LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH PERISCOPO 1974 3D Render, Digital Artwork by 3DClassics

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LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH PERISCOPO 1974

3D Render by 3DClassics

The Countach was styled by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio. His design for the Countach's predecessor, the Miura, achieved commercial success and critical acclaim from the automotive press when it was introduced in March 1966. Following the Miura's debut, Gandini began experimenting with a new, more angular and geometric design language

On the first showing of the LP500 prototype at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, it immediately set itself apart from its predecessor with its wedge shape and angular edges; such proportions had seldom been seen before. But the bold design of the Countach presented problems, as the car’s unique shape restricted visibility. As a result, Lamborghini devised a solution: a novel “periscopemirror system.

Known as ‘Periscopio’ examples, the first 157 Countach LP400 production cars are, like the concept, defined by the lowered section of the roof that neatly flows into a small sight window to give drivers extra rearward visibility. These cars actually use a more conventional rearview mirror rather than a true periscope, but the distinctive name stuck. The early Countach models retained this feature until the LP400 S was introduced in 1978, with Lamborghini dropping the setup in favour of a completely flat roof. The first LP400, and the LP400 S that would follow, shared the same engine: a 4.0-litre V-12 fed by six Weber carburettors.

The first production model of the Countach was the LP400, produced from 1974 until 1978. It was first offered for sale at the 1974 Geneva Auto Show, where 50 orders were placed. The LP400 was equipped with a 3,929 cc (3.9 L) engine delivering 276 kW (375 PS; 370 hp).

The LP400 chassis was constructed by Marchesi, then delivered to the Lamborghini factory at Sant'Agata where the car was assembled and painted. The engine and transmission were also manufactured at Sant'Agata. Each engine was run for a total of 5 hours and inspected before being installed in the car. The LP400 production line was developed and supervised by Giancarlo Guerra, a former Scaglietti employee who worked closely with Stanzani. By the end of production in 1978, the company had produced 157 Countach LP400s.

The Countach was unquestionably one of the defining supercars of the 20th century.