Bertone Lamborghini Countach History

The Countach prototype (LP500) was shown at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show — an angular, low wedge so shocking that Nuccio Bertone reportedly exclaimed 'Countach!' (a Piedmontese expression of astonishment) on first seeing Gandini's design. Three years of development produced the production LP400, which debuted in 1974 with a 3.9-liter V12 and the iconic scissor doors that would become the car's signature.

Over its 16-year production run the Countach evolved substantially: wider bodywork and a 4.8-liter engine arrived with the LP400S, the 5000S and 5000QV added more power, and the 25th Anniversario edition closed the line in 1990. A total of 1,983 examples were built. Throughout, the Countach remained the defining image of the exotic supercar on the bedroom walls of a generation — the car against which all rivals were measured.

Gandini's design at Bertone was transformative for both companies: the Miura had made them famous, but the Countach made them legendary. Its influence on supercar aesthetics extended through the 1980s and is visible in successors from Lamborghini and across the industry.