Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Salon, the Countach, designed by Marcello Gandini of Carrozzeria Bertone, was an immediate sensation. Its aggressive, otherworldly appearance made it truly spectacular. While the Countach largely retained the running gear from the Miura, it addressed the Miura’s handling and stability issues.
Improvements were made to minimize cabin heat and noise, along with creating a more user-friendly gear change. The Countach featured the same four-cam V12 engine, now installed longitudinally with side-draught Weber carburetors. To optimize weight distribution, designer Paolo Stanzani positioned the five-speed gearbox between the seats, with the differential located at the rear, leading to improved balance and a smoother gear change.
When production began in 1974, the Countach featured a refined spaceframe chassis, replacing the prototype’s less tidy semi-monocoque, and its body was crafted from aluminum. The striking vertical doors, supported by hydraulic struts, became one of the car’s defining characteristics. The production model came equipped with a 4.0-liter engine—smaller than the prototype’s 5.0-liter—producing 375bhp.
Despite this, the aerodynamic Countach could reach 170 mph and delivered racetrack-level handling. The factory designated it as ‘LP400‘ (Longitudinale Posteriore), while the first version is often referred to as the ‘periscopio‘ due to its central periscope that enhanced rear visibility.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s