Countach Tool Kit Thread

While I certainly don’t claim to be an expert on the topic of all Countach tool kits, I have spent a considerable amount of time over the past two years researching and trying to best understand the topic, particularly regarding the Quattrovalvole variant (I’m a proud owner of a 1985 carbureted QV). For an owner like myself, who’s extremely focused on factory originality and presenting my car at top concours d’elegace, having all the correct accessories and a firm grasp on the topic is very important.

Unlike Ferrari’s of the same era, where generally tool kits and factory provided accessories were fairly consistent and standardized, Lamborghini was everything but that. Given the manufacturing numbers, the financial instability of the company at certain times, etc., I believe it’s safe to say that tool kits were fairly low on the priority list. As a result, very few tool kits consistently resemble one another. Still, there were certain things that were rather consistent, though they may take on different styles, colors or shapes (pliers or screwdrivers, for example) because multiple suppliers were used. This thread is meant to be a resource for learning. I will gladly present as much info as I have on the topic and I hope to expand my understanding from others through photos and knowledge. I am not declaring myself the authority by any means.

 

Because I own a carbureted Quattrovalvole, I’m going to start this thread discussing that tool kit because it’s the variant that I focused all my research attention on and I know them extremely well. For those who own other Countach variants, please weigh-in. We’ll start this discussion with what is listed in the owners manual. I will then make comments on common inconsistencies I’ve found, what tools are indeed the rarest and hardest to find and what are the easiest/most common. I will also post a series of many tool kit photos with various comments.

Important to note - during QV production, the factory issued three versions of the owners manual (85, 86 and 88). The main reason for this was the alterations made to the dashboard layout and the ventilation control system. The first owners manual issued in 1985 included this diagram and reference table. Interesting to note - the owners manual doesn't even list the belts or bulb and fuse container as included in tool kits.

The second and (and I believe the third) Quattrovalvole owners manual variants then published this photo and reference table. Note the changes from the first issued owners manual.

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When I acquired my 85 Quattrovalole the car came without a tool kit. After an exhausting search (and frankly a considerable investment) I was very fortunate to actually locate a new old stock Countach tool kit in Europe. I went through a fairly detailed process to confirm it’s contents as original before actually purchasing the kit. While certainly my hunting and persistence paid off, I’d be less than honest if I didn’t say I was extremely lucky from a timing standpoint. I’ve never seen before or since a NOS Countach tool kit for sale. Here is my complete kit.

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Quattrovalvole and later, the bags were gray fabric lined, black vinyl manufactured by a company called FIOCCHI, who’s name is inscribed on the snaps. The 5000S bags were double strapped and the QV and 25th cars were single strap (like below photos). It also seems that some very early QV’s came with double strapped bags, likely due to remaining inventory. Very early variants had round, soft vinyl case kits with a zipper all the way around. Then, came the denim bags.

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Gloves - for the QV, most gloves came with blue trim, some with red trim and others with black. There are even some rare solid color gloves. During that era, the logo inscribed on the gloves had the word “Nuova” on them.

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For the record, these are the reissued leather working gloves that are still available for order by Lamborghini (via a dealer). Though different (logo sans “Nuova”), those who aren’t hung up on 100% originality but want gloves that have long been missing, these offer a very suitable replacement.

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Pliers - pliers are a perfect example of a tool that was in most every tool kit, but there were multiple types, colors, styles. The first pair pictured below is the original in my tool kit with translucent amber handles. The second is a pair I acquired separately. I bought these blue handled pair because they seem to be the most common variety found in QV tool kits. Then, there are multiple varieties of red handled pliers (the third pictured is Joe’s).

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I’ll return to the individual contents of QV kits tomorrow, but I do want to highlight what I believe to be the most illusive and most difficult tools to locate, if your kit is missing them. If you have these tools in your kit, consider yourself very fortunate.

The first (pictured here) is from my NOS kit. These two pieces go together and are illustrated and listed only in the 85 owners manual (not in versions two (86) or three (88) of the QV owners manual) as being (#4) Spark Plug Spanner Extension Lever and (#5) Spark Plug Spanner Extension. For the record, the word “spanner” is sometimes used in Europe instead of the the word “wrench”. For whatever reason, other than my own, I have never seen these in any of the many tool kits I’ve examined, nor have I ever seen them for sale, or even photographed.

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Next (pictured below) is illustrated and listed In the version 2 and 3 of the QV owners manual as (#11) a Wheel Wrench. This 17mm tool, while not uncommon in tool kits I’ve seen, is almost impossible to find anywhere. I somehow was fortunate enough to find this piece (and the tommy bar, or “T” bar) by an individual in London. I have never seen another for sale.

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I’m hoping those who own other Countach variants will contribute to this thread with detailed photos, etc. Below is the tool kit photo and reference table from a 5000S owners manual. Of particular note is the inclusion of a hammer and adjustable pliers.

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Screwdrivers in QV kits are another interesting example of Lamborghini’s inconsistency. Most all screwdrivers we’re either orange, red or reddish/orange. One flat and one Phillips were included. That said, the handles came in a variety of shapes and sizes. Below are a few examples, the first being my own. One thing I have noticed in 25th Anniversario kits are translucent yellow handled screwdrivers, either one or both of them. I believe some late model QV’s also included them (see last two images).

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Here is a mint 25th Anniversario tool kit (US car). Note the yellow screwdrivers and red trimmed leather working gloves.

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This is a great opportunity, particularly given the quality of this kit. I’m sure finding a tool kit for an early series car is very challenging, particularly one as nice as this. As for the hammer, I know where one can acquire an original hammer, if there is interest.

 

Belts - in the 5000S, QV and 25 Anniversario kits, though it was not included in the first QV version (1985) of the owners manual diagram, 1 compressor belt (larger) and 1 alternator belt were included. They likely were included in earlier variants as well, though I can’t claim enough knowledge to say for certain.

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These are both from 5000S kits. These are not very difficult to find. To my knowledge neither the QV or 25th Anniversario tool kits originally came with hammers.

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Most every kit I’ve come across has either missing pieces or the factory didn’t include everything. This kit is one of the better ones I’ve seen. It’s from an 88 US car. Interestingly, it has two 17mm spanners. Also note the following:

- Missing leather gloves
- Missing bulb and fuse container
- No belts
- Mis-matched screwdrivers (not uncommon for late production QV’s)

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I think one thing to always keep in mind when it comes to Lamborghini from this era - very few things are consistent. Having said that, even their inconsistencies have a recognizable pattern as it relates to the tool kits. For example, they didn't use one type of screwdriver, but they did use 4. They didn't use one type of pliers, but they did use 5. It was such a small company that suppliers were inconsistent and supplies were likely unavailable at given times.

 

Double strap - wouldn't surprise me.

 

While, certainly, tools go missing, separated, misplaced, stolen, etc., don't discount the fact that Lamborghini likely didn't give a lot of thought into tool kits at the time. If a car was ready and a tool kit didn't have every piece, it probably was still thrown in the front boot and sent out.

 

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you have most all of the key pieces. Consider yourself lucky that you have the 17mm spanner. They are virtually impossible to find. I'm guessing you have a late model year car, given the screwdrivers. If you need help locating anything you want to acquire, I'm happy to try and help. There are some correct pliers currently available. Original gloves are also extremely challenging to find, but the reissued gloves are still nice. All depends on your level of craziness (not everyone is as peculiar as I am about every detail). If you don't have a bag, originals pop-up occasionally, and there is a source that makes excellent reproductions.