of what the cars were like to drive when new, something I have never forgotten as I purchased my first 2 Countachs when production was still ongoing. Regarding Kevlar clutches, I've driven 2 different 4-valve Countachs with aftermarket Kevlar clutches and they both felt a little spongy and grabby to me, and knowing that the hardness of Kevlar makes it more prone to chatter or judder (which I felt in both cars I drove) as time goes by, I much prefer the smooth feel of the OEM unit and will happily sacrifice some miles for the nicer original feel. Therefore, being a purist I recommend that you avoid cars with Kevlar clutches, or buy one in a deal that allows you to go back to the OEM clutch. Again, from the purist's point of view, I also recommend you avoid cars that have been modified in a way that affects performance or handling, such as suspension springs that cause the car to sit too high, or again, buy with a view to reverting back to OEM. A concession can be given towards electronic ignition systems for obvious reasons. All true but sometimes applying advanced technology negates original feel so the experience is sacrificed somewhat. Correct. Great case to stick with OEM, I also know some Countachs with significant mileage on their original OEM clutch Mike, thank you for trying to help. I think if the car is not just gently babied and is driven the way God & Ferruccio intended, or if one lives in a hilly area, then your mileage estimates are good.
There are several things that make buying a good Countach difficult, by far the most prominent is the proliferation of cars that have been significantly modified, neglected, poorly maintained or just run on a shoestring budget. But lest we forget, another thing that does not help is that besides some of the threads we have in this section, there is an absence of current published material that serves as a thorough resource and explicit Buyer's Guide including restoration, maintenance & parts resource for the Countach. The latter is something I'm trying to rectify and we hope to have a proper magazine article that helps with this upcoming, appropriate because there is clearly a resurgence of interest in the model. This is significant because it is coming from new-to-the-marque hitherto non-Lamborghini owners. This is the best thing ever for the future of the model for obvious reasons. In many cases the new interest is coming from traditionally Ferrari collectors (such as yourself), and of course the owners of other makes besides. The last time I noted a nice but brief Buyers Guide it was in Classic & Sports Car magazine's May 2001 issue, featuring Simon Fowler's JLA12294 (below) commenting on the Countach in general. The ownership landscape of classic & sports cars has changed in the last 5 years alone IMO, and it is now populated by buyers who not only have the means to buy the best, they want the best. Although they typically have busy business & family lives, they are much more focused, knowledgeable, and are willing to be patient for the right car. Helping this development is the resurgence of authentic & faithful restorations of the Countach worldwide by both the factory & privateers, which means their Countach dreams can be fulfilled, important because many of today's buyers want cars that can actually be enjoyed, and prefer to avoid filling their garages with substandard cars just to say they have one. IMHO the advent of the new P7 is huge to this effort, as I know in my own case there were times when I didn't feel like using my car because it didn't have current or correct tires. Published material that serves as a guide will only encourage and facilitate prospective buyers, and all of this activity is ultimately great for the model's disposition and values. Collecting classic & sports cars is often simply about making good decisions, and those making them now will be glad they did years from now. Naturally as with all cars some variants will be more coveted, valued and collected than others, but as a whole the different variants of the Countach will be understood & appreciated better. I predict that 10 years from now there will be many more good Countachs in circulation and the percentage of good cars on the market will be improved. Long story short, look for the publication of a good Buyers Guide, to be followed by other useful material in the future Image Unavailable, Please Login
I used to study that buyer article.. it would be nice if an updated one was printed.. maybe with two angles, original vs acceptable mods
I think I'll keep it simple & focused. I'm going to do a traditional Buyer's Guide aimed at helping new buyers understand the different variants, focussing on a comprehensive restoration, maintenance & parts resource, and I'll and stay away from any type of discussion of mods for three basic reasons: Firstly, the very reason for a good Buyer's Guide in the first place is because so many cars out there have been subject to poorly-executed mods, and the point of the Buyer's Guide will be to shine a light on the fact that Countachs were mostly not built that way nor do they need to be that way. Secondly, over the decades, it's been proven that Countachs generally operate and handle best in the original configuration which their engineers designed & built them, the proviso being that the original systems are being properly used and well-maintained. Thirdly, existing owners are free to mod their cars anyway, and the list of modifications is a never-ending one with limitless boundaries, so I'd rather not get into that subject as I wouldn't even begin to be able to cover it. Of course, we all know that there are some upgrades (not mods IMO) such as better cooling fans and more efficient electronic ignition which are popular, but I'll leave all that to be recommended by the various individual specialists that will be listed in the Buyers Guide.
I see, and agree..simple is best.. and yes I was referring to just those few “upgrades” (not mods) for practicality and reliability that you mentioned.
My own publishing experience has been that if you want to convey material in a helpful & useful way, keep it focused, essential in this case I think, as there are few automotive subjects more confusing to the uninitiated than that of the Countach.
Contrary to 10 years ago, this wisdom is well-received nowadays even by people with a passing interest in the Countach, although I do remember when some of us asserted this a decade ago, it was disputed by more than a few. However, without wishing to speak for him, I think this OP is focused on the latter.
Yes. While I’m hardly an expert, I’m well versed in all of variants, having studied the Countach like no other car since I was 13. And, yes, I’m focused on the downdraft.
Downdraft Rosso Siviglia with either champagne/tan carpets or black interior Prefer an early car with series one dash, but will gladly consider any good car Joe has also been a tremendous help to me
