1973 Lamborghini Countach LP 400

Development and Production Origins
The Lamborghini Countach LP 500, initially an "idea car" showcased to gauge public reaction, garnered immediate success but required further development before production. Over two years of rigorous testing by legendary test driver Bob Wallace, the LP 500 prototype evolved into a production model. Exhibited at the 1971 Paris and Turin motor shows, the Countach underwent significant modifications, particularly for engine cooling and air intake, leading to the addition of Naca side air intakes and revised nose design.

• The Lamborghini Countach LP 500 prototype evolved over two years of testing before becoming a production model.
• Significant modifications were made to the Countach LP 500, including the addition of Naca side air intakes and a revised nose design.
• The original 5-liter engine was replaced with a 4-liter engine due to issues during early road tests.
• The Lamborghini Countach LP 400 debuted at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show with chassis #1120001.
• The LP 400 featured a tubular trellis frame and an aluminum body, unlike the LP 500's steel panels.
• The production model's design offered enhanced rigidity, using a tubular steel frame, fiberglass base, and metal panels.
• The 4-liter engine in the Countach LP 400 produced 375 hp at 8000 rpm, achieving speeds close to 300 km/h.
• The suspension system, derived from race cars, included hydraulic shock absorbers, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar.
• The LP 400 is regarded as the purest version of Marcello Gandini's design, making it highly desirable among collectors.
• Only 152 units of the Lamborghini Countach LP 400 were produced, increasing its value and rarity in the classic car market.

Engine Modifications and Debut
Early road tests revealed that the 5-liter engine in the prototype was underdeveloped, prompting its replacement with a 4-liter engine. The Lamborghini Countach LP 400 made its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1973, featuring chassis #1120001. The LP 400, while similar to the LP 500, differed technically with a tubular trellis frame and an aluminum body, as opposed to steel panels. The prototype, originally red, was later repainted medium green and displayed at various 1973 motor shows, including Frankfurt, Paris, and Earls Court London. It was sold in Switzerland and later reacquired by Lamborghini, where it remains on display at the MUDETEC museum.

Technical Specifications and Design
The production Countach featured a tubular steel frame with a fiberglass flat base and metal panels enclosing the engine and luggage compartments. This design provided exceptional rigidity and was maintained throughout the Countach’s production years. The 4-liter engine, equipped with six Weber 45 DCOE twin-body carburetors, generated 375 hp at 8000 rpm, allowing the car to reach nearly 300 km/h. The suspension, inspired by race car design, included hydraulic shock absorbers, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar, while the braking system featured self-ventilating disk brakes with racing-caliber calipers.

Collector’s Appeal
The 1973 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 is considered by many as the purest expression of Marcello Gandini's iconic design. With only 152 units produced until 1977, the LP 400 is highly sought after by collectors, cementing its status as a classic in automotive history.

Source

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