In a crash test, the original Countach was damaged. It was revived in spirit 50 years later.
After a long teaser campaign Lamborghini brought back the original Countach. The original LP 500 prototype was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971. It was destroyed three years later in a crash test. Santa’Agata Bolognese created a new Aventador-based LPI 800-4 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the supercar.
Automobili Lamborghini’s Polo Storico was the company’s in-house restoration shop. It took more than 25,000 hours for the “important collector” to complete the recreation. At the end of 2017, a mysterious buyer contacted Lamborghini to inquire if it was possible to resurrect Countach’s first prototype. Genuine spare parts were used along with some used components and parts that needed to be completely rebuilt in order to make it possible.
After using photos and materials from the 1971 Geneva showcar, the Italian tire manufacturer Cinturato CN12 provided replicas for the recreation. The rubber on the car measures 245/60R14 at the front and 265/60R14 at the back. It is part of the Pirelli Collezione line, which includes tires for classic cars that were made between 1930 and 2000. These tires are brand new, and they use a modern compound and structure. However, the tread pattern is the same as in the 1970s.
The color was determined by Lamborghini Polo Storico’s archives. A 3D scan was required of the LP 400 (chassis 001), in order to accurately reproduce the body’s size. It took 2,000 hours to finish the unmistakable lines. Countach’s original production car, the LP 400, was launched in 1974.
Countach: Now and Then
Lamborghini has not disclosed the price of the car, but it is safe to assume that the collector paid a lot more than the current-day Countach with its staggering $2.64M sticker.