Looking for countach restoration project.

Ok first please don't hate me for asking I understand alot of people ask about this but I am really looking.

 

I am getting ready to leave for Iraq again and im starting my search for a countach I want to get to know those of you who own and love these works of art.

 

I am a DIY from rebuilding engines and transmissions to body work and paint. I do it all and I have the facilities to complete these jobs. My wife calles it a garage I like to refer to it as my man cave.

 

 

What im looking for

Something a owner might not want to pour more money into maybe the car has been sitting and collecting dust in the garage? engine needs work interior is shot car needs paint Im all about it.

 

 

I am looking for a countach that is in need of paint work mechanical work and or drivetrain needing a rebuild it is not out of the question.

and I love a car that needs paint body work best way to save a buck on a project well for me anyway, Ill complete a 10K paint job for less than 2K becuase labor of love is free!

 

 

Wrecks are not out of the question but I would prefer to stay away from any salvage cars looking for more of a restoration canidate.

 

Im looking for a 400s 500s or a QV any DD that can come to the USA Car must be 25 years old to make it past customs.

 

I am not interested in a aniversary countach and a 400 is out of my price range they are just out of reach but I would love to restore one.

 

I know im searching here so any car is concidered if anyone has any kind of leads for a countach in this condition I am serious and would love to bring a countach back to life.

 

 

 

thank you

 

johnny

 

You have to determine, if at the end of the day, it will be financially worth it to purchase a car in need of work vs a nice completed car.

 

Take into account the following, when you are thinking of buying a project car.

 

 

Cost of the project car + parts and materials + specialty shop work + the cost of your personal time

You have to determine, if at the end of the day, it will be financially worth it to purchase a car in need of work vs a nice completed car.

 

Take into account the following, when you are thinking of buying a project car.

Cost of the project car + parts and materials + specialty shop work + the cost of your personal time

 

 

Like Ralph said.... Restoring a CT is not like restoring most average cars as parts are quickly becomming hard to find.... In fact... Most cars in the condidtion youre talking would be more valuable as PARTS CARS than as restoration projects.

 

Additionally, the Countach has a tubular steel frame, so a wrecked car will not be nearly as easy to fix as the average framed car.

Is my time its my hobby and I do it for fun and enjoyment so my laybor is free.

 

Why is it when someone wants to save a countach all the negitive energy comes out, Guys they are not making anymore.

 

riddle me this what price do you believe it would cost to paint a countach corectly so you wouldnt be able to tell it had been painted. im taling show car finish hand sanded and buffed to a mirror shine?

 

Please tell me the cost of that and ill tell you what my cost is and maybe you'

ll understand why I can do this

Is my time its my hobby and I do it for fun and enjoyment so my laybor is free.

 

Why is it when someone wants to save a countach all the negitive energy comes out, Guys they are not making anymore.

 

We'll try this one more time....

 

Heres the deal.... You basically want to find a countach that needs some work- Specifically, PAINT.

 

That indicates you havent done a lot of homework on the subject, because just about ANY unrestored Countach that is in drivable condition COULD USE PAINT.... Specifically, the headlight covers, and radiator panels are netorious for cracking and spidering paint.... I personally dont think you'll get a premium for a car without these, or a discount for one with them. Why? Its part of the package... We all know it, and understand that spider webs on the intakes are part of its charm.... (and you can repaint it, and a year later, the cracks will be back.... )

 

So go find ANY COUNTACH you can afford and fix it the way you want, because, unless theyve been professionally restored at one of about 3 places I can think of, they ALL NEED SOMETHING.... Right now the difference between a restored Countach and a non-restored Countach is probably less than $15,000.... We dont worry too much about Cosmetic issues because they are (relatively) easy and cheap to fix....

 

Example: My car is 20 years old, has the original paint, LOOKS FANTASTIC, but has those spider web cracks on the intakes. Theyre minor, and I dont care enough to paint them.... You have to really know where to look to find them... Youre not going to find a DRIVABLE car that has been neglected so badly that its PAINT is HORRIBLY shot.... The engine internals will go a long time before the paint does, and The "Countach in a barn" is a myth.

 

If you find one that needs mechanical work, then the question is: CAN IT BE FIXED? Im sure you know a lot about cars, specifically Corvettes, but the Countach isnt a POS. There are fewer than 2000 Countaches in the WORLD.... There is no cottage industry for Countach restoration and street rodding like there is for the Vettes youre used to.... Parts come from Lamborghini (and in some cases some other Italian car companies), and many are now NLA.... If you cant get the parts, HOW EXACTLY WILL YOU FIX IT? IS The damage so extensive that the COST OF THE PARTS OR THEIR LACK OF AVAILABILITY MAKE THE PROJECT FINANCIALLY IMPRACTICAL/ or even IMPOSSIBLE? If you think LABOR is the issue with the Countach, youre mistaken.... A lot of us turn our own wrenches to one degree or another.... ITS THE PARTS that are a PITA.

 

If there is extensive body damage or frame damage, its a lost cause... For the money you'll spend FIXING it, you can EASILY afford a car that DOESNT need that type of work, AND will have a resale value the other wont.

 

MIKE's old car would be perfect for you.... Hopefully when he sees this he can steer you to where it is... It needed a LOT of love.... And Im sure Mike knows of some other "story" cars out there you would like.

 

Good luck! Just know what youre getting into first.

We'll try this one more time....

 

Heres the deal.... You basically want to find a countach that needs some work- Specifically, PAINT.

 

That indicates you havent done a lot of homework on the subject, because just about ANY unrestored Countach that is in drivable condition COULD USE PAINT.... Specifically, the headlight covers, and radiator panels are netorious for cracking and spidering paint.... I personally dont think you'll get a premium for a car without these, or a discount for one with them. Why? Its part of the package... We all know it, and understand that spider webs on the intakes are part of its charm.... (and you can repaint it, and a year later, the cracks will be back.... )

 

So go find ANY COUNTACH you can afford and fix it the way you want, because, unless theyve been professionally restored at one of about 3 places I can think of, they ALL NEED SOMETHING.... Right now the difference between a restored Countach and a non-restored Countach is probably less than $15,000.... We dont worry too much about Cosmetic issues because they are (relatively) easy and cheap to fix....

 

Example: My car is 20 years old, has the original paint, LOOKS FANTASTIC, but has those spider web cracks on the intakes. Theyre minor, and I dont care enough to paint them.... You have to really know where to look to find them... Youre not going to find a DRIVABLE car that has been neglected so badly that its PAINT is HORRIBLY shot.... The engine internals will go a long time before the paint does, and The "Countach in a barn" is a myth.

 

If you find one that needs mechanical work, then the question is: CAN IT BE FIXED? Im sure you know a lot about cars, specifically Corvettes, but the Countach isnt a POS. There are fewer than 2000 Countaches in the WORLD.... There is no cottage industry for Countach restoration and street rodding like there is for the Vettes youre used to.... Parts come from Lamborghini (and in some cases some other Italian car companies), and many are now NLA.... If you cant get the parts, HOW EXACTLY WILL YOU FIX IT? IS The damage so extensive that the COST OF THE PARTS OR THEIR LACK OF AVAILABILITY MAKE THE PROJECT FINANCIALLY IMPRACTICAL/ or even IMPOSSIBLE? If you think LABOR is the issue with the Countach, youre mistaken.... A lot of us turn our own wrenches to one degree or another.... ITS THE PARTS that are a PITA.

 

If there is extensive body damage or frame damage, its a lost cause... For the money you'll spend FIXING it, you can EASILY afford a car that DOESNT need that type of work, AND will have a resale value the other wont.

 

MIKE's old car would be perfect for you.... Hopefully when he sees this he can steer you to where it is... It needed a LOT of love.... And Im sure Mike knows of some other "story" cars out there you would like.

 

Good luck! Just know what youre getting into first.

 

Well said

 

 

I would assume, a decent paint job will cost approx 15K. It can be found for less, and it can also be found for more.

 

A Countach is not like a Mercedes or a Porsche. When you take a body panel off of the car, it will not simply bolt on after you have disassembled the car. Everthing will require extra TLC, to reassemble the car. If Peter and I swapped engine covers, we would have to spend hours of work, just adjusting the part to fit each car. Erik's trunk lid, will not bolt on my car.

 

I ordered factory flares, for a Countach. The flares are genuine factory NOS parts. The wheel flares simply do not fit the car. It was more economical, to simply strip the flares that were already on the car. I can tell you that the factory primer, is very difficult to strip.

 

_____________

 

 

We all want you to find your dream car. It can be done !! The only point with some of us fellow enthusiasts, is that you would probably come out a lot better, if you would find a 75/85K car (a car that needs just a little TLC), vs a 45/55K project car. A salvage title, should always be a salvage title (stay away from those). Remember with the 45/55K car, it is not just the paint and a tune-up. You will have the clutch, cracks in the body, electricals, missing parts, dried out leather, worn carpet, engine issues, total mileage unknown, no service receipts, 8 previous owners, shot tires, the car will have sat for a long time, and the unknown etc... All that work, will cost more than 30K to take care of - even if you do not factor in the cost of your own time. After 30K has been pumped into a typical 45/55K project car, it will still be worth less than the 75/85K car, that needs just some extra minor work.

 

Good luck (I hope they ironed out the issues, with the Tilt-rotor aircraft).

Good luck (I hope they ironed out the issues, with the Tilt-rotor aircraft).

 

 

 

I wouldnt fly on the osprey if the issues had not been worked out, Im not required to fly on it we have the choice to quit I could go all day talking about the osprey and what was wrong with it, but it boils down to engineers and building a aircraft on the computer.

 

 

 

Your opinions are taken and I apreciate them I have heard it all I still think that there is plenty of potential to find a countach, I understand everything about the car, I have done reaseach and it seems that alot of countachs are trading hands with alot of issues for the same money that one without issues is selling for. you just need to find the right car I understand all of that.

 

I want a car that needs a engine build or a tranny build I dont care how long it takes or that a clutch cost $10K and they want your old one as a core so they can rebuild it funny.

 

And I know that a hand built car is not going to bolt right up like a stamped steel car will yes I have had alot of vettes expensive vettes at that and I know you guys think im crazy for saying that but I have the most exotic of any POS the old overhead cam ZR1s less than 6,000 were built so I have played the game of no more parts and trying to reseach and find parts that are made from unobtanium I got it just dont destroy my dream just yet.

 

 

This project will take a long time and im sure my body shop and my machine shop will have alot of work.

see Im a trained machinist, and body guy on top of my other work I have done. I know how it works.

 

Im hear to learn not to be shot down so please offer me insite to where to find hard to locaate parts or what methods are taken to fix a body panel. or the fact that you need to reseal the crank case with this type of anorobic sealant and so on encourage dont beat me down.

Ill continue my search thank you for your opinions.

Where to find parts ?

 

 

Network with other fellow enthusiasts.

 

Talk with other people on the Vintage Lamborghini Garage (VLG) - online, GT car parts, Chad Bolles, Emilio, Bobileff Motors, and L specialist garages etc...

 

 

 

 

 

I hope I do not get fried for this, but you may also want to consider a Testarossa . As you know, the Testarossa has the same mission as the Countach. It is a flagship top of the line 12cyl exotic. You can find with no difficulty, a weathered 12cyl Testarossa in need of a major service, for the very bottom 40's. That would be a 35/45k mile car, with a good engine and gearbox. The parts for the major, will set you back about 2K. You can be on the road, for less than 45K.

Ill continue my search thank you for your opinions.

 

 

See... Thats where youre stiull mistaken....

 

Nobody has given you their "opinion."

 

Youve had two people here who know these cars inside and out, and have intimate knowledge of the market and the costs of ownership, and given you the facts as we know them from years of experience.

 

I just realized, you were over on Fchat asking the same questions, and basically getting the SAME ANSWERS. You want a countach for $50K? (I THINK, Mike's old car went for something in that range, but you need to do a search to see what it looked like. It was a fcuking wreck!)

 

Ive been watching the countach market for 5+ years now and MAYBE five years ago you could find a fixable car that would sell for that price, but I cant recall seeing any in the last several years for anywhere near that price. The market has gone up... My guess is youve found a blue book, or other "car value index" that says these cars are available for $50K.... Ive seen those indexed prices as well.... But Ive never actually seen a car GO FOR THOSE PRICES.... The bluebook is great for average cars.... For exotics and collectors, they are NOTORIOUSLY WORTHLESS.

 

 

Mike:

 

Is this your old car?

 

This is what a $50,000 countach looks like.... And I would say it would take $75K+-$100K to fix. (damn, I like those wheels....)

Where to find parts ?

Network with other fellow enthusiasts.

 

Talk with other people on the Vintage Lamborghini Garage (VLG) - online, GT car parts, Chad Bolles, Emilio, Bobileff Motors, and L specialist garages etc...

I hope I do not get fried for this, but you may also want to consider a Testarossa . As you know, the Testarossa has the same mission as the Countach. It is a flagship top of the line 12cyl exotic. You can find with no difficulty, a weathered 12cyl Testarossa in need of a major service, for the very bottom 40's. That would be a 35/45k mile car, with a good engine and gearbox. The parts for the major, will set you back about 2K. You can be on the road, for less than 45K.

 

Early TRs: "The most affordable 12 cylinder car available".

Mike:

 

Is this your old car?

 

This is what a $50,000 countach looks like.... And I would say it would take $75K+-$100K to fix. (damn, I like those wheels....)

 

I paid $32k for the car after it was repaired, I sold it for just under $60k. The guy who I purchased it from had paid $54k WRECKED!

See... Thats where youre stiull mistaken....

 

Nobody has given you their "opinion."

 

Youve had two people here who know these cars inside and out, and have intimate knowledge of the market and the costs of ownership, and given you the facts as we know them from years of experience.

 

I just realized, you were over on Fchat asking the same questions, and basically getting the SAME ANSWERS. You want a countach for $50K? (I THINK, Mike's old car went for something in that range, but you need to do a search to see what it looked like. It was a fcuking wreck!)

 

Ive been watching the countach market for 5+ years now and MAYBE five years ago you could find a wreck that would sell for that price, but I cant recall seeing any in the last several years for anywhere near that price. The market has gone up... My guess is youve found a blue book, or other "car value index" that says these cars are available for $50K.... Ive seen those indexed prices as well.... But Ive never actually seen a car GO FOR THOSE PRICES.... The bluebook is great for average cars.... For exotics and collectors, they are NOTORIOUSLY WORTHLESS.

Mike:

 

Is this your old car? (damn, I like those wheels....)

 

 

 

No I believe that a car that needs a major, a rebuild, clutch, paint may need body and paint work is not worth top dollar just becuase it is a countach.

 

But on that same note if you look at any of the "blue book or car value books" edmons nada they say that my 308 GTbI is worth 60,000 is it? Hell no it isnt, same book says that a rough countach is sub 30K not 50 so I thought 50K would be a good starting point for a car that needed the work im talking about. if you read on I actually have encouragement over on ferrari chat from some people most are acting like you and I dont understand it Id like to think I could come in here get some help from someone that may not be on ferrari chat that might now where to go and might have a car.

 

If you dont want to help me find a countach dont try to talk me out of it either please.

 

Nothing is impossible if someone could build it in the 70s and 80s I can damn sure do it in 2008.

 

And these are your opinions I see what countachs sell for as well and there is no market its all about what a buyer is willing to pay for a car.

Your no different than the guys on the POS forum who think that only 1 out of a million people know how to time a overhead valve motor.

 

everyone has thier opinion and yours is it will be impossible for me to find a countach like I want.

Ok check got it I understand your point I dont want to come in here and get bashed hell I might as well said I wanted to build a damn replica.

 

Just how much work have you done on one of these inform me of that tell me some of the things you have done that will help me learn even more about the countach.

 

your intamate with them do you do all your own work on the car or do you do some and farm some out? its cool either way I love it that you know your cars thats why imhere.

I paid $32k for the car after it was repaired, I sold it for just under $60k. The guy who I purchased it from had paid $54k WRECKED!

 

 

It wasnt just the body though right???? The line I always laughed about was the headliner that had been painted with magic marker....

Where to find parts ?

Network with other fellow enthusiasts.

 

Talk with other people on the Vintage Lamborghini Garage (VLG) - online, GT car parts, Chad Bolles, Emilio, Bobileff Motors, and L specialist garages etc...

I hope I do not get fried for this, but you may also want to consider a Testarossa . As you know, the Testarossa has the same mission as the Countach. It is a flagship top of the line 12cyl exotic. You can find with no difficulty, a weathered 12cyl Testarossa in need of a major service, for the very bottom 40's. That would be a 35/45k mile car, with a good engine and gearbox. The parts for the major, will set you back about 2K. You can be on the road, for less than 45K.

 

I already have a ferrari I want a Bull and Countach at that I do not like TRs

It wasnt just the body though right???? The line I always laughed about was the headliner that had been painted with magic marker....

 

 

Remember that?!

No I believe that a car that needs a major, a rebuild, clutch, paint may need body and paint work is not worth top dollar just becuase it is a countach.

 

But on that same note if you look at any of the "blue book or car value books" edmons nada they say that my 308 GTbI is worth 60,000 is it? Hell no it isnt, same book says that a rough countach is sub 30K not 50 so I thought 50K would be a good starting point for a car that needed the work im talking about. if you read on I actually have encouragement over on ferrari chat from some people most are acting like you and I dont understand it Id like to think I could come in here get some help from someone that may not be on ferrari chat that might now where to go and might have a car.

 

If you dont want to help me find a countach dont try to talk me out of it either please.

 

Nothing is impossible if someone could build it in the 70s and 80s I can damn sure do it in 2008.

 

And these are your opinions I see what countachs sell for as well and there is no market its all about what a buyer is willing to pay for a car.

Your no different than the guys on the POS forum who think that only 1 out of a million people know how to time a overhead valve motor.

 

everyone has thier opinion and yours is it will be impossible for me to find a countach like I want.

Ok check got it I understand your point I dont want to come in here and get bashed hell I might as well said I wanted to build a damn replica.

 

Just how much work have you done on one of these inform me of that tell me some of the things you have done that will help me learn even more about the countach.

 

your intamate with them do you do all your own work on the car or do you do some and farm some out? its cool either way I love it that you know your cars thats why imhere.

 

 

Well then skippy... Lets just wrap this up before you get on my last nerve....

 

 

Anybody have a countach you want to get rid of for 50K?

 

Going once....

 

Going Twice....

 

Nope I guess not.

Well then skippy... Lets just wrap this up before you get on my last nerve....

Anybody have a countach you want to get rid of for 50K?

 

Going once....

 

Going Twice....

 

Nope I guess not.

 

Ok so Im pissing you off thanks for nothing You call your self a moderator Im here to find out info and your bashing me for wanting a countach with issues.

 

you obviously are not helping me in my question and just want to flick me off your thumb like im scum thats your right I really dont care but I have to say this is one hell of a way to welcome a new member to your forum

Johny - hang in there - the people here are really being informative and accurate with their wisdom. Just last summer at Hot August Nights - Reno, NV (a muscle car lovers theme really) there was an auction (not sure which one), and a rough Countach passed through with little or no interest...we are talking americana folks - rumor has it the hammer dropped in the $50K range.

 

I am with everyone else here.....to really go through a CT is going to cost a lot of restoration money no matter how much work you do yourself, but that said....Keep up your search, somewhere you may still get lucky and find one in that range and then for sure we want to see the photo documented restoration (I love those!!, besides it will make you a hero and you can solicit assistance along the way). So stay friendly here and hang in and all the best in your search.

Almost all of the car value guides are worthless. The problem is that they are not updated enough.

 

 

AFAIK, if you check Krause's Old Car price guides, you will find a #6 condition Countach for about 8K dollars, and a #5 condition Countach for about 11K.

 

Nobody would sell the car for that amount of money. Not even five, ten, or fifteen years ago ! They are worth a lot more, as parts cars.

 

 

 

 

 

Mike (86dd) is correct, that you may get lucky where a car is sold at no-reserve in the wrong auction. At times, someone will sell their car at a muscle car auction, and nobody is around when the hammer falls at 50K++. Don't always count on it, as their are also specialist dealers who know the same trick. I guess that is the best approach, if you will only settle for a Countach. Don't overlook an unhit 40K Testarossa, in need of just a major service.

 

wasn't that udos old car? That car was far from rough!

 

 

 

Johny - hang in there - the people here are really being informative and accurate with their wisdom. Just last summer at Hot August Nights - Reno, NV (a muscle car lovers theme really) there was an auction (not sure which one), and a rough Countach passed through with little or no interest...we are talking americana folks - rumor has it the hammer dropped in the $50K range.

 

I am with everyone else here.....to really go through a CT is going to cost a lot of restoration money no matter how much work you do yourself, but that said....Keep up your search, somewhere you may still get lucky and find one in that range and then for sure we want to see the photo documented restoration (I love those!!, besides it will make you a hero and you can solicit assistance along the way). So stay friendly here and hang in and all the best in your search.

 

 

 

That price range is something threw out on F-chat just a number nothing else a rough number as I have not been watching the price of every Countach sale. but again the car is only worth what someon will pay for it. it might cost me more to get into one and it might be good to get one that doesnt need issues but im still going to look.

 

 

Almost all of the car value guides are worthless. The problem is that they are not updated enough.

AFAIK, if you check Krause's Old Car price guides, you will find a #6 condition Countach for about 8K dollars, and a #5 condition Countach for about 11K.

 

Nobody would sell the car for that amount of money. Not even five, ten, or fifteen years ago ! They are worth a lot more, as parts cars.

Mike (86dd) is correct, that you may get lucky where a car is sold at no-reserve in the wrong auction. At times, someone will sell their car at a muscle car auction, and nobody is around when the hammer falls at 50K++. Don't always count on it, as their are also specialist dealers who know the same trick. I guess that is the best approach, if you will only settle for a Countach. Don't overlook an unhit 40K Testarossa, in need of just a major service.

 

 

Maybe a TR would be something I can flip after doing a major just to make some money but my 50K number for a countach was a mistake I was looking for info not a tar and feathering it seems when I talk about this It pisses people off

it has always been fascinating how discussing a car's value just sets people off. Don't take it personal - it is just something that EXISTS? Do your own thing and if people bash you for it, shame on them! I am for all the Countach's of the world being priceless and looking in the best possible condition they can be, so if you can rescue one and make it look like Tony's car or my car - all the best!

 

Btw, I'm looking for a ct project car as well, rolling car, no drivetrain but must have all body panels (flares and wing unnecessary).