If you touch on the Italian car industry, then for sure every second person will come to the name of such a concern as “Lamborghini”. Kauntach is one of the unique models released by this company. Countach is a supercar manufactured by the company for 16 years, from 1974 to 1990. But during this time not so many copies were produced - only 1,997. However, this fact makes the car even more unique.
Briefly about the model
The first thing that distinguishes Lamborghini County is its name. The word “countach” is the Italian version of “wow!” In the Piedmontese dialect. This delighted exclamation breaks out from the lips of local men at the sight of a beautiful woman. And initially the car had the code name "Project 112". In terms of name, the car has become unique in its kind, as the Lamborghini concern usually endows its models with such designations that are in one way or another connected with bullfighting.
Design
The appearance of the model was developed by a specialist named Marcello Gandini from the Bertone studio. He did not focus on ergonomics, but simply conveyed his vision of the car. The model turned out to be angular, low and wide. The hull design is interesting, in many ways this unusual appearance was achieved through the use of trapezoidal planes. Yes, smooth lines are traced in the image, but they do not soften the external angularity.
Another highlight that the Lamborghini County boasts is its guillotine-style doors. They are also called “scissors”. However, standard doors would not fit this particular machine, since it is too wide for them.
The range of Countach is calculated in several modifications. And one of the most original is the LP400S. Its features were wide tires, as well as spoilers (front and rear), thanks to which it was possible to increase the stability of the model at high speeds. A feature of the extreme modification, which became known as the Evoluzione, was the very modest weight of the machine - only 980 kg.
Interior
A few words are worth mentioning about what Lamborghini Countach features in an aesthetically-comfortable way. After all, how successful the interior is in the model means a lot. Since it is inside the car that a person spends time sitting behind the wheel.
Well, the first two generations of models differed too low roof. Because of this feature, the high driver was extremely uncomfortable inside, like his passenger. But this flaw was eliminated in 1982. Then the roof was raised by 3 centimeters, so there was at least a little more free space.
But the finish, judging by the reviews, was excellent for all models. The interior was clearly visible sports notes of design, but no surplus could not be noticed. Since the developers relied on the simplicity of design.
But in the anniversary versions there are already such nice features as power windows, automatic seat adjustment and a brand new leather interior. These Lamborghini cars were sold out very quickly.
Lamborghini Countach, by the way, like any other car, had a luggage compartment. Its volume was 240 liters. If you recall that this model is a supercar, you can safely say that the trunk is quite impressive. It is also worth noting that at the request of the buyer, an air conditioner could be installed in the car.
Prototype
The first version of Lamborghini County is the LP500. It was bright yellow. This car was shown to the public in 1971 in Geneva at a car show.
The model was unusual. Her body was made of porous aluminum, and even applied several unique design solutions. Production cars were different. Still under the hood of the prototype was a 5-liter engine. They decided not to put this motor on production versions, since it did not cool well.
Unfortunately, this car has not survived to this day. She was destroyed during a crash test to get a European safety certificate. And the prototype was the only one.
Characteristics
The first production Lamborghini Countach was released in 1974. The modification became known as the LP400. Under its hood was a 12-cylinder 4-liter V-engine. He developed 375 horsepower! Thanks to him, the car accelerated to 100 km / h in just 6.3 seconds. And the maximum that the speedometer needle could reach was 290 km / h.
In this version, the Lamborghini Countach existed for four years. The last instance was released in 1978. He was closer than all other cars to the prototype design. The exception was taillights and installed air intakes with air vents, due to which the engine was better cooled. In total, 157 units were produced.
His follower was the LP500S version with a 5-liter engine. The body has somewhat changed, which made it possible to install such a voluminous engine and provide it with a good level of cooling. And the model was better in dynamics than its predecessor - it exchanged the first “hundred” after 5.6 seconds from the start. And its maximum speed was 315 kilometers. True, after some time an even more powerful option appeared - with a 5.2-liter engine producing 455 “horses”.
Other models
The notorious LP400S was developed by engineer Giampaolo Dallar. Some changes affected the power unit, but most of all the appearance of the machine was changed.
In addition to wide tires, large wheel arches appeared. By the way, due to the previously mentioned spoilers, the model has become heavier by 50 kilograms. This, in turn, influenced the maximum speed performance of the supercar. They became 15 km / h less. So, as the reviews say, few people decided to prefer speed stability. Moreover, the handling has become better - wide wheels contributed to it.
And then came the Lamborghini Countach 5000QV. A 48-valve 455-horsepower V12 engine was installed under its hood. In the new product there was a noticeable change - the carburetors were now not on the side, but over the engine. So it turned out to improve the air intake. But there were only negative points. Due to this innovation, rear visibility has become almost zero.
Then, when the era of “Kauntach” was coming to an end, it was decided to replace the carburetors with injectors, and introduce some Kevlar elements into the body.
Anniversary version
By the 25th anniversary of the company, a model called the 25th Anniversary Countach was released. If we talk about the technical part, the car is almost identical to the above 5000QV. True, the developers finally solved the problems associated with cooling the brakes. It was decided to install air intakes in the front spoiler, and also on the roof of the engine compartment and on the sides. By the way, at that time "Lamborghini" bought "Chrysler", whose developers have contributed to the novelty. They decided to use carbon fiber in the manufacturing process of body kit and bumper.
Comments motorists
It is safe to say that in Russia there are no owners of such a car as Countach. After all, these cars were produced in such a limited quantity. So all the owners are in Europe, mainly in Italy. But even there, the Lamborghini County is considered a rarity. The price of the 5000QV version was $ 100,000 at the time of its release (this is 1985). Now, according to experts, the cost of a rare supercar may well be $ 250,000. And this is at least. If the model is equipped with a wing, audio system, air conditioning and other nice features, you will have to pay a more impressive amount for the purchase.
Foreign owners pay special attention to the quiet operation of the engine, a smooth ride, easy handling and, of course, high cost. The fuel tank of the model holds 120 liters of gasoline, it only lasts for 300 kilometers. Plus, you can add a considerable cost of maintenance, which is mandatory for a car of this class.
Interesting Facts
Few people know that in the 1981 film “Cannonball Races,” the heroines of Tara Burkman and Adrienne Barbro conquer speed precisely on “County”. True, the version is modified, painted black specifically for filming. In the triquel called “Speed Zone” a bright red model was involved. It was on it that they performed one of the most difficult and spectacular automobile stunts in the history of cinema - the Lamborghini slipped a 30-meter ditch with water.
And it was this model that belonged to Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone in the legendary series of films about the “Italian Stallion”. And the Kauntach car appeared in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, whose main character was Leonardo DiCaprio.
The car also participated in the films "David and Madame Ansen," "Kung Fury", "Doberman" and in the series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." However, such an interest in relation to the car is not surprising. The model is bright, effective, so that it adds an additional twist to the film.