LP400

18 April 2020 by Victor Debon:

By coincidence (if it actually exists) I found the baby sitting inside this LP400... four decades later!
The photo was taken in 1983 in South Africa. His father bought the car in 1979 from a hairdresser in Johannesburg.

This special Countach is actually #1120168, one of only two LP400 sent in kits from Sant'Agata to South Africa to be completed (and painted) there, in order to avoid terrible import taxes. Those Countach were "officially built" there. Everything comes from the factory, chassis already stamped with VIN matching official order, only requires assembly and paint... in South Africa.
As such, there's simply no color order in the factory archives for those two cars. The only clue to know the original color is to find the first ownership.

1120168 is quite famous for having been owned by Toby Smith of 'Jamiroquai'... but already repainted yellow with black interior then.
"Argento - Bianco" was the original color. Only 2 LP400 out of 150 with this combo!

Derek Del Hopkins :

It was common place to send the cars in knockdown format to SA to overcome large import tax, they were in very large pieces strapped on pallets with everything laid out almost in the position to.be fitted. We rebuild that Countach when it arrived In the UK. When the car arrived in the UK.it was Red but when stripped the light silver blue was underneath.

Ex-Toby Smith of Jamiroquai.

July 2020 IG robert.westall :

Lamborghini Countach LP400 1120168 left the Lamborghini factory on 10th May 1975 as a unpainted kit to be assembled and painted in South Africa, thereby avoiding horrific import taxes. The car was finished in silver with white interior, one of two LP400 ever in this spec, and one of two kits assembled and painted (along with some Lamborghini Espadas and a Urraco too) by Gerrie Steenkamp’s Intermotor Makers in Cape Town, South Africa. The car was supplied new to a Hairdresser in Johannesburg, who sold it to its second owner in South Africa in 1979, who kept the car until 1984, when it was said to be light metallic blue (though this may have been the original silver). The car was red by the time it was exported to the UK in 1989, and then sold to a new owner who sent it to be completely restored and repainted yellow by Portman Lamborghini. The car was famous for being owned by Toby Smith of the band Jamiroquai (their name comes from “Jam session” combined with a Native American tribe the “Iroquois), and then another music industry exec who then sold the car to fund a new conservatory for his wife. The car has been more recently owned by the family of a well-known UK classic car dealer. This photo is from many years ago when the car was purchased by @amarisupercars With huge thanks to Mr.Amari for sending me these photos, posted with his permission. He has probably handled almost every Countach in the UK in over 35 years with Lamborghinis.

3 Jan 2022 FB Marcel Wallenburg

There was also a silver LP400 with white interior built by Intermotors. Here it is! Do you perhaps have any idea where this picture was taken?

Winston Mace

Judging by the license plates the pic was taken in Johannesburg, possibly at TAK motors but not 100% sure. In the 80s, Viglietti family were the agents for Ferrari in Cape Town but later for all SA as well. They also serviced Lamborghini cars and usually had one or 2 in for service.

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This LP400 met in a traffic accident with a taxi during the late 1970s, in Osaka, Japan. The rear of the car was badly damaged.

Restored by Californian Ratto and exported to Japan in the mid-90s.

In december 2015 this LP400 was on display at Autoworld Brussels.

Teruo Tomita, Japan.

Offered for sale in Vancouver, BC, Canada.2005 - Now owned by renowned Maserati collector Laurence Auriana of Stamford Connecticut, and it resides in a collection with Miura SV 5064.

The first picture is published in Sunday Telegraph mag on 17 October 1975.

This car is therefore probably 1120156. The car on this picture might look orange, but it is red.

1976 - New York Auto Show car.

1976 - First owner Benny Caiola, Weschester NY, New York Ferrari collector.

1986 - Larry Simon, Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pennsylvania, USA.

1991 - Sold to an Alfa Romeo enthusiast in the USA.

2007 - 4,800 miles from new.

Claimed to have been the 1976 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW, but so far no evidence is provided.

Would be nice to see some pictures that could confirm that... 

1993 Ultimate Motor Works, USA - photo archive Paul Clemence.

2009: LP400 1120154 that failed to sell at $315k at the Monterey RM auctions.

March 2020 for sale by Gullwing Motor Cars Inc. :

1976 Lamborghini Countach LP400 'Periscopica'

A stunning example of the Countach in its original LP400 Periscopica form, chassis no.1120154 is the 77th of 160 manufactured by Lamborghini, this LP400 was originally delivered to Canadian importer Eugene Carrie of Ontario in October 1975.  The car made its way to the States in 1978 and was acquired years later by marque enthusiast and long-term owner Peter Cohen of Longwood, Florida. His distinguished firm, Ultimate Motor Works and authorized Lamborghini dealer, renowned for quality workmanship, completed a two-year, comprehensive restoration of the Countach to its original condition. No area of the car was overlooked, including the exterior, interior, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and air-conditioning, with truly stunning results. During the restoration process, noted Lamborghini expert Valentino Balboni was consulted and inspected this LP 400 on two occasions, and he has given the car high remarks.

Chassis 1120154 is presented in its factory correct Blu Tahiti exterior finish with a cabin trimmed in Bianco (White) and Blu (Blue) upholstery with amenities such as an original Philips cassette player and factory air conditioning. Additionally, it comes fitted with Carello driving lights and period-correct Michelin XWX radial tires mounted on sporting Campagnolo alloy wheels. In the recent years following, 1120154 has resided amongst significant collections and remains in impeccably kept condition both cosmetic and mechanically with only 15,845kms recorded to date. Here is a significant Countach, in its purist form and function, offering rarity, desirable specifications and excellent presentation, now available at an exceptional price this Matching numbers and restored 

 $1,095,000 Firm 

April 2020 for sale at Anamera, by Fantasy Junction, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA:

This particular matching numbers Countach is number 77 of the very first 160 original Periscopica cars. Originally registered in Canada when new, it was delivered to Canadian importer Eugene Carrie of Ontario in October 1975. Painted Blu Tahiti with the interior trimmed in Bianco and Blu, the car was further optioned with a Philips cassette player and factory air-conditioning. By 1978 the car had arrived in the US eventually becoming the subject of a comprehensive restoration at the hands of Lamborghini expert Peter Cohen, proprietor of the Florida based Lamborghini-authorized dealership, Ultimate Motor Works. During the extensive two-year restoration everything from the air-conditioning, suspension, engine, interior, and of course all the remarkable early series details was examined and restored with careful attention to retain factory correct specifications. During the restoration, the esteemed and highly regarded Valentino Balboni, a 40 year veteran Lamborghini employee and test driver for their cars, visited the car on two occasions. Having previously resided in some of the most significant collections, this stunning car today shows just 15,875 kilometers.

This comprehensively restored Countach LP 400 Persicopica presents as a stunning example of brilliant design and engineering. The early body design is clean and pure especially as the crisp lines and geometric forms show so well in this color. Carello driving lights and thin vertical vent slots, almost identical to the original Gandini concept, accent the razor thin front bumper. This gorgeous feature is even more remarkable especially when viewing the later year heavy bumper cars. It is astonishing to note that in profile, the front bumper line is positioned well below the front wheel axle center. 

The vivid blue paint is very glossy throughout showing only very minor evidence of aging since restoration. Overall the quality of the finish is excellent, supported by properly finished black louvered trim, clean and unmarked glass, and excellent emblems. The low clear plastic front indicator light covers and rear taillight surrounds are properly polished to a high gloss. The recessed red quad-pipe ANSA exhaust tips put a striking finish on the rear of the car. The unmistakable, innovative scissor doors open and close smoothly via a cleverly concealed pushbutton knob hidden inside the twin NACA duct side intakes. Both doors smoothly swing open and shut with confidence. The hood and trunk both open and shut properly and show excellent panel gaps, likely better than original factory specifications. The rear of the car is breathtaking. The expansive rear deck flows outward into the dramatically angled windshield, arrayed by vents and triangular forms, punctuated by the recessed V shaped channel for the periscope rear view mirror. 

The beautifully finished Campagnolo factory wheels are in excellent condition, shod with correctly sized Michelin XWX tires with ample tread remaining. The aggressive stance, pure body form, angular geometry, and vivid color deliver a remarkable impression. The overall exterior presentation is both vivid and energetic, supported by excellent detailing and attention to originality wherever possible.

The interior is a dramatic visual delight in every way. The two-tone color combination was the pinnacle of 1970s fashion and perfectly suited for the daring look of this Countach. The sloped two-tone seats are a brilliant combination of blue fabric and white leather, applied with careful stitching used on the dashboard, center console and door panels. The materials all present with very good fit and finish, showing only minor areas of use since the restoration was completed. The dashboard and center console are surrounded by blue fabric and stitched white leather breaking up portions of the center console and brushed aluminum dash face with dark instruments. These materials create a very purposeful appearance to the jet-fighter inspired cockpit. The SW instruments are in excellent condition with solid numbers and dark dial faces, with an array of colored indicator lights, appearing more like F-16 avionics than automotive lighting. The correctly carpeted trunk houses a complete factory tool kit and jack with two round accessory canisters stored inside a proper round zippered case. The front storage compartment shows proper factory detailing including a narrow profile factory spare rim and tire nesting below the dramatically low hood line.

Under the vented rear engine deck, the matching numbers V12 engine and engine compartment have been very well prepared during the restoration and maintained accordingly since. Although some time has passed and a few painted areas are showing very minor aging, the engine compartment and engine components present very nicely. Twin factory air cleaners feeding the amazing quad cam V12 engine tightly flank six side-draft Weber carburetors. Correct hoses, hardware, and proper fasteners trim the engine compartment, in keeping with methods used at the Lamborghini factory. The engine block retains the correct factory number stamping, which matches the VIN plate mounted to the engine compartment. The remaining factory data plates and various engine compartment decals are in place. The underside of the car is clean and dry, showing correct components all of which indicate the car has been properly restored, stored, and maintained since. 

A quick click of the ignition and the car erupts into a rapturous roar, settling into a deep idle. The exhaust note sends ripples down your spine, even as a spectator. Once inside and the door is latched, the outward view is expansive and engaging. The large swept dash, having been covered by soft light-absorbing material reduces reflections and aids frontal visibility. Once warmed up and underway, the instruments show excellent oil pressure and correct running temperatures. The clutch and gearbox operate as expected, delivering smooth shifts in each gear, with amazing power on tap. Acceleration, while certainly quick, is all the more exhilarating as your seating position is so low, even city speeds seem faster. Once on the open road, a foot on the throttle delivers a swift response as the Countach leaps to highways speeds in a matter of seconds. The car drives very confidently showing no external smoke or seeping cabin fumes. The air-conditioning functions properly, and while the Philips radio also works, most drivers will be more inclined to listen to the music made by the symphonic V12 engine. This Countach comes with a complete set of tools and tool case, as well as select documents supporting the US importation of this rare Countach.

Decades after its remarkable introduction, the Countach continues to live up to its namesake, having been inspired by the Piedmontese, Italy regional use of the word “Countach” - an exclamation meaning “Wow!” Unrivaled state of the art design and engineering, coupled with V12 performance, there are very few objects of mechanical enchantment capable of competing with the visceral presence of the Countach. 

This iconic early Persicopica Countach is beautifully finished and ready for enjoyable driving, events, or shows. The stunning color combination and Bertone coachwork are sure to delight anyone who enjoys captivating design coupled with rapturous performance.

1,095,000 USD - Asking Price

Delivered to Willemin in Geneva on 13.11. 1975.

LP400 #1120152 started its life wearing a rare Ferrari color, Azzurro Dino Metallizzato, in November 1975. 

Imported to California by Al Mardikian's Trend Imports for Paul Pope of Pasadena, and featured in a 1978 Los Angeles times article with Pope's new Rolls Royce Corniche.

In the first picture we see Lance Betson as a kid in 1120152, still in the original color.

Lance: It was in Newport Beach, CA. The picture was taken in their driveway at their home of Jim Marino - of Marino imports  was mainly a Ferrari importer/ dealer in Newport. The car definitely had a dark blue interior, not black though. My brother took the picture and remembers the interior being blue  as well. Picture was taken in summer of 1977 I believe. 

Picture/info Aug 1990 by Paul Clemence: owned by Vintage Motor Car Company, California, USA.

#1120152 got a new black paint and Mardikian modified this LP400 his usual way: with a Countach S body kit, smoothed into the bodywork...... but with low-taste wheels in this case. 

Car Details 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP 400
Sale Details Platinum Only at $Platinum Only Auction 
Cole, on August 21, 1992 

"Black/black; periscope car, tall ground clearance; slotted alloy wheels; Ford mufflers, rusty rear jack points, new U/C despite stated 29K km; quick fair repaint, good interior; has a `kit car' look to it, details may auger compromised maintenance; 

Later, #1120152 appeared briefly in the comedy How I Got Into College in 1989, then it was sold in 1992 and exported to Japan where it still resides.

Converted back to its narrow guise, this full-black LP400 was used by Haruto Umezawa for his Countach manga series.

Delivered new to Quarantine, Piacenza, Italy.

Registered on plates UD31702 , from Udine, Italy.

This car is now in Japan.