The Lamborghini Countach is a style icon, from the original concept to the current LPI 800-4.
Perhaps we are a little too used to everything today, but the 1971 Countach LP 500 prototype, which gave birth to Lamborghini’s supercar, gave us a sense of wonder.
The public knew only the name of the company manager in the age of great Italian coachbuilders. In this instance, Bertone. Nuccio Bertone. He was not only a skilled coachbuilder, but also an entrepreneur. Bertone could count on Marcello Gandini, the author of the history and design of Italian design.
Gandini was the inventor of the original Countach concept, which had significant implications for the evolution and design of supercars. It was the inspiration for many subsequent vehicles, including the Countach models, which were launched half a century later. Let’s look back at the last 50 years to see how this design evolved.
A shape born of emotion
The heroic age of Italian coachbuilding saw groups work day and night to realize an idea. There were few limitations on the realization of the idea and no limits on imagination. Perhaps the most important aspect was the mechanical design that enabled the prototype to be put into motion. In this spirit, the Countach arrived to the 1971 Geneva Motor Show.
Technological developments were a hallmark of the period from the 60s to the 70s. Innovations in fashion and industrial design led to bright colors and a strong emphasis on geometric shapes.
The LP 500 Concept Starts From A Line
There are many design secrets in the 1971 Countach LP 500. The key element of the entire shape was the straight line.
This general design with pillars that are sharply inclined was not new. Bertone used similar shapes in concepts such as the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo and 1970 Stratos Zero or the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal. The wedge-shaped design was refined in machines less striking than the 1969 Autobianchi Runabout or the 1972 Fiat X1/9.
Paolo Martin, Pininfarina’s most extreme wedge car, created the 1970 Ferrari Modulo. However, it never saw production. The Countach was, however, not just a prototype. It was a production car that was destined to replace a legendary legend like the Miura.
Sculpture In Motion
The Countach concept featured a wedge-shaped profile with sides that were very simple and sharp-edged. The fenders had slight variations, but not enough to make them curving.
The front ended was a downward blade that became increasingly tapered due to the retractable headlights. The wheels were just above the bodywork. The hood was defined by a central band. It had a height difference that created a subtle dynamic at its top.
The front pillar was as straight as possible. The windscreen was a rectangular shape. The doors were operated by a scissor-opening mechanism. The windows were low and air was pumped to the engine through the gills at the rear of the pillar.
The tail was an example of simplicity and geometry, designed aerodynamically and with the right width for the V12. The lights were also important because they were contained in an irregular hexagon.
This concept is a sculpture in motion. It has a clean, uncluttered shape that doesn’t have wings or protrusions.
LP 400, The First Production Model
The production-sped Countach LP400 was only available for two years. Bertone and Lamborghini wanted to retain the design elements of the concept car, and only make changes where necessary.
Technically, the machine was modified in a big way. The aluminum monocoque was replaced by a tubular spaceframe. The machine looked very similar to the prototype.
A few modifications were required for engine cooling. The Countach changed the rear pillar’s gills to accommodate larger inlets that protrude from the body. NACA ducts were found on the back fenders.
These elements led to the Countach losing some of its simplicity but eventually became iconic components of Lamborghini’s vehicle design.
Lambo increased the front end by a couple of centimeters. The hood was flatter and the inlet at the windshield disappeared. Also, the company disposed of the functional periscope rearview reflector that provided drivers with a glimpse of what was behind the car.
The roof notch on the early LP 400s was still there. The few remaining Countachs with this top are known as LP 400 Periscopos.
1973 LP 400 is the production of Countach that has the most pure design and remains true to the original concept.
LP 400S: Wings arrive
The 1978 Countach LP 400S was introduced. It featured a bulging fender and aerodynamic appendages. Lambo was able to fit 15-inch Magnesium wheels with larger Pirelli P7 tires.
The protruding frontfenders were designed to have a lower spoiler. This was under the small frontal area of body color. The large wing at the back was an option.
Giulio Alfieri brought the 5.0-liter V12 to the LP 5000S in 1982. However, the car’s exterior was almost unchanged. The interior received some modifications, such as wraparound seats and a higher central tunnel. There was also more luxurious upholstery.
With its 5.2-liter engine and four valves per cylinder the 1985 LP 5000Quattrovalvole also saw some aesthetic changes. 44 millimeters was added width to the front track. Instead of fitting the original side-draft carburetors, the engine cover featured a bulge that allowed for downdraft Weber carburetors to be fitted.
Final styling adjustments were made for the 1988 Countach 25th Anniversary by a young Horacio Pavani. It was important to adapt the aerodynamic elements to external surfaces.
Side skirts and spoilers were updated, as well as mudguards. Redesigned bumpers were added to the rear bumper.
These modifications are what’s behind the success of these designs. Many elements were derived from the engineering studies for the Countach Evoluzione prototype, and the consistent aesthetic allowed the best downforce data and aerodynamic data in car history.
Countach LPI 800-4 – A Homage to The Myth
Although fifty years have passed since the creation of the first Countach prototype in 1965, the Lamborghini team under Mitja Borkert tried to recapitulate the design secrets for the limited-run Countach LPI 800-4.
Automotive history is rare to see a manufacturer use one model as the basis for its subsequent models, even when business leaders or design teams change. This is what sets the Countach apart.
Let’s take a look at some details. The concept car clearly created the thin opening at the tip o the nose. The hood is also narrow near the windshield. The pop-up headlights are no longer needed thanks to LED technology. Two folds have been replaced.
It is worth noting the integration of the lower section into the body. This is possible due to modern production technologies, but it also creates a link with Horacio Pagani’s design goals for his 25th anniversary model.
Although the windshield shape is similar to the original, the front pillar has a curvilinear curve instead. NACA air ducts on the sides are of even greater importance. Although they are larger than the original design, their overall shape is very similar.
Hexagonal shapes are seen in the profile of the mudguards and the openings on the wheels. This design is also seen in the taillights.
The belt runs behind the front wheels, and then curves to the tail. The visual weight of the new vehicle is greater due to its large air intakes, big wheels and larger size.
The rear air intakes are now integrated into the fenders, much like the original Countach design. The tail features a large diffuser and exhausts in the middle.
The body has everything required for downforce, so the design team created a modern supercar that is nostalgically reminiscent of the past. This stunning tribute to one of the greatest supercars is achieved.