Lamborghini Countach

The Complete Story

Part of Auto Classic
Published by The Crowood Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About The Book

Lamborghini Countach: The Complete Story traces the genesis, development and evolution of the iconic Countach, while offering fresh insights and in-depth perspectives

Drawing on 25 years of hands-on ownership, extensive research and conversations with key Countach luminaires – including Paolo Stanzani, Marcello Gandini, Giampaolo Dallara, Umberto Marchesi, Loris Bicocchi and Valentino Balboni. In 1971, the prototype Lamborghini Countach reset the supercar template. Its unique and revolutionary south-north engine-gearbox layout, its longitudinal rear mid-mounted Bizzarrini V12 engine and its equally singular and stunning design language marked it out as something entirely new. As a production car the Countach reigned supreme for an unprecedented sixteen years, during which time it evolved through six variants. It finally met its end in 1990 at the hands of a most unlikely assassin – its own aerodynamics. However, the Countach’s influence lived on beyond this. It spawned a dynasty that lasted until 2010 and included the iconic Diablo and Murciélago. These successors, like the Countach’s equally iconic predecessor, the Miura, were radical but ultimately derivative machines, rather than truly revolutionary cars. The seminal Countach, on the other hand, was a genuinely pioneering leap whose fingerprints can still be found all over Sant’ Agata’s latest flagships. This book sets out the hard, objective evidence for why the Lamborghini Countach should be regarded not only as the quintessential supercar, but also as the most instructive all Lamborghini’s flagship models to date.

About The Authors

Dr Thillainathan Pathmanathan’s fascination with Lamborghinis began at the age of eight with the sight of the Marzal concept car, and this passion for Sant’ Agata’s supercars has never waned. He has authored the world’s first stand-alone books on the Lamborghini Murciélago and the KTM X-BOW, as well as books on the Lamborghini Countach, the Lamborghini Diablo and Lamborghini’s Holy Trinity of Countach, Diablo and Murciélago. He obtained his medical degree from Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, with a degree in Physiology from the University of London en-route. He then trained as an eye surgeon in London, Southampton and Liverpool before undertaking a specialist Glaucoma Fellowship at the University of Toronto, and was appointed a Consultant Eye Surgeon in 1999. He feels immensely privileged to hold, since 2001, joint temporary custodianship of Countach Chassis JLA12399, a totally factory-standard Rosso Siviglia 88 1/2 5000 QV – one of only fourteen such right-hand drive cars in the world. His most precious automotive memories are of meeting and interviewing Paolo Stanzani, Giampaolo Dallara, Umberto Marchesi, Valentino Balboni and Marcello Gandini.

Dr Anne Christina Reck’s first sighting of a guillotine-door Lamborghini V12 entranced and enchanted her. Her respect for these Sant’ Agata flagships grew with each visit to the factory, and with every encounter with the people who conceived, developed, built and now preserve these automotive jewels. Dr Reck has co-authored books on the KTM X-BOW, the Lamborghini Countach, the Lamborghini Diablo and Lamborghini’s Holy Trinity. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Copenhagen, trained as an eye surgeon in London and Southampton, and undertook a specialist Retinal Fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital before being appointed a Consultant Eye Surgeon in 1999. Her most abiding car memories include the gala factory launch dinner of the Murciélago, watching the last Diablo roll off the Sant’ Agata production line, and most of all setting eyes on the Countach for the very first time

Product Details

  • Publisher: The Crowood Press (March 23, 2027)
  • Length: 192 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780719846809

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