Lamborghini has brought the Countach back to life.
Having recreated the classic Countach supercar with an Aventador-based special edition, Lamborghini has recreated the Countach LP500 concept that started it all in 1971.
The car pictured here has been reconstructed for a “classic car aficionado and important Lamborghini customer” by Polo Storico, the department dedicated to restoring classic Raging Bull models for exacting customers.
After studying the original technical drawings, Lamborghini set about building the V12 engine and related mechanical bits using original spare parts, restored components from the 1970s, or new parts faithfully built to the original plans.
Unlike the production Countach, which was built on a tubular chassis, the LP500 concept’s sexy body sits on a separate platform chassis.
The body sitting atop it was shaped using a combination of modern processes and classic hand-beating. The process of bringing working out exactly how it should look before bringing it to life is laid out by Mitja Borkert, head of Lamborghini design.
“To arrive at the car that debuted in Geneva in 1971, a 1:1 scale styling model was developed, which along with the car itself was lost over time, but extensive photographic evidence of it remains,” he said.
“This is the same approach with which we decided to tackle the project.
“Starting from publications of the time, from images on homologation sheets and other material recovered from Polo Storico, we were able to reconstruct the mathematics necessary for creating the first 1:1 scale model.”
Even the tyres are period correct. Lamborghini has leaned on its partnership with Pirelli. The rubber on this concept wears a faithful recreation of the original Cinturato CN12 tread pattern, but is made of modern compounds.
The tyres measure 245/60R14 up front and 265/60R14 at the rear.
The Countach is supercar royalty, which debuted the dramatic, angular styling that has come to define the brand.
Power came from a V12 engine initially displacing 4.0 litres and eventually boosted to 5.0 litres, and the model lived in various forms for more than 15 years.
It’s a pop culture icon, having graced magazine covers, bedroom walls, and the silver screen consistently since its launch.
What’s your favourite Countach?
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