1976 LAMBORGHINI Countach LP400 #1120194

1976 Countach LP400
Chassis #1120194
Engine #

Spring 1999 - This full European spec Countach was purchased by David Fox of California, USA. Fall 2002 - Here it is seen at the "Beyond the West" Rally of Montana at Big Sky. "It's definitely a keeper," David told me, and after being taken for a ride in it, I could certainly understand why.

Approching the car, you are at once amazed at how small a car it is. At only 41.5 inches high it looks rather flat. The absence of wings, spoilers and fender flares gives the LP400 a cleaner uncluttered look that I prefer. It is more close to the simple lines of the original yellow LP500 of 1971. I also liked the tranparent panels on the engine cover and the periscope tunel with clear insert that also remind one of the first prototype.

In the right hands, the LP400 car handles like a rollercoaster, especially on the twisting mountain roads of Big Sky seen below. I couldn't manage to see exactly how fast we were travleing, but it was much faster than I would have risked with steep drops on one side in some of these curves. David did a fantastic job making it seem all too simple a task. We seemed to head into a curve "way too fast" but the car would just turn where it was pointed, as if on rails.

The acceleration and braking were unreal too, giving a stronger push in the back or feeling of rapid deceleration you don't find in "normal" cars. I didn't find the as ride harsh as some writers have described it, but it was loud. With absolutely no sound insulation and only 1mm thick aluminum skin, you can hear everything. Every pebble being thrown by the tires, sounds like machine gun fire hitting the aluminum underside, or like someone pouring a bucket of gravel on the bodywork. The engine sound was magnificent, though. One can hear every moving part working away, the chains, the valves, carbs, the throaty growl of the exhaust. It was quite fantastic to hear. I wonder if it would get annoying on after a long drive, or if the Alpine stereo system could successfully drown it out.

The interior was smaller than I expected it to be. It felt much smaller than a Ferrari Boxer of the same vintage. At 6' 2" tall, it was a tight fit. My head rubbed the roof no matter how far I slid down in the seat. The seats were comfortable and hold you in place quite well no matter how fast you round a corner. The seats aren't adjustable for reclining though, so my lower back wasn't even touching the seat the whole time.

This view out front was all I could see, scenery. Only a sliver of the front fenders could be seen as the front of the car disappeared once inside. The top of the windshield was so close to my forehead that I didn't even notice its presence. It certainly didn't show up in this photo, even with a wide angle lense.

This view out the back window was taken by holding the camera over my shoulder and pressing the button, not knowing exactly what would result, being unable to turn in my seat. Nice view though. You can easily imagine how much a rear wing would obstruct this already limited view.

Thanks again to David for the ride of my life. If you ever do think of selling, you know where to reach me.

August 2006 - A collector has paid a healthy $225,000 before taxes for a Countach LP400 "Periscopa" #1120194 in good, unrestored condition. Roy Cats, Everett, WA, USA.

	*Countach LP400*		Last updated Jan 3, 2002
			1976 Countach LP400 Chassis #1120194 Engine # Spring 1999 - This full European spec Countach was purchased by David Fox of California, USA. Fall 2002 - Here it is seen at the "Beyond the West" Rally of Montana at Big Sky. "It's definitely a keeper," David told me, and after being taken for a ride in it, I could certainly understand why. Approching the car, you are at once amazed at how small a car it is. At only 41.5 inches high it looks rather flat. The absence of wings, spoilers and fender flares gives the LP400 a cleaner uncluttered look that I prefer. It is more close to the simple lines of the original yellow LP500 of 1971. I also liked the tranparent panels on the engine cover and the periscope tunel with clear insert that also remind one of the first prototype. In the right hands, the LP400 car handles like a rollercoaster, especially on the twisting mountain roads of Big Sky seen below. I couldn't manage to see exactly how fast we were travleing, but it was much faster than I would have risked with steep drops on one side in some of these curves. David did a fantastic job making it seem all too simple a task. We seemed to head into a curve "way too fast" but the car would just turn where it was pointed, as if on rails. The acceleration and braking were unreal too, giving a stronger push in the back or feeling of rapid deceleration you don't find in "normal" cars. I didn't find the as ride harsh as some writers have described it, but it was loud. With absolutely no sound insulation and only 1mm thick aluminum skin, you can hear everything. Every pebble being thrown by the tires, sounds like machine gun fire hitting the aluminum underside, or like someone pouring a bucket of gravel on the bodywork. The engine sound was magnificent, though. One can hear every moving part working away, the chains, the valves, carbs, the throaty growl of the exhaust. It was quite fantastic to hear. I wonder if it would get annoying on after a long drive, or if the Alpine stereo system could successfully drown it out. The interior was smaller than I expected it to be. It felt much smaller than a Ferrari Boxer of the same vintage. At 6' 2" tall, it was a tight fit. My head rubbed the roof no matter how far I slid down in the seat. The seats were comfortable and hold you in place quite well no matter how fast you round a corner. The seats aren't adjustable for reclining though, so my lower back wasn't even touching the seat the whole time. This view out front was all I could see, scenery. Only a sliver of the front fenders could be seen as the front of the car disappeared once inside. The top of the windshield was so close to my forehead that I didn't even notice its presence. It certainly didn't show up in this photo, even with a wide angle lense. This view out the back window was taken by holding the camera over my shoulder and pressing the button, not knowing exactly what would result, being unable to turn in my seat. Nice view though. You can easily imagine how much a rear wing would obstruct this already limited view. Thanks again to David for the ride of my life. If you ever do think of selling, you know where to reach me. August 2006 - A collector has paid a healthy $225,000 before taxes for a Countach LP400 "Periscopa" #1120194 in good, unrestored condition. Roy Cats, Everett, WA, USA.