Lamborghini Countach

Avant-garde mechanics called for an equally bold shell-shaped body. Based on the existing prerequisites, Bertone designer Marcello Gandini decided to create a more uncompromising and revolutionary car than the Miura.

The starting point was the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo prototype, which owes its name to the unusual shape of the doors that opened upwards. Outwardly, it resembled the movements of the wings of a scarab beetle.

A further development of the idea was the Stratos Zero prototype that appeared in 1970, foreshadowing the design of many subsequent supercars of the 1980s. Taking these two projects as a basis, Gandini created a body with a height of only 40 in (102 cm), stunning in its simplicity and originality.

When the factory workers in Turin made a full-size prototype, someone loudly exclaimed, "Countach!" which in the local, Piedmontese, dialect means both extreme condemnation and praise. Indeed, the design of this car shocked everyone around it.

After the graceful Miura came a "child" that contrasted so sharply with everything made before that people who saw it were immediately divided into two camps. Some were completely delighted, while others were dissatisfied with him.

Photo: "Lamborghini Countach LP 400 Periscopio (1975) (52866606445)" by Charles from Port Chester, New York

Such a bright name stuck to the car and subsequently received the status of its official name. The Countach was the company's first car (except, of course, for the 350 and 400GT models), whose name had nothing to do with bulls or bullfighting.

Prototype and Contradictory Reactions

The LP500 prototype was completed on the first day of the 1971 Geneva exhibition. And he was immediately transported by truck across the Alps. And already on the second day of the auto show, a lemon-yellow car appeared at the stand of the body company Bertone.

The demonstration prototype was called the Bertone Countach LP500, where the alphanumeric abbreviation stood for "Longitudinale Posteriore 5 litri" (Longitudinal Rear 5 liters). To all of the above, it is worth adding that Lamborghini representatives were in no hurry to make public their rights to the new car.

The public's reaction was completely contradictory, but there was not a single person whom the Countach left indifferent. This played a decisive role in confirming that Lamborghini had chosen the right successor to the Miura.

Countach Versions

Not counting the prototype and special versions of this car (such as Walter Wolf Countach or F1 Safety Car...) there were five of them in total, namely: LP 400, LP 400S, LP 500S, LP5000 Quattrovalvole, and 25th Anniversary Edition.

"Guillotine" Doors

A real symphony of flat design was the Lamborghini Countach, in which Gandini finally achieved his goal—he introduced the "guillotine" doors, so beloved by him, into the series. It was understood that Countach owners would not experience garage problems.

Photo: "Lamborghini Countach" by exfordy

The cut of these doors was called sexy, and many designers were literally obsessed with it in the late 1960s, but were they the invention of Gandini? In any case, he walked into the vanguard.

Today's Price

You know you've made it in life when you can casually throw around the words "Lamborghini Countach." Just saying it out loud makes you feel like you're in some sort of exclusive club. And rightly so, because this exotic beauty is not for the faint of heart or thin of wallet.

So, what's the price tag on this legendary beast these days? Well, if you're in the market for a brand new one, you better be prepared to fork over a small fortune. We're talking about a price that could potentially rival the GDP of a small country. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but you get the point.

But hey, who needs a brand new Lamborghini anyway? That's so mainstream. If you're the type of person who likes to turn heads and make a statement, you'll want a vintage Countach. These babies have the character and charm that only come with age. Plus, their value has skyrocketed over the years, making them the ultimate collector's item.

Now, you might be wondering just how much you'll need to empty out your bank account to bring home one of these iconic machines. Well, put it this way - it's not a number you'll find on your Monopoly board. We're talking six, maybe even seven figures, depending on the condition and rarity of the model.

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Of course, you could always try to find a diamond in the rough. You know, that one Countach that some clueless owner didn't realize was a treasure. It's like finding a unicorn in a haystack. They do exist, but they're about as rare as a sunny day in London.

But hey, if money is no object and you have a burning desire to feel the wind in your hair and the envy of everyone on the road, then go ahead and splurge on a Lamborghini Countach. It's a small price to pay for the thrill and prestige that comes with owning such an iconic piece of automotive history.

Just be prepared for the occasional finger pointing, jaw-dropping, and drooling onlookers. Because let's face it - when you're driving a Countach, you're not just driving a car. You're driving a symbol of success, power, and undeniable style. And in today's world, that's worth every penny.