1981 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S by Bertone
The Lamborghini Countach LP400 S by Bertone stands as one of the most iconic iterations of the Countach series, embodying radical design, groundbreaking engineering, and a legacy that has defined automotive history. Building on the foundation of the original Countach LP400, the LP400 S introduced significant updates that enhanced both its aesthetic appeal and on-road performance while retaining the raw character that made the Countach legendary.
The LP400 S maintained the sharp “Italian Wedge” silhouette introduced with the original Countach but added a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. The most striking updates included wide fiberglass wheel arch extensions and a lowered stance that emphasized its commanding road presence. The optional V-shaped rear wing, inspired by the Walter Wolf Countach, became a defining feature despite its minor impact on top speed. Bertone’s design highlighted both form and function, with the wide Pirelli P7 tires enhancing the car’s stance and contributing to its improved handling.
The LP400 S also introduced angular aesthetic touches, such as the “S” badge appended to the Countach emblem, while retaining the signature scissor doors and minimalist, driver-focused cockpit.
Though its 4.0-liter V12 engine delivered slightly less power than the LP400, at 345 hp, the LP400 S compensated with superior handling characteristics. Wider tires and improved suspension geometry gave the car remarkable cornering stability, a critical improvement over its predecessor. However, the added aerodynamic elements and changes to the suspension raised its curb weight slightly, which, combined with the drag-inducing wing, reduced the top speed by around 16 km/h. Despite this, the LP400 S remained a thrilling supercar with blistering acceleration and a driving experience few could rival in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The LP400 S was unapologetically built for the driver. Interior updates, including larger Stewart-Warner gauges in later models, improved visibility of key information at high speeds. Earlier models featured the original unpadded steering wheel, emphasizing a pure, unfiltered driving experience. The series also introduced minor refinements across its three iterations, such as smoother concave wheels and incremental changes to suspension height, culminating in the slightly raised suspension of Series Three.
Introduced in 1978, the LP400 S was a natural evolution of the Countach, which itself was created to succeed the Lamborghini Miura. The Countach redefined supercar design, and the LP400 S amplified its presence in the market. Competing with rivals like the Ferrari 512 BB and Porsche 911 Turbo, the LP400 S appealed to enthusiasts who valued bold aesthetics and uncompromising performance.
Three distinct series of the LP400 S were produced, with a total of 237 units. Series One models are particularly prized for their unique Campagnolo “Bravo” wheels and the lowest ride height of the lineup. Series Two cars, including chassis 1121296, are notable for their smoother wheel designs and the continuation of the “low body” suspension. By Series Three, ride height increased slightly, improving usability but sacrificing some of the aggressive stance of earlier models.
The LP400 S received mixed reviews at launch. Purists criticized the slight reduction in top-end performance, but most enthusiasts embraced the design changes and handling improvements. The car’s aggressive styling and rarity,just 237 examples were produced,cemented its status as a collector’s piece. Today, the LP400 S remains a symbol of 1970s and 1980s supercar excess, embodying the era’s obsession with dramatic design and raw power.
The Lamborghini Countach LP400 S stands apart for its role in defining the Countach’s unmistakable look. Its pioneering use of the widest production tires of its time, paired with its sharp, wedge-like body, set a benchmark for exotic car design. The optional rear wing, while divisive, became synonymous with the Countach’s identity and continues to captivate enthusiasts. Furthermore, its exclusivity and gradual refinements across the three series add to its mystique, making it one of the most coveted models in Lamborghini’s history.
The LP400 S by Bertone was a statement, with its audacious styling, engineering innovation, and uncompromising driving dynamics, it remains a landmark in automotive design and performance.