Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, no one in attendance was prepared for the shock of the Gandini-penned V12 powered Countach; it simply changed everything about sports car design. Unlike many one-off show cars, Lamborghini surprised everyone once again by immediately preparing the car for production. The daring cab-forward architecture, longitudinal V12 engine, and the aggressive geometric design captivated everyone with visions of the future. After three long years refining the design to make it achievable for production without compromising the Gandini design, Carrozzeria Bertone revealed the first production cars. The Countach not only became an instant performance legend, it immediately became the object of desire, celebrated in posters, advertisements, movies, and exotic car showrooms throughout the world. Arguably the father of modern supercars today, Lamborghini continues to shock the public with their radical performance offerings, but none today have so indelibly made their mark on dreamers and enthusiasts than the Countach.

In production for approximately fifteen years, the pure shape of the early LP400 Countach—void of later mandated import modifications, various aerodynamic trim, and with the properly proportioned low profile—is a masterwork of industrial design. These earliest production versions offered unobstructed clarity of the original Gandini concept contained in a drivable exotic. Among the many celebrated and innovative details exclusively featured on early cars is the Periscopica roof configuration. This innovative feature was derived from the low profile of the rear window in relation to the roofline and driver position. A traditional rear view mirror would simply not allow a clear view of the rear of the car. In response to this problem, the roof was recessed allowing a periscopic view of the rear through a cleverly dropped roof section in between driver and passenger. Only 160 cars were built with this unique and desirable feature.

In recent years, astute collectors have sought out early examples in part due to the visual impression of the original “Periscopica” design, clean uncompromised details, and the sculptural ferocity so dramatically represented in the original masterpiece.

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.

This car is not using serial Ferrari parts but it is an identical and probably the most perfect and identical evocation in every part, including the unique TR59 gearbox, differential, the extremely efficient and rare De Dion rear axel, original gauges and exact alloy body, engine, fuel tank, suspensions,  the rare and very desirable six double 38DCN carburetors, etc… It is documented as a Ferrari 250 TR 59 and it comes with original Ferrari 250 VIN and engine numbers.

This car was reconfigurated around 35 years ago in the UK. It was one of the most ambitious projects in the world of Ferrari evocations and it could only be achieved by Mr. Jim Allington, who was one of the owners of one of the four original Ferrari 250 TR-59 units. Mr. Allington had a multimillionaire offer for his original car and he decided to build three identical units before releasing his original. One unit was sold in auction around 20 years ago soon after he passed away. These three units are the best recreations ever built on a TR-59 and proof of it is that this first unit turned out to be purchased by Mc.Gaw brothers who already had acquired original’s JA’s 0770 and another one of the 4 original units. The other sister spent several years in Norway and then returned to the UK and which went sold a few years ago for a record sale and then this one which is the most identical and well documented of the three sisters. This unit was fully restored by an official Ferrari dealer. Available a pendrive with over two hundred pictures of the full restoration as well as two expertise appraisals which shows the reality of this impressive racing vehicle, not only in terms of quality but of price orientation.

As follows, the entire history of this unit:

Mid 1980′s: Mr. Jim Allington built the entire car using his original unit #0770. The entire conversion was done by the best of its era, Mr. John Robinson (JR), who sadly passed away in the 90′s.

Early 1990s: Sold to a Mr. Hill/UK

03/1995: Bought by Mr. Terence D. Hoyle, Pleshey, Chelmsford/GB who is one of the best Ferrari specialists of all times. Mr. Hoyle built, among others, probably the best Ferrari 250 GTO and Drogo recreations. It was then road registered on plate ACK 195A

09/04/1995: sold to David Morrison, Esher, Surrey/GB keeping registration plate ACK 195A

Early 1997: Sold to Mr. Peter M. Fandel (“Pierre Fandel”), Birtlingen/D

06/1998: Sold for ca. 400.000 DM to Mr. Percy Bongers, Hamburg/D

04/2003: Sold to René Dreiner, Hamburg/D and then fully Rebuilt between 2003 and 2005 by Ferrari Dealer Eberlein Automobile GmbH.

07/02/2011: Purchased by the Ferrari official dealer Eberlein Automobile GmbH, Kassel/D

2012: Sold to Stefan Rehkopf, Bovenden/D

07/15/2014: traded back to Eberlein Automobile GmbH, Kassel/D and registered on plate KS-UA 342H

04/16/2019: Sold to Paco Ramos, Dubai/UAE

This magnificent car was executed with the consummate attention to detail expected of someone who takes some of the most desirable cars in the world and makes them almost surreally rapid. In keeping with that tradition, this car has been fitted with a tuned tipo 128F 3-litre engine and its TR-59 5-speed transmission, which make this car extremely quick.  

The car was built to a high standard and remains in excellent condition after having undergone a top restoration by the above mentioned Ferrari official dealer. The complete car was redone to a very high quality and makes an exceptional presentation. The trim is very nice throughout, and the 16-inch Borrani wire wheels are in as-new condition with correct dimension 5.0 front and 5.50 16-inch rear with period-type Michelin Racing tires  fitted. The headlamps are in excellent condition, reflecting the attention to detail, as do a number of other small items such as the leather hood straps and unmistakable clear carburetor hood scoop.

The interior is simple but very evocative, with upholstered cloth blue bucket seats in the style of the car, as well as a purposeful grey painted alloy dash with ample instrumentation and a very special and elegant wood-rimmed steering wheel.

The engine compartment is very clean and detailed, and the 6-carb setup is truly an impressive site. The valve covers have been painted red as is appropriate for the Testa Rossa model and name. The underside is similarly clean and detailed, showing correct finishes throughout.

This car is a blast to drive thanks to the five-speed gearbox and tuned engine, which is a full one third larger than the original engine would have been, while aesthetically remaining much the same. The disc brakes ensure that stopping is equally well accomplished, while the car performs otherwise as a Testa Rossa would. The driving position is very comfortable.

This is a very fast and enjoyable car to drive that will be a wonderful way for the new owner to enjoy the feel and performance of one of the world’s most historically significant Italian competition built automobiles. More over, the car has participated at the 1990 Scottish Historic Motor Sport Tour and at the “Storiche Biella-Modena” among others but it is eligible to many other european and intercontinental events which have recently accepted the participation of very accurate aluminum bodied reconfigurations built from actual Ferrari VIN´s. This car would also be a welcome entry to vintage racing with HSR and SCCA Vintage, among others.

Lancias are interesting cars, often with interesting owners, whom together tell an interesting story. This particular car was ordered new by a US customer of Lancia. The car was completed in 1963 and registered for the first time in New York in 1965. It remained in the USA for its entire life.

The car was originally finished in silver with green leather, and equipped at the factory with the desirable 2.5 litre, three carburetor engine specifications. The car has only accumulated 56,237 miles. During the nineties, the car was repainted in burgundy color.

The car is matching numbers, never re-stamped, with chassis number 82415-2160 and engine number 82310-13743. The total production run of the Flaminia Convertible Touring in the 2.5 Liters triple carbs configuration were only 246 units.

Horsepower: 140 bhp DIN, SAE @5600 rpm
Torque: 203 lb @ 3600 rpm
Transmission: 4-Speed gearbox
Suspension:
Front- Independent with unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar.
Rear- Solid axle de Dion with semi-elliptic leaf springs, Panhard rod, stabilizer bar.
Brakes:
Front- Dunlop discs
Rear- Dunlop discs
Top Speed: 200 km/h

With production numbers for the Lancia Flaminia Convertible being so small (less than half of the number of the stylish Flaminia coupe), this car was originally purchased by a Lancia collector who drove it sparingly and kept it in their inventory for over 30 years. Classic Road aquired this vehicle after the owner had since retired it following a minor collision. The vehicle had been stored for several years in the back of an old out-building on the original owners’ property.

This rare example is very complete and almost all original. The color was changed by the first owner some years back from silver and the paint shows a very flattering patina. The interior is completely original and this numbers matching car maintains the original 2.5L V-6 with the triple Weber carburettor setup. A non running car, this could make an excellent project for a rare and beautiful driver that most people have never even seen.

These cars are well known by avid collectors as being great drivers. Handling well around the bends and maintaining a firm, yet comfortable ride, some of the ground-breaking features offered by Lancia when this vehicle was rolling out of the factory in Milan keep it well known in small circles for being an excellent and elegant platform for your weekend cruises.

Today the car remains in fully original condition with no missing parts. The body is straight and solid. The interior leather is still original, and still appears to be fresh.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an unmolested example with the most desirable engine specification. If driving a contemporary Maserati or Ferrari is like putting on a pair of flashy athletic shoes, then a Lancia is more like a tailored sport jacket. They are understated but sophisticated, and appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the fine qualities of the car. This particular example is a unique barn find, is accompanied by an US Certificate of  Title.