by The LP 500 prototype demonstrates the original design of the supercar. The Polo Storico division, which is responsible for restoring historical Lamborghinis, has recreated the very first Countach — the LP 500 prototype in metal. The car is truly unique as it showcases the original design by Marcello Gandini.
It was only later that the Countach was fitted with the canonical wheel arch extensions and spoiler, but initially, the supercar was intended to be something as simple as possible and at the same time unusual. The lemon-yellow Lamborghini Countach LP 500 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 1971. The car was displayed at the Bertone stand, as Lamborghini took a wait-and-see position, evaluating the public’s reaction — and it was immediate. There were no indifferent spectators to the Countach, which meant the car could be put into production. The life path of the LP 500 ended in 1974: the prototype was crashed at the MIRA proving ground in England during certification tests, and then, as they say at Lamborghini, it disappeared.
After 50 years, the Polo Storico division built a replica of the LP 500, with a team of specialists spending several months just gathering materials: initial sketches, drawings, meeting reports, photos, and more. Based on this information, and after 3D scanning the LP 400 prototype stored at Lamborghini, a full-scale model was created — all of this took about 2000 hours.
The new structure was based on a platform-type chassis, not the tubular frame of the original Countach. Polo Storico used modern production methods closely intertwined with the traditional craftsmanship of the 1970s. For example, the body panels of the LP 500 were hammered by hand by battilastra — the term in Italy for skilled sheet metal workers. For mechanical components, original or newly manufactured parts were used. Tires were provided by Pirelli.
The Cinturato CN12 tires sized 245/60 R14 and 265/60 R14 were recreated from archival records stored in the Pirelli family foundation. Although the company used a modern compound, it fully reproduced the appearance and tread pattern. When it came time to paint the car, American PGG was called upon, whose archive contained records of the yellow Giallo Fly Speciale color.
Lamborghini built a replica of the very first Countach
In total, the implementation of the project took Lamborghini Polo Storico 25,000 hours. The car was built at the request of an unnamed collector since 2017, and its premiere took place today at the Villa D’Este Concours d’Elegance, where the prototype is featured in the concept car category. As for the engine, nothing is mentioned. The original LP 500 was initially powered by a five-liter V12, then by a 3.9-liter V12.
TopGir via Motor
