Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Lamborghini LP400 Countach
Chassis #1120036, Engine #1120036
Red with Ivory Leather

There is perhaps no more widely recognizable or iconic car than the Lamborghini Countach. Much has been written about the car, sometimes positive, sometimes negative, but the one thing that is impossible to do is ignore it. Developed as a successor to the remarkable and stunning Miura, the Countach created an equally large, if not larger stir when first introduced. The idea that such a totally futuristic and over the top car could possibly be intended for production was inconceivable, but in Lamborghini`s tradition, the car was readied for production largely unaltered. The car was produced for about 15 years in various forms, with the earliest versions being the purest to the concept and the most tasteful. While later cars gained large spoilers and fender extensions (and a reputation for the tasteless excess in the 80`s), the earliest cars have aged surprisingly well and are now enjoying a tremendous resurgence of values and interest.

The most desirable cars are the earliest so called `periscopio` models which feature a curious slot let into the roof to permit higher rearward visibility. This particular example is an irreplaceable periscope model, and is in fact the first Countach imported into the United States, arriving at the Los Angeles port in November of 1974. It was imported by Automobili Lamborghini and served as a press car, being featured in a number of Road and Track articles, including a Thos Bryant article in the June 1975 issue of Road & Track outlining a trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix. Despite the car`s outrageous character, he managed a surprisingly drama free tone, and conveys a sense of composure and sturdiness in the car, even at very high speeds. s/n 1120036 was subsequently pictured in `Road & Track`s Guide to Sports and GT cars 1976` and the Road & Track book titled `R&T on Lamborghini 1964-1985`.

The current owner, an Italian car enthusiast with decades of experience, purchased this example in December of 1985, and has comprehensively restored the car to the highest standards. The restoration was completed approximately 100 miles ago, and the car has still covered just 8900 miles from new. A significant portion of the restoration was performed by the current owner and Rod Drew at FAI in Costa Mesa, California. After the restoration was completed, the car was shown at Concorso Italiano 2004 where it was presented with `The Best Lamborghini` award, along with `1st in Countach Class`, `Peoples Choice Award`, and `Best of Show` awards from the Lamborghini owners club. In 2005, the car was shown at the Huntington Beach Concours where it won `1st in Class`. The car also won `1st in Class` at the 2006 Palos Verdes Concours.

This extraordinary example has been well documented in the press in recent years as well. It was pictured as the cover car and month of October in the 2005 Legendary Sportscar Calendar, in addition to being featured as a two-page pictorial in the November 2004 issue of `The Robb Report`. This same pictorial was also featured in the 2005 Russian Robb Report, and in the May 2007 issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotics, along with the July 2008 issue of `Velocity` magazine with photographs by Mr. Scott Williamson.

It goes without saying that this car is spectacular. Beautiful in every respect, the car has incredible presence, and one can only imagine how extraordinary this car must have been when unveiled. Even Ferrari`s most exciting offering at the time was the Daytona, and the masses were riding around in Minis and Volkswagens. The car is outstanding cosmetic condition, with superb paint showing almost no imperfections. The black trim is excellent throughout, and the wheels have been beautifully refinished. The tires are Michelin XWX`s, as should be fitted to any self-respecting Italian exotic of the period. The lights and glass are excellent as well, including the four flat face Cibie headlamps.

The interior is also spotless, with a very simple aesthetic. The interior was thoroughly restored and the upholstery is in excellent order throughout, including the generous amounts of leather. The instruments are downright cool, and all the switches and warning indicators are present and in wonderful shape. The carpets and headliner are also excellent.

The front compartment, trunk, and engine have also been restored and are spotless. They are also very correct, including the front compartment, which employs the correct components and finishes, right down to the original metallic red finish to the horns. The trunk carpet was renewed to match the interior, and the engine compartment is very correct and spotless, as can be confirmed by the car`s show successes.

The car is also very complete, with original owner`s manual, original factory parts book, an early brochure (which includes its original envelope date stamped from Automobili Lamborghini Sept 1974), a later brochure, and an international service facility guide and a warrantee book, as well as a new set of Vitaloni Sebring side mirrors.

This is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire the first Countach in America. Beautifully restored and extremely rare (one of only 157 LP400`s built and only 23 in this the first year of production), this car is also very complete and is ideal for someone seeking the ultimate Countach in terms of both importance and condition.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608