First ride in a Countach tonight. What a blast!

In all honesty and being absolutely candid especially when compared to modern cars, the Countach drives like shit! You sit far too low, the pedals are oddly offset, steering requires a workout and braking and clutch effort can make you stand up from your seat and you still can't stop properly. There is no outward vision and the windows are like a mail slot. The A/C is a joke and don't even try to drive it in the dark. Ergonomics simply does not exist on this car and it's not even that fast by today's standard. At times, I confess it's like the curse of meeting your hero in real life. One can't help but think, that's it? This was the dream car that I had been yearning for?

 

But this is THE car that turned a good number of us into the petrol-heads that we are today. Many of us had the poster and looked and dreamed about it daily when we were kids. And you know it's an absolute styling success when 40+ years after its introduction and nearly 30 years after its retirement, it still turns heads and attracts a crowd anytime anywhere. I would encourage everyone who has the chance to experience it at least once.

 

I see the Countach as like having a super model for a girlfriend; it's high maintenance, temperamental and likely leave a poor taste in one's mouth at times. But it's also a dream come true and the envy of nearly everyone. And for that, I am more than happy and willing to accept its shortcomings and considered myself extremely fortunate to own one.

Here is one of my other toys. Its loud, pedals are too close together, it smells, the brakes suck, the clutch is heavy, the steering is heavy, the heater sucks, the A/C is ...... non existent, it gets horrible fuel economy. If it rains you're fucked and this is my favorite car out of all of them..... No wonder I loved the Countach. hahaha.. it was almost as though it was built for me. The only thing this one has is GREAT visibility. LOL.

The Countach is a pussycat of a car to drive.

 

The clutch is easy to work if you have anything larger than pencils for legs.

 

The steering takes a little bit of effort when stopped or at low speeds but is light at speeds that matter.

 

The car has more than adequate power to put a smile on your face whenever you put your foot into it.

 

The blind spots are really not that big a deal. If you actually pay attention to the road, the traffic, and the idiots who inevitably follow you in your right hand blind spot and you'll be fine.

 

The Countach was designed BY real men FOR real men. There are a number of cars out there that may be better suited for those that aren't.....

 

 

Exactly. Lpdaddy is just getting old, needs cup holders, seat warmers and automatic.

Exactly. Lpdaddy is just getting old, needs cup holders, seat warmers and automatic.

 

fcuk you bitch , anytime wanna race , name the track and the day . You will suck daddy's fumes

In all honesty and being absolutely candid especially when compared to modern cars, the Countach drives like shit! You sit far too low, the pedals are oddly offset, steering requires a workout and braking and clutch effort can make you stand up from your seat and you still can't stop properly. There is no outward vision and the windows are like a mail slot. The A/C is a joke and don't even try to drive it in the dark. Ergonomics simply does not exist on this car and it's not even that fast by today's standard. At times, I confess it's like the curse of meeting your hero in real life. One can't help but think, that's it? This was the dream car that I had been yearning for?

 

But this is THE car that turned a good number of us into the petrol-heads that we are today. Many of us had the poster and looked and dreamed about it daily when we were kids. And you know it's an absolute styling success when 40+ years after its introduction and nearly 30 years after its retirement, it still turns heads and attracts a crowd anytime anywhere. I would encourage everyone who has the chance to experience it at least once.

 

I see the Countach as like having a super model for a girlfriend; it's high maintenance, temperamental and likely leave a poor taste in one's mouth at times. But it's also a dream come true and the envy of nearly everyone. And for that, I am more than happy and willing to accept its shortcomings and considered myself extremely fortunate to own one.

 

 

I think if you compare any old to car to a modern one you'd be dissapointed. We were just having a conversation on my FB about buying a Veyron or F40. The Veyron will absolutely dust the F40 in every aspect, much faster, more comfortable, more useable etc, yet my choice would be F40.

 

Getting back to your maintence remark, I will say its been about 5 years now since I got my Countach back from George . Keeping in mind that we did go through everything my Countach has been pretty much completely trouble free. I had one issue where the car would randomly die, which turned out to be a loose connection on an old circuit board. Cost $800 to diagnose and fix. Other than that its been perfect. I drive it when its 100 degrees out here with the a/c on ( keeps things cool enough to where Im not sweating but youre never actually cool) . If I move back to Arizona, Frank does some mods to the A/C that actually make it much more efficient that I will get done.

fcuk you bitch , anytime wanna race , name the track and the day . You will suck daddy's fumes

 

 

 

First Daddyo has to get his creampuff back together after 5 years!

First Daddyo has to get his creampuff back together after 5 years!

 

Don't need any more than a cheap rental car

Those that complain about the drivability of a Countach simply don't get it. It's not about drivability it's about the experience.

Those that complain about the drivability of a Countach simply don't get it. It's not about drivability it's about the experience.

 

Which experience ? The smell of gas in the car ? The lights not working because the fuses arced ? Overheating engine in traffic , windshield acting as magnifying glass under the sun and heating up the passenger compartment so much that that it becomes unbearable , the brake pedal going to the floor because one pushed the car a little bit through a few corners , the plugs fouling , etc

 

If one can overlook these issues , it is a very cool looking car and an automotive icon , has it's place in history as the first real super car .

But a good car , it isn't

An age old discussion that has no answer and could be argued from either perspective and won. That's why they make 6 car garages

 

I've actually been thinking about dumping the CTS-V for the Tahoe for the exact same reasons, worthless as a DD in traffic.

 

Depends on your objective. Even a super model with crotch rot is nice to look at.

[quote name='islandguy' date='Apr 22 2017, 04:09 PM' post=Even a super model with crotch rot is nice to look at.

 

Very good analogy lol

Here is one of my other toys. Its loud, pedals are too close together, it smells, the brakes suck, the clutch is heavy, the steering is heavy, the heater sucks, the A/C is ...... non existent, it gets horrible fuel economy. If it rains you're fucked and this is my favorite car out of all of them..... No wonder I loved the Countach. hahaha.. it was almost as though it was built for me. The only thing this one has is GREAT visibility. LOL.

 

Great to see another Shelby Cobra owner!

 

"There is nothing nice about a Cobra. It is stripped down to the essentials- a big engine, a small car, and four wide tires to keep the whole business on pavement. Its loud, smells like gasoline, and shakes, shudders, and bucks. It makes your arms tired and your feet hot. You nearly crash about once every 10 minutes. It’s so damn wonderful that you can’t believe it" Automobile Magazine 2004

 

My CSX (not a replica or kit car) makes my Aventador seem like a Prius. One other thing...the sound is deafening.

 

 

. Even a super model with crotch rot is nice to look at.

 

ROFLMAO

Some very passionate posts coming from Countach owners...which is great!

 

Let's be fair, compare to a modern car, the CT cannot hold a candle next to it except for its looks. Even when compared to cars from the same era, let's be realistic, it wasn't a very well-engineered or thoroughly thought-out car, e.g. there are certain parts of the car that are not accessible without breaking something; there isn't much material between the bottom of the seat and the road surface; the floor is that fragile. Yes, the word ergonomics did not exist when the CT was designed but that doesn't mean it needs to defy common sense in proper driving position. Don't get me wrong, I love the CT and if I had to do it all over again, I certainly would have done the same. Heck, perhaps I might add one more in the future. It has rightfully earned its place for the proper recognition. But it is far from perfect or excellence.

 

As to maintenance, Allan, you are fortunate to have shops like George Evan's. Not all of us are so lucky. Most of the Lambo tech's at where I am are likely not even born when the CT's were rolling out the factory. They are lucky to have worked on more than one. And one cannot be "trained" to properly service these cars just by reading the service manual. Almost like a good doctor, they need the exposures and experiences with these cars. Sourcing parts can get...well...let's just say interesting and challenging. But I do agree that once properly sorted out. The car doesn't go out of whack on its own; just that the process of having it sorted out properly may vary depending on where one is.

Which experience ? The smell of gas in the car ? The lights not working because the fuses arced ? Overheating engine in traffic , windshield acting as magnifying glass under the sun and heating up the passenger compartment so much that that it becomes unbearable , the brake pedal going to the floor because one pushed the car a little bit through a few corners , the plugs fouling , etc

 

If one can overlook these issues , it is a very cool looking car and an automotive icon , has it's place in history as the first real super car .

But a good car , it isn't

Hmm... I havent had any of these issues in neither of the Countach's Ive owned.

Some very passionate posts coming from Countach owners...which is great!

 

Let's be fair, compare to a modern car, the CT cannot hold a candle next to it except for its looks. Even when compared to cars from the same era, let's be realistic, it wasn't a very well-engineered or thoroughly thought-out car, e.g. there are certain parts of the car that are not accessible without breaking something; there isn't much material between the bottom of the seat and the road surface; the floor is that fragile. Yes, the word ergonomics did not exist when the CT was designed but that doesn't mean it needs to defy common sense in proper driving position. Don't get me wrong, I love the CT and if I had to do it all over again, I certainly would have done the same. Heck, perhaps I might add one more in the future. It has rightfully earned its place for the proper recognition. But it is far from perfect or excellence.

 

As to maintenance, Allan, you are fortunate to have shops like George Evan's. Not all of us are so lucky. Most of the Lambo tech's at where I am are likely not even born when the CT's were rolling out the factory. They are lucky to have worked on more than one. And one cannot be "trained" to properly service these cars just by reading the service manual. Almost like a good doctor, they need the exposures and experiences with these cars. Sourcing parts can get...well...let's just say interesting and challenging. But I do agree that once properly sorted out. The car doesn't go out of whack on its own; just that the process of having it sorted out properly may vary depending on where one is.

 

 

For sure. You need to find an old school guy who knows the cars. If not, its worth the cost to ship them to those that do.

For sure. You need to find an old school guy who knows the cars. If not, its worth the cost to ship them to those that do.

 

Agreed 100% except there is a slight wrinkle: we have to go through customs on both sides. I could be wrong but look at daddy's XJ220S for example. Costs are obviously not an issue for him and logistics are not that complicated, it's the export/import formalities that are a PITA. Otherwise, he likely could have exported the car and had it done at half the time. Glen at AMH had been and continues to be a great help on the parts but the extra costs and paperwork at my end to import them is just dreadful. I suppose that's part of reality (some may call it "fun" depending on perspective) in dealing with vintage exotics. With places like Evan's, Driven Exotics and even SP Engineering just to name a few, you guys are way luckier and have it much easier.

With places like Evan's, Driven Exotics and even SP Engineering just to name a few, you guys are way luckier and have it much easier.

That's where I'm fortunate to be within an hour of Steve @ Driven Exotics, who's worked on my car since the late '80's.

 

As with Allan, I haven't had any major $$$ "issues" so I can't relate to all the problems you hear about. Biggest issues I've had include a fuel leak (boy did Steve scold me for that - as I dove it to him), burring up alternator rectifiers (2 so far), a bad starter motor wire, and a bad fuel pump fuse.

 

Every two years though around CA smog time we're making up for previous bigger $ deferred maintenance items - things I specifically want done such as a full shock rebuild and suspension bushings (wow what a difference). No fuel smell for me, it's FI...!, starts up EVERY time even after sitting for 3 months. And funny how the smell of the old leather reminds me of my Dad's '57 SL daily driver for 20 years. Love the patina.

the Countach is the Countach: there is a price (not only money) to drive the most outrageous supercar ever made. It's not suited to everyone taste, exactly like everything else. It's not a perfect car either, nor by far. But driving one is something you won't ever forget.

 

I think those few words well describe the Countach, a milestone in supercar design and history.

 

Yes, It has a lot of problems, but not much more that others Italian supercars of its age and much less than the Miura, that was by far the most fire prone car ever made.

 

 

ciao

countach has pros and cons

to me the pros surpass by far the cons.

 

we have to realize it is today a 30-40 years old car! so we cannot compare it to an aventador, 488 etc

but look at this pic and hear its engine and you forget the new cars in an instant (sample pic added )

it is the FIRST modern supercar and 90% of today dream machines took something from the countach design, engineering etc.

it is a milestone in supercar history. period

 

once the car is properly restored it works well and has not many issues. i drove mine yesterday after winter and made a nice trip with 0 issues.

when i got mine i did same as Allan: brought the car to a specialist and had the engine in pieces and overhauled

since then, i drive it since 5/6 years with only fluid and filter services

the car was still for some 4-5 months and is carbed, so from what i read and heard i should be dead for petrol fumes or the car not working

 

i heard terrible things on countach, like LPDADDY said and even much worst than that, after having owned 2 countach since 2005, i found most to be vastly exagerated

 

at the same time i heard the same and may be worst on the XJ220: too big for 90% of roads, impossible to service, parts cost gazillions each, engine from a metro, sounds like a washing machine...bla bla bla

 

i think some times is just the matter of finding a good car and a good shop to service them

 

i'd still take an XJ 220 and i am sure that if properly working is a blast to drive

the Countach is the Countach: there is a price (not only money) to drive the most outrageous supercar ever made. It's not suited to everyone taste, exactly like everything else. It's not a perfect car either, nor by far. But driving one is something you won't ever forget.

 

I think those few words well describe the Countach, a milestone in supercar design and history.

 

Yes, It has a lot of problems, but not much more that others Italian supercars of its age and much less than the Miura, that was by far the most fire prone car ever made.

ciao

 

yes

 

the miura, that is probably the most loved lamborghini ever, has SO many faults and problems that makes the countach an engineering marvel for comparison

countach has pros and cons

to me the pros surpass by far the cons.

 

we have to realize it is today a 30-40 years old car! so we cannot compare it to an aventador, 488 etc

but look at this pic and hear its engine and you forget the new cars in an instant (sample pic added )

it is the FIRST modern supercar and 90% of today dream machines took something from the countach design, engineering etc.

it is a milestone in supercar history. period

 

once the car is properly restored it works well and has not many issues. i drove mine yesterday after winter and made a nice trip with 0 issues.

when i got mine i did same as Allan: brought the car to a specialist and had the engine in pieces and overhauled

since then, i drive it since 5/6 years with only fluid and filter services

the car was still for some 4-5 months and is carbed, so from what i read and heard i should be dead for petrol fumes or the car not working

 

i heard terrible things on countach, like LPDADDY said and even much worst than that, after having owned 2 countach since 2005, i found most to be vastly exagerated

 

at the same time i heard the same and may be worst on the XJ220: too big for 90% of roads, impossible to service, parts cost gazillions each, engine from a metro, sounds like a washing machine...bla bla bla

 

i think some times is just the matter of finding a good car and a good shop to service them

 

i'd still take an XJ 220 and i am sure that if properly working is a blast to drive

 

Everything I described as a problem with the countach was from first hand experience , I restored the LP400 when i bought it , some of the issues are fixable and some are not. FYI I also own an XJ200s that is being restored , cannot compare the 2 cars , the XJ220 is infinitely better built than a countach and much better driving car , but that is to be expected .

Here is one of my other toys. Its loud, pedals are too close together, it smells, the brakes suck, the clutch is heavy, the steering is heavy, the heater sucks, the A/C is ...... non existent, it gets horrible fuel economy. If it rains you're fucked and this is my favorite car out of all of them..... No wonder I loved the Countach. hahaha.. it was almost as though it was built for me. The only thing this one has is GREAT visibility. LOL.

 

Such an epic picture!

 

Love everything here.......paint job, wheels, etc...

countach has pros and cons

to me the pros surpass by far the cons.

 

we have to realize it is today a 30-40 years old car! so we cannot compare it to an aventador, 488 etc

but look at this pic and hear its engine and you forget the new cars in an instant (sample pic added )

it is the FIRST modern supercar and 90% of today dream machines took something from the countach design, engineering etc.

it is a milestone in supercar history. period

 

once the car is properly restored it works well and has not many issues. i drove mine yesterday after winter and made a nice trip with 0 issues.

when i got mine i did same as Allan: brought the car to a specialist and had the engine in pieces and overhauled

since then, i drive it since 5/6 years with only fluid and filter services

the car was still for some 4-5 months and is carbed, so from what i read and heard i should be dead for petrol fumes or the car not working

 

i heard terrible things on countach, like LPDADDY said and even much worst than that, after having owned 2 countach since 2005, i found most to be vastly exagerated

 

at the same time i heard the same and may be worst on the XJ220: too big for 90% of roads, impossible to service, parts cost gazillions each, engine from a metro, sounds like a washing machine...bla bla bla

 

i think some times is just the matter of finding a good car and a good shop to service them

 

i'd still take an XJ 220 and i am sure that if properly working is a blast to drive

 

Countach is at a price level these days that you have to almost treat it like a vintage '60s L or F car.

 

Nobody cares that an Islero S or a 275 GTB aren't performers, but at the same time they are far easier to drive.

 

Everything I described as a problem with the countach was from first hand experience , I restored the LP400 when i bought it , some of the issues are fixable and some are not. FYI I also own an XJ200s that is being restored , cannot compare the 2 cars , the XJ220 is infinitely better built than a countach and much better driving car , but that is to be expected .

 

i understand this, but first hand experience with 2 X countach 400s and second hand with LP400 and All sort of later countach i drove, know or heard, (including many friends that owned one) you are one of the less happy with it

 

so probably or was not the car for your taste, or your car, even rebuilt, restored etc... was Still a bit down on power or not the best performer

 

 

i Sure believe the XJ220 is much better built and better driving car and yes... has to be expected being a 10-20 years younger car Built to be a F40 contender

 

FYI i know personally a XJ220 owner that had a very nice collection in UK: diablo Jota, F40, countach, etc.... and he said the XJ was the worst car of his collection.

 

i believe his 220 was simply a "bad" one, but he still think the model is a overrated sport car

more or less the way you feel about the countach

 

i found with vintage sport cars of 20+ years the difference btw a very good one, a average and a bad one is unbelievable. some countach were better than others when new...same goes for EB 110s and probably XJ220 to

 

 

i am still a huge XJ 220 fan and i am sure a good one is a great car... i almost bought one 5 years ago in green and still regret not having pulled the trigger at the time.i got a diablo instead but the XJ is a MUCH more special car imo