1978 LAMBORGHINI Countach LP400S #1121034

1978 Countach LP400S (Series 1)
Chassis #1121034
Engine #1121034
Prod. #10

This car's factory original Bill of Sale dated April 23, 1979 states, "Delivery: ex factory," as the car was collected on that day at Sant Agata by the Californian Doctor owner who had special ordered it 18 months prior. The factory document goes on to state that this car was built with "all options" (including: air conditioning, single driver's side mirror, safety belts and an Alpine radio). The paint is listed as "red no. 5205190" (PPG's code) with the leather noted as "senape." The car's dry weight upon completion is documented as "weight KG 1200" (2640lbs). The Bill of Sale also indiciates that the car cost the client $45,775. The original document titled "Buono di Consegna" also dated April 23, 1979 (which usually indicates the name of the concessionaire) indicates the details of the first owner and is stamped "Servizio Collaudo, Controllato" signed off this time by final tester Valentino Balboni.

Italian Transportation document entitled "Ministero dei Trasporti", also dated April 23rd, indicates the issuance of the car's Italian export plates (EE for "Escursionisti Esteri") EE93717 so that the car can be driven by its enthusiast owner and driven out of the factory gates.

Italian Insurance documents (same date again) issued by factory affiliate SAI also indicates the car's first registration no. EE93717.

The car's file contains a series of historical, good quality color photographs taken on April 23, 1979 at the Sant Agata factory. These includes shots inside the factory of chassis #1121030, #1121032 and of course #1121034 awaiting delivery or dealer consignment. The best photos are of #1121034 at the factory gates with a smiling Ubaldo Sgarzi himself, as it is about to be driven away. An astonishing photographic record also exists of the trip over the snow capped Alps to Frankfurt, Germany where the car was put on a commercial Lufthansa flight for LAX, California a few days later.

#1121034 was the last of 10 cars built at Sant Agata in 1978 (1 prototipo built in 1977 for Walter Wolf plus 40 more Series One cars built in 1979 - the rarest production version of the Countach) and was finished with 'works' detail unique to this chassis alone. This Countach was featured in 1979 as the Alpine promotional car, and also has the historical significance of being the 1980 Los Angeles International Auto Show car.

In order to get his Countach, the enthusiast Doctor had to pay for the car up front, in cash, then sit patiently through the factory's labor unrest, strikes and bankruptcy. Sgarzi even sent a telegram to the Doctor stating that his originally assigned chassis had met with untimely demise in a "big accident - totally destroyed". . . . . The Doctor hired a Milanese lawyer who visited the factory, a special car was built in compensation, and a year later the car was finally ready. Just reading the pages of frantic correspondence (letters, telegrams, etc.) takes you back in time to Sant Agata circa 1978. For his troubles, the Doctor received a tipo Wolf/Dallara 'Speciali' with bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, tuned engine, and roof vent detail unique to #1121034 and not seen on any other Countach S Series One.

It's worth noting that #1121034 was delivered new with the EE plates mounted, a 'running in' ('In Rodaggio') sticker in the windscreen and an SAI insurance sticker (confirming the delivery date of April 23, 1979) in the windscreen. All these items remain preserved and in their place on the car 25 one-owner years later. As of 2003 #1121034 still has its original paint, original interior, and original P7 tires, all in beautiful condition 18,000 documented miles on. All books, tools, etc., are present with the owner's manual signed on the cover by designer Marcello Gandini himself. For over a quarter of a century, this one-owner car has also been maintained by just one person and lived at just one address - at home with its original owner.

#1121034 is an important part of Lamborghini history that freezes the spirit of Lamborghini at 1978, like a time capsule indeed. Remember, the leather seats made by 'works' upholsterer Bruno Paratelli and sat on by Valentino Balboni for his final April 20, 1979 test run, are the same ones that exist in wonderful condition today. The paint today remains exactly as finished by the factory painter at Sant Agata in late 1978. Obviously, this Countach has been preserved in its astonishingly original condition by the resolve of its meticulous, first owner to keep it just as he received it. And what a job he did. This kind of originality is not to be confused with most examples of original cars where 'old & tired' would be a more appropriate description. #1121034 is a piece of automotive history perfectly preserved.

As a 1978 production car, #1121034 was exempt from any bumper modifications necesary from 1979 onward. EPA and DOT releases were obtained in June 1979, and the Doctor registered the car with the most appropriate California plates: "FLIES LO", the only road registration the car has ever had. Whilst the EE plate remains affixed to the front bumper, it is most often the California rear plate that motorists just passed get to see. With a California BAR sticker in place, this Countach is likely legal anywhere in the world.

51 Countach S Series One cars were built in total: Walter Wolf's prototype in 1977, 10 cars during the factory's bankruptcy period af 1978, and 40 cars in 1979. Consequently, Series One cars are the rarest of all Countach production variations. However, they only came about due to Walter Wolf who found his LP400 distinctly lacking in its handling and braking. Perhaps Wolf was an above average driver. . . He paid for Gian Paolo Dallara to return to Sant Agata and work his chassis magic. He also got Pirelli to conclude the development of the then state-of-the-art P7 tire, designed specifically for the Countach. At last, with a retained lightweight body, completely revised suspension geometry, better ATE brakes and magnesium Campagnolo "Bravo" wheels shod with the new P7, the Countach was truly complete. Body revisions were styled by Marcello Gandini himself in 1977, just two years before he left Bertone to practice solo. Gandini has remarked that his evolution made his original design become "complete", with a truly aggresive demeanor such as has never before been seen on a road car. Form, after all, must follow function.

Dallara's chassis work on the LP400S Series One meant that it was the fastest Countach as tested by Road & Track through the 700ft slalom, scorching through it at a blistering 64 mph, as compared to 60mph by the LP400. Proof positive that the improvements sought by Wolf for the Countach were achieved at last. Naturally, handling capabilities are of the most relevance to any driver, as finding a road to explore top speed possibilities safely is unlikely. Owning a Series One car in 1979 separated the 'men' from the 'boys'. Walter Wolf was one of those 'men'. . . . . . . so too was the good Doctor. Dallara's work did not end with chassis improvements. For all Series One cars, a lower-ratio gearbox was fitted, and the benefit was seen in 0-60 times. As tested by R&T in December 1978, the Series One saw 60mph come up almost a full second faster than the LP400.

A Countach S Series One can be recognised by certain distinctive features. Start inside, and you'll notice how the throttle linkage has been upgraded to provide smoother modulation at the pedal. The hand brake has been relocated alongside the transmission tunnel (out of harm's way! . . . ) and the steering wheel has been upgraded to the famous Personal F1 unit. Eight beautiful Stewart Warner gauges give the cockpit an aeronautical feel and the dashboard remains covered in that practical (to eliminate windscreen glare) yet stylish 'mouse hair' finish. The glass throughout is the original Belgian lightweight type. Cool and functional - this is the office where the business of speed is effectively administered. The chassis has been extensively reworked using magnesium components and the factory's press release indiciates that Dallara completely revised the entire suspension geometry front and rear, employed stronger hubs and bigger brakes (ATE four piston units compared to the inadequate Miura vintage Girlings of the LP400), etc. The aggressive suspension setting leads some enthusiasts to refer to Series One cars as the 'lowbody Countach". The wheels were upgraded to the legendary magnesium Campagnolo 'Bravo' items, referred to by enthusiasts as 'telephone dial' wheels, shod with those state-of-the-art Pirelli P7s giving handling characteristics that Wolf could only dream about when he drove his original LP400. The four litre engines of true Series One cars are fitted with the big 45mm Weber carburetors, ensuring fantastic performance. The windscreen wipers are fitted with a set of extra little winglets at the end of the pantograph unit, no doubt a Wolf suggestion, to keep it firmly planted to the screen at 175mph, a delicious little detail that underscores the Series One's competition inspired heritage. Really, if you know what to look for, a Series One is a Countach like no other.

The Countach S Series One is the car that started a Lamborghini dream for me. In the summer of 1978, I saw a black one (very likely #1121018) parked on a side street in a wet & rainy day. It was surrounded by a dozen men, all standing in complete silence in the drizzle, in respectful, yet awed admiration of the avantgarde road missile before them. I joined them. It was the first Lamborghini I ever saw and I knew this was something really special. "One day soon," I vowed.

Built during Lamborghini's darkest days of bankruptcy, for me this model symbolizes the enduring name of the Lamborghini marque. It is also the image that many minds conjure up when the name Lamborghini is mentioned, and I wouldn't bet against it going down in history as one of, if not THE most significant sportscar that Lamborghini ever built (certainly the Countach in general is the most famous Lamborghini and ensured the Lamborghini legend).

When the chance came for me to buy #1121034, I knew exactly what I was getting, having been acqainted with its single owner for a number of years. Simply put, I respectfully paid his asking price.

As far as the driving experience goes, I feel I am uniquely placed to offer an objective viewpoint, having been an owner of a couple of LP500S cars, the heavier (and rather overrated) carburated QV, and the last-of-a-series Anniversario. I can report that there is no more electrifying, on-the-edge Countach drive than that provided by the Series One. The sound from the howling factory sport exhaust is truly "basso supremo" (a beautiful rich melody, not just loud 'noise'. . . . ) and with its kart like handling, you feel as though you are in a car developed for the track. Hardly surprising when you remember that THIS is the Countach version that has had the benefit of Gian Paolo Dallara's best work on a road car. Consider that the chassis genius' racing chassis have gone on to win the Indy 500 four times!

On the road, I promise that there is nothing I have ever driven (my Diablo SE30 and Ferrari F40 included) that causes a path to be cleared quicker than the shape of a fast approaching red Countach in the rear view mirror of a shocked motorist. The car ahead simply moves over before I have a chance to flash the driving lights or sound the air horns.

The controls are firm - as they should be in a car of this calibre - and as the magazine Classic & Sportscar recently suggested, the Countach is "Not for sissies". I couldn't agree more. Perhaps there should be a warning notice for the driver clarifying: 'regular operation of controls over prolonged periods can cause eventual fitness'. Just fine with me.

This Countach is definately one with an attitude - a cocky one at that - and at standstill, the car gives off a certain confident pose. Its demeanor is seriously competition-inspired, and aggressive enough to strike fear in the hearts of any spotscar enthusiast. After 25-plus years, it is astonishing just how nicely original this particular car is, and it serves as a rolling testament against the trend toward restorations in the classic car world. The sheer anarchy of its spartan character for a road car makes me laugh out loud, above the "concerto grosso" that overwhelms the cockpit at full throttle. I can hear it in my sleep, and it is enough to wake me up.

Just look at it . . . . Low, aggressive, purposeful, intimidating, almost unbelievable. There's nothing else like it. Countach!

Feb 2004 - Featured in a major cover article in OCTANE magazine's March issue, no. 9, entitled, "Original and Best." The 10 page feature is a piece on the early 4-litre Countaches and the magazine's cover introduces the feature with the caption "Testing the World's Finest Examples of the LP400 and LP400S."

March 2004 - Certificate of Origin ("Certificato d'Origine") issued by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A's Archivio Storico department confirming the car's build date and original specification.

December 2004 - Winter service performed at 20,948 miles (33,711 km). Main service with brakes reconditioned. Car's current mechanical status make it clear the previous doctor owner had spared no expense in maintaining the car over the first 25 years of its life. Still 100% original from paint to P7s - Southern California's dry & warm climate must be the best in existence for the preservation of a motorcar.

Post-service test is a reminder that this rare Lamborghini has handling that can only be properly described as "on rails". 'Wally' Wolf tells me that the idea for the suspension evolution from LP400 to LP400S came to him in 1976 simply by looking at the rear suspension of his Formula One car in the pits: "The wishbone suspension of the LP400 had to be changed to make the car really handle better, so the parallel linked suspension like we had on the F1 car was the only way ahead". Countach S series One owners owe Wolf a debt of gratitude for his foresight nearly 30 years ago.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE COUNTACH S AT ITS PRODUCTION . . .

Ferruccio Lamborghini: "Only great passion can generate a car such as the Countach." (It's worth noting that Ferruccio Lamborghini kept just one Countach at his Pinicale winery during his retirement; a white Countach LP400S.)

Gian Paolo Dallara: The Countach is "the conservation of the spirit of the Miura and the elimination of its defects . . . It has given me a great deal of pleasure to be able to make a contribution to the success of this car, particularly on the competition side, with the adoption of wide wheel rims and Pirelli P7 tyres."

Bob Wallace: "Right from the first prototype, the Countach was miles ahead of what the Miura could ever be."

Valentino Balboni: "Countach, a superb creation, a magnificent car . . . Reputed to be the most powerful and the fastest car ever . . . Conceived for performance, it will reveal its true personality during sports driving . . . I consider that the acquisition of such a car cannot be anything but the result of a dream come true for a lover of automobile art."

Walter Wolf: "It is almost a competition car for a race like Le Mans."

Road & Track: "The combination of suspension and tires produces handling that can only be described as superb, with limits so high they are virtually impossible to reach under normal circumstances . . . it feels like your driving a very good race car . . . with handling characteristics that nearly defy description . . . its a monument to automotive design, engineering and enthusiasm - a work of art."

Now in London, UK.

	*Countach LP400S*		Last updated Oct 29, 2004
			1978 Countach LP400S (Series 1) Chassis #1121034 Engine #1121034 Prod. #10 This car's factory original Bill of Sale dated April 23, 1979 states, "Delivery: ex factory," as the car was collected on that day at Sant Agata by the Californian Doctor owner who had special ordered it 18 months prior. The factory document goes on to state that this car was built with "all options" (including: air conditioning, single driver's side mirror, safety belts and an Alpine radio). The paint is listed as "red no. 5205190" (PPG's code) with the leather noted as "senape." The car's dry weight upon completion is documented as "weight KG 1200" (2640lbs). The Bill of Sale also indiciates that the car cost the client $45,775. The original document titled "Buono di Consegna" also dated April 23, 1979 (which usually indicates the name of the concessionaire) indicates the details of the first owner and is stamped "Servizio Collaudo, Controllato" signed off this time by final tester Valentino Balboni. Italian Transportation document entitled "Ministero dei Trasporti", also dated April 23rd, indicates the issuance of the car's Italian export plates (EE for "Escursionisti Esteri") EE93717 so that the car can be driven by its enthusiast owner and driven out of the factory gates. Italian Insurance documents (same date again) issued by factory affiliate SAI also indicates the car's first registration no. EE93717. The car's file contains a series of historical, good quality color photographs taken on April 23, 1979 at the Sant Agata factory. These includes shots inside the factory of chassis #1121030, #1121032 and of course #1121034 awaiting delivery or dealer consignment. The best photos are of #1121034 at the factory gates with a smiling Ubaldo Sgarzi himself, as it is about to be driven away. An astonishing photographic record also exists of the trip over the snow capped Alps to Frankfurt, Germany where the car was put on a commercial Lufthansa flight for LAX, California a few days later. #1121034 was the last of 10 cars built at Sant Agata in 1978 (1 prototipo built in 1977 for Walter Wolf plus 40 more Series One cars built in 1979 - the rarest production version of the Countach) and was finished with 'works' detail unique to this chassis alone. This Countach was featured in 1979 as the Alpine promotional car, and also has the historical significance of being the 1980 Los Angeles International Auto Show car. In order to get his Countach, the enthusiast Doctor had to pay for the car up front, in cash, then sit patiently through the factory's labor unrest, strikes and bankruptcy. Sgarzi even sent a telegram to the Doctor stating that his originally assigned chassis had met with untimely demise in a "big accident - totally destroyed". . . . . The Doctor hired a Milanese lawyer who visited the factory, a special car was built in compensation, and a year later the car was finally ready. Just reading the pages of frantic correspondence (letters, telegrams, etc.) takes you back in time to Sant Agata circa 1978. For his troubles, the Doctor received a tipo Wolf/Dallara 'Speciali' with bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, tuned engine, and roof vent detail unique to #1121034 and not seen on any other Countach S Series One. It's worth noting that #1121034 was delivered new with the EE plates mounted, a 'running in' ('In Rodaggio') sticker in the windscreen and an SAI insurance sticker (confirming the delivery date of April 23, 1979) in the windscreen. All these items remain preserved and in their place on the car 25 one-owner years later. As of 2003 #1121034 still has its original paint, original interior, and original P7 tires, all in beautiful condition 18,000 documented miles on. All books, tools, etc., are present with the owner's manual signed on the cover by designer Marcello Gandini himself. For over a quarter of a century, this one-owner car has also been maintained by just one person and lived at just one address - at home with its original owner. #1121034 is an important part of Lamborghini history that freezes the spirit of Lamborghini at 1978, like a time capsule indeed. Remember, the leather seats made by 'works' upholsterer Bruno Paratelli and sat on by Valentino Balboni for his final April 20, 1979 test run, are the same ones that exist in wonderful condition today. The paint today remains exactly as finished by the factory painter at Sant Agata in late 1978. Obviously, this Countach has been preserved in its astonishingly original condition by the resolve of its meticulous, first owner to keep it just as he received it. And what a job he did. This kind of originality is not to be confused with most examples of original cars where 'old & tired' would be a more appropriate description. #1121034 is a piece of automotive history perfectly preserved. As a 1978 production car, #1121034 was exempt from any bumper modifications necesary from 1979 onward. EPA and DOT releases were obtained in June 1979, and the Doctor registered the car with the most appropriate California plates: "FLIES LO", the only road registration the car has ever had. Whilst the EE plate remains affixed to the front bumper, it is most often the California rear plate that motorists just passed get to see. With a California BAR sticker in place, this Countach is likely legal anywhere in the world. 51 Countach S Series One cars were built in total: Walter Wolf's prototype in 1977, 10 cars during the factory's bankruptcy period af 1978, and 40 cars in 1979. Consequently, Series One cars are the rarest of all Countach production variations. However, they only came about due to Walter Wolf who found his LP400 distinctly lacking in its handling and braking. Perhaps Wolf was an above average driver. . . He paid for Gian Paolo Dallara to return to Sant Agata and work his chassis magic. He also got Pirelli to conclude the development of the then state-of-the-art P7 tire, designed specifically for the Countach. At last, with a retained lightweight body, completely revised suspension geometry, better ATE brakes and magnesium Campagnolo "Bravo" wheels shod with the new P7, the Countach was truly complete. Body revisions were styled by Marcello Gandini himself in 1977, just two years before he left Bertone to practice solo. Gandini has remarked that his evolution made his original design become "complete", with a truly aggresive demeanor such as has never before been seen on a road car. Form, after all, must follow function. Dallara's chassis work on the LP400S Series One meant that it was the fastest Countach as tested by Road & Track through the 700ft slalom, scorching through it at a blistering 64 mph, as compared to 60mph by the LP400. Proof positive that the improvements sought by Wolf for the Countach were achieved at last. Naturally, handling capabilities are of the most relevance to any driver, as finding a road to explore top speed possibilities safely is unlikely. Owning a Series One car in 1979 separated the 'men' from the 'boys'. Walter Wolf was one of those 'men'. . . . . . . so too was the good Doctor. Dallara's work did not end with chassis improvements. For all Series One cars, a lower-ratio gearbox was fitted, and the benefit was seen in 0-60 times. As tested by R&T in December 1978, the Series One saw 60mph come up almost a full second faster than the LP400. A Countach S Series One can be recognised by certain distinctive features. Start inside, and you'll notice how the throttle linkage has been upgraded to provide smoother modulation at the pedal. The hand brake has been relocated alongside the transmission tunnel (out of harm's way! . . . ) and the steering wheel has been upgraded to the famous Personal F1 unit. Eight beautiful Stewart Warner gauges give the cockpit an aeronautical feel and the dashboard remains covered in that practical (to eliminate windscreen glare) yet stylish 'mouse hair' finish. The glass throughout is the original Belgian lightweight type. Cool and functional - this is the office where the business of speed is effectively administered. The chassis has been extensively reworked using magnesium components and the factory's press release indiciates that Dallara completely revised the entire suspension geometry front and rear, employed stronger hubs and bigger brakes (ATE four piston units compared to the inadequate Miura vintage Girlings of the LP400), etc. The aggressive suspension setting leads some enthusiasts to refer to Series One cars as the 'lowbody Countach". The wheels were upgraded to the legendary magnesium Campagnolo 'Bravo' items, referred to by enthusiasts as 'telephone dial' wheels, shod with those state-of-the-art Pirelli P7s giving handling characteristics that Wolf could only dream about when he drove his original LP400. The four litre engines of true Series One cars are fitted with the big 45mm Weber carburetors, ensuring fantastic performance. The windscreen wipers are fitted with a set of extra little winglets at the end of the pantograph unit, no doubt a Wolf suggestion, to keep it firmly planted to the screen at 175mph, a delicious little detail that underscores the Series One's competition inspired heritage. Really, if you know what to look for, a Series One is a Countach like no other. The Countach S Series One is the car that started a Lamborghini dream for me. In the summer of 1978, I saw a black one (very likely #1121018) parked on a side street in a wet & rainy day. It was surrounded by a dozen men, all standing in complete silence in the drizzle, in respectful, yet awed admiration of the avantgarde road missile before them. I joined them. It was the first Lamborghini I ever saw and I knew this was something really special. "One day soon," I vowed. Built during Lamborghini's darkest days of bankruptcy, for me this model symbolizes the enduring name of the Lamborghini marque. It is also the image that many minds conjure up when the name Lamborghini is mentioned, and I wouldn't bet against it going down in history as one of, if not THE most significant sportscar that Lamborghini ever built (certainly the Countach in general is the most famous Lamborghini and ensured the Lamborghini legend). When the chance came for me to buy #1121034, I knew exactly what I was getting, having been acqainted with its single owner for a number of years. Simply put, I respectfully paid his asking price. As far as the driving experience goes, I feel I am uniquely placed to offer an objective viewpoint, having been an owner of a couple of LP500S cars, the heavier (and rather overrated) carburated QV, and the last-of-a-series Anniversario. I can report that there is no more electrifying, on-the-edge Countach drive than that provided by the Series One. The sound from the howling factory sport exhaust is truly "basso supremo" (a beautiful rich melody, not just loud 'noise'. . . . ) and with its kart like handling, you feel as though you are in a car developed for the track. Hardly surprising when you remember that THIS is the Countach version that has had the benefit of Gian Paolo Dallara's best work on a road car. Consider that the chassis genius' racing chassis have gone on to win the Indy 500 four times! On the road, I promise that there is nothing I have ever driven (my Diablo SE30 and Ferrari F40 included) that causes a path to be cleared quicker than the shape of a fast approaching red Countach in the rear view mirror of a shocked motorist. The car ahead simply moves over before I have a chance to flash the driving lights or sound the air horns. The controls are firm - as they should be in a car of this calibre - and as the magazine Classic & Sportscar recently suggested, the Countach is "Not for sissies". I couldn't agree more. Perhaps there should be a warning notice for the driver clarifying: 'regular operation of controls over prolonged periods can cause eventual fitness'. Just fine with me. This Countach is definately one with an attitude - a cocky one at that - and at standstill, the car gives off a certain confident pose. Its demeanor is seriously competition-inspired, and aggressive enough to strike fear in the hearts of any spotscar enthusiast. After 25-plus years, it is astonishing just how nicely original this particular car is, and it serves as a rolling testament against the trend toward restorations in the classic car world. The sheer anarchy of its spartan character for a road car makes me laugh out loud, above the "concerto grosso" that overwhelms the cockpit at full throttle. I can hear it in my sleep, and it is enough to wake me up. Just look at it . . . . Low, aggressive, purposeful, intimidating, almost unbelievable. There's nothing else like it. Countach! Feb 2004 - Featured in a major cover article in OCTANE magazine's March issue, no. 9, entitled, "Original and Best." The 10 page feature is a piece on the early 4-litre Countaches and the magazine's cover introduces the feature with the caption "Testing the World's Finest Examples of the LP400 and LP400S." March 2004 - Certificate of Origin ("Certificato d'Origine") issued by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A's Archivio Storico department confirming the car's build date and original specification. December 2004 - Winter service performed at 20,948 miles (33,711 km). Main service with brakes reconditioned. Car's current mechanical status make it clear the previous doctor owner had spared no expense in maintaining the car over the first 25 years of its life. Still 100% original from paint to P7s - Southern California's dry & warm climate must be the best in existence for the preservation of a motorcar. Post-service test is a reminder that this rare Lamborghini has handling that can only be properly described as "on rails". 'Wally' Wolf tells me that the idea for the suspension evolution from LP400 to LP400S came to him in 1976 simply by looking at the rear suspension of his Formula One car in the pits: "The wishbone suspension of the LP400 had to be changed to make the car really handle better, so the parallel linked suspension like we had on the F1 car was the only way ahead". Countach S series One owners owe Wolf a debt of gratitude for his foresight nearly 30 years ago. WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE COUNTACH S AT ITS PRODUCTION . . . Ferruccio Lamborghini: "Only great passion can generate a car such as the Countach." (It's worth noting that Ferruccio Lamborghini kept just one Countach at his Pinicale winery during his retirement; a white Countach LP400S.) Gian Paolo Dallara: The Countach is "the conservation of the spirit of the Miura and the elimination of its defects . . . It has given me a great deal of pleasure to be able to make a contribution to the success of this car, particularly on the competition side, with the adoption of wide wheel rims and Pirelli P7 tyres." Bob Wallace: "Right from the first prototype, the Countach was miles ahead of what the Miura could ever be." Valentino Balboni: "Countach, a superb creation, a magnificent car . . . Reputed to be the most powerful and the fastest car ever . . . Conceived for performance, it will reveal its true personality during sports driving . . . I consider that the acquisition of such a car cannot be anything but the result of a dream come true for a lover of automobile art." Walter Wolf: "It is almost a competition car for a race like Le Mans." Road & Track: "The combination of suspension and tires produces handling that can only be described as superb, with limits so high they are virtually impossible to reach under normal circumstances . . . it feels like your driving a very good race car . . . with handling characteristics that nearly defy description . . . its a monument to automotive design, engineering and enthusiasm - a work of art." Now in London, UK.