Segment:
Exotic Sports Car Replica / Kit Car Market
Target Audience:
Automotive enthusiasts, DIY builders, and replica car collectors.
Analogy To Original:
Aims to replicate the iconic design and driving experience of the original Lamborghini Countach, often with modern componentry.
Design Replication:
Focuses on accurately reproducing the distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette, scissor doors, and aggressive styling of the Countach.
Customization Potential:
Allows for selection of donor vehicle, engine, transmission, and interior options, offering significant personalization.
Visual Appeal:
Targets enthusiasts seeking the visual presence and emotional appeal of one of the most iconic supercars of the late 20th century.
Chassis And Frame:
Detailed instructions for assembling the replica chassis or integrating with a donor chassis.
Body Panels:
Fitting, alignment, and fastening of replica body panels (fiberglass, composite, or metal).
Engine Installation:
Mounting, plumbing, and wiring of the chosen engine (e.g., V8, V10, V12 from donor vehicles like Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche, or custom builds).
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Installation and connection of the transmission, driveshafts, differential, and axles.
Suspension System:
Assembly and installation of front and rear suspension components, including control arms, springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars.
Braking System:
Installation of brake calipers, rotors, lines, and master cylinder, often adapting from donor vehicle systems.
Steering System:
Mounting and connection of the steering rack, column, and wheel.
Fuel System:
Installation of fuel tank, pumps, lines, and injectors/carburetors.
Cooling System:
Radiator mounting, fan installation, and coolant hose routing.
Electrical System:
Wiring harness integration, component connections (lights, ignition, gauges, ancillaries), and battery installation.
Interior Trim:
Installation of dashboard, seats, door panels, carpets, and headliner.
Lighting And Lenses:
Fitting headlights, taillights, turn signals, and associated lenses.
Exhaust System:
Mounting and connection of exhaust headers/manifolds and piping.
Glass And Seals:
Installation of windshield, side glass, rear glass, and rubber seals.
Assembly Steps:
Step-by-step, chronological assembly instructions.
Fastener Identification:
Identification and torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Schematic diagrams for the electrical system (may be simplified or adapted).
Plumbing Diagrams:
Illustrations for fuel, brake, and coolant lines.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Common issues encountered during assembly and potential solutions.
Final Inspection:
Checklists and guidance for pre-drive inspections.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from chassis setup to final trim installation. Assumes basic mechanical knowledge and tool proficiency.
Engine Options:
Highly variable; commonly V8 (e.g., Chevrolet LS series, Ford Coyote), V10 (e.g., Porsche 928), or V12 (e.g., Jaguar V12, BMW M70) based on donor vehicle or specialized crate engines.
Horsepower Range:
Typically 250-600+ hp, depending on the chosen engine and tuning.
Torque Range:
Variable, correlating with engine choice (e.g., 300-500+ lb-ft).
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (EFI) or Carbureted, dependent on engine choice.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating dependent on engine requirements).
Engine Oil Type:
Variable; consult donor vehicle specifications or recommended crate engine oil (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40 synthetic).
Transmission Type:
Manual (most common for replica authenticity) or Automatic (less common).
Drive Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is standard for Countach replicas.
Gearbox Options:
Often sourced from donor vehicles (e.g., Porsche transaxle, Chevrolet manual transmission) or specialized aftermarket units.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Variable; consult donor gearbox specifications (e.g., GL-4, GL-5 manual transmission fluid, ATF for automatics).
Length:
Approx. 4150-4500 mm (based on original Countach LP400/LP500S/25th Anniv. specifications).
Width:
Approx. 1980-2050 mm.
Height:
Approx. 1120-1140 mm.
Curb Weight:
Typically 1200-1600 kg, highly dependent on donor chassis and engine.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2450-2500 mm (dependent on donor chassis or replica frame).
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Variable, dependent on donor vehicle hubs or aftermarket wheels used (e.g., 5x114.3mm, 5x120mm).
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (As a replica, not subjected to official crash testing. Safety relies on donor vehicle components and builder's skill).
Braking System:
Discs all around, often with larger diameter rotors and multi-piston calipers adapted from performance donor vehicles or aftermarket.
Traction Control:
Optional, dependent on donor vehicle's electronic systems or aftermarket addition.
Seatbelts:
Typically 3-point or 4-point racing harnesses.
Airbags:
Generally not present, unless specifically integrated from a donor vehicle's dashboard.
Audio System:
Typically aftermarket head unit, speakers, and amplifier installation.
Navigation:
Optional, aftermarket GPS unit.
Systems Integrated:
Minimal to none unless specifically sourced and integrated from a modern donor vehicle. Primarily mechanical systems.
Bluetooth:
Optional, via aftermarket head unit.
Instrument Cluster:
Recreation of original Countach gauges or custom digital/analog clusters.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable; typically 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, based on engine manufacturer recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2-3 years, dependent on climate and usage, using DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-5 years, using appropriate antifreeze/coolant mixture.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, with anti-corrosion additives (e.g., G12/G13 for VW/Audi derived, or universal pink/orange types).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Depends on donor system; could be ATF, CHF, or specific power steering fluid.
Assembly Challenges:
Panel fitment, electrical system integration, driveline alignment, and adapting donor components.
Replica Specific Weaknesses:
Durability of non-original components, potential for electrical gremlins, and structural integrity if not built to high standards.
Part Sources:
Replica kit suppliers, donor vehicle salvage yards, specialized performance parts retailers.
Lamborghini Legacy:
Emulates the heritage of Automobili Lamborghini, a manufacturer renowned for its extreme performance and avant-garde supercar designs.
Countach Lineage:
The Countach (1974-1990) was a successor to the Miura and a predecessor to the Diablo, celebrated for its radical styling and V12 engine. Replicas aim to capture this iconic era.
Original Production Years:
1974 - 1990
Replica Manufacturers:
Numerous kit car manufacturers and custom builders worldwide have produced Countach replicas over decades.