The Lamborghini Countach is a supercar produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini from 1974 to 1990. It was designed by Marcello Gandini and his team at Bertone, and its name is derived from the French word "countach," meaning "revelation" or "sight."
Design and Features
The Countach's design was a radical departure from Lamborghini's previous models, featuring a scissor-door design that allowed for a very low roofline while still providing decent access to the interior. The car had a wedge-shaped profile with sharp angles and a distinctive pop-up headlight arrangement. Its aluminum bodywork was designed to be lightweight and aerodynamic.
The Countach was available in several trim levels, including the base LP400, the higher-performance S, and the limited-production SV, which featured improved aerodynamics and a more aggressive stance. Other variants included the 5000 Quattrovalvole (QV) and the 25th-anniversary edition, which was based on the final production model.
Performance
The Countach's performance was equally impressive, with a top speed of over 180 mph (290 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The car's V12 engine produced up to 444 horsepower in some trim levels, while others produced as much as 500 horsepower.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: V12, mid-mounted
- Power output: up to 444 horsepower (some variants up to 500 hp)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or semi-automatic
- Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
- Brakes: Disc brakes all around
- Suspension: Independent suspension with MacPherson struts and coil springs
Legacy
The Lamborghini Countach is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential supercars of all time, influencing countless other designs in the automotive industry. Its V12 engine, wedge-shaped profile, and scissor-door design have become synonymous with high-performance driving and Italian style.
The Countach's production run lasted for 16 years, during which over 2,000 units were built. While it was initially met with skepticism by some critics, who deemed its design too radical or impractical, the car has since become a cult classic among automotive enthusiasts and collectors.
