Countach Downdraft 1985 to 1988.5

Thanks Alex!

Yes, we have the paint mixed, because you know I'm going to damage the car!

I think your car is an exceptional testament to your ability to use it judiciously and take care of it. Its often all about the particular owner. Bravo. You have a great car and your car has you!

I agree with you, I have never been a fan of films, and none of our contemporary cars has any film. TBH, I'm one of those people who is totally unfazed by stone-chips & road rash, I really don't care because I know I can always repaint it.

 

John,

Lacquer?

Why on earth would I do that when I can use Urethane?

As we posted about earlier, a restoration should include modern materials so the next lifespan is longer! That's the whole point.

I agree with you 100%, modern paints can be very resilient, and if you take care of your car the way Alex does, it'll last a long time!

 

Here is a Downdraft images 27 years ago at the Northern Classic Car Show at the G-Mex Exhibition Centre, Manchester in August 1989.

UK-registered E 216 VOV, my notes tell me it is ZA90005A0JLA12257 (or should that be HLA?), first registered November 1987.
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Thank you for this thoughtful post!

They say 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention', so, I guess I'm in the restoration and restoration-management business!

As regards the Mimran Countach Downdraft, everything is being done under my watchful eye, I am participating in every aspect of the restoration, making joint decisions with the restorer, and nothing happens without my approval or say-so. Anything I don’t like the look of gets re-done! I think the car will turn out okay...

I cannot thank the restorer and his team enough for the experience they have provided. Some of the well-deserved words I might use to describe him & his team are: helpful, hard-working, talented, reliable, efficient & honest. These are some of the characteristics of the much-talked-about and ever-elusive true restoration.

I'd like to add that a true restoration is carried out in a clean orderly environment, where the restoration can be efficiently planned & managed, parts are treated respectfully and not tossed about on the floor in a heap. Images of dirty components showing substandard work only speaks for the restorer's work, so a true restoration will in fact present itself in the form of pretty pictures as it progresses. I hope that makes sense.

Many people know that I was involved in restorations for myself years ago with a handful my own cars, and those of many of my clients. Lets say its common-knowlege in the community what happened there, all carefully documented, as a fair number of FChatters can bear witness to. Let’s also just say that this is a totally different experience, and I dare say the future face of classic Lamborghini restorations in the USA. Your private comment that "I'm so happy that the Lamborghini community is getting your expertise on what a correct restoration should be like for these cars, Integrity and correctness will help others to come to this community" could not be more well-stated. This is not about me, its about doing the right thing for the cars & the community.

Lastly, I received another communication today which I will share without mentioning any names and it simply said: "I have never seen such a well-documented restoration. To top it off, the photos aren’t taken amongst a disaster work-space, rather everything is clean, labeled and organized. LOVE IT!"

What more can I say?

 

One of my all-time favorite Lamborghini images is this one of this beautiful white/white Downdraft in the USA
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Rich it was so good to finally meet you on Tuesday and show you the car in person. I hope you are enjoying California! Thank you for your kind words BTW.

 

Yes indeed!

Please convey my very best regards to him, its been a long time...

 

I have also been around restorations for a long time, and believe me I have seen it all!

The initial goal was simply to do the car justice, but its turned into the provision of a facility for classic Lamborghini restorations in the USA, a means by which owners can restore with confidence and know that the process will be well-planned & timely, the work quality will be good, and they will be treated with the respect they deserve.

As they say, pictures say a thousand words, and they don't lie.

Thank you for your kind words John, coming from you they mean a lot as I know you have a good eye for detail.

 

I will be stopping by regularly to see it move along, as I do for any of my clients who has a project ongoing, if requested.

FYI there is another Downdraft there (that was restored elsewhere and needs TLC) so there are 3 DDs in one place. There is also a stellar LP400S which is starting a full restoration, so the shop is expanding to meet a clear demand.

As regards the Downdraft, we have established finishes & details with the Mimran car, so I'm happy to have set a precedent that all others benefit from.

I can't wait to see your engine turn out like this below.
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Thank you for your kind words Chris, people who strive hard to do the right thing need recognition so I want to give the credit to the restorer and his team.

Ultimately its all about doing right for the cars and the community of people who invest their enthusiasm & money in the hobby.

If I can play a small part in improving standards and being a resource, I'm happy to do it.

Meanwhile 8 months in and its getting there...
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Much-enjoyed HLA12106 @ Lamborghini France Club meet
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Bianco Perlato/Bianco RHD car delivered new via Portman Lamborghini UK fitted with engine number 1185, residing in Australia.
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One of the nicest original DDs was seen at Mistral Dreams in Italy a few years ago, image posted in another thread a few years ago by Emilio
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James arrives & departs @ a California event

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM6RzDhucgs[/ame]

 

Great pic.

This is HLA12044, Ticino-registered in Switzerland.

It has spacers in the wheels, and some other mods.