1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400 “Periscopio” #1120298
SPECIFICATIONS
- MakeLamborghini
- ModelCountach LP400 "Periscopio"
- Mileage12,106
- Serial #1120298
- Engine TypeV12
- Build Sequence #149
- Number Built150
- First OwnerRobert Katz
- Current LocationFerraris Online
We are pleased to offer 1978 Lamborghini LP400 “Periscopio” Countach s/n 1120298, the 149th of only 150 LP 400 “Periscopio” Countachs built, from new in Luci del Bosco (dark brown metallic) with Champagne (light tan leather) interior, and now obsessively restored in the original colors. Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the Countach redefined the parameters of exotic car design. The low profile, the outrageous cab-forward architecture, the aggressive geometric design and the longitudinal V12 engine, turned front-to-back, with the 5-speed trans between the seats, stunned the public. In 1974, after three long years of refining the design to make it functional for production; without compromising the Marcello Gandini concept; assembly and sales of the first production cars began. An automotive legend before production began, the Countach was featured on posters, in advertisements, movies, and exotic car showrooms and collections throughout the world. Arguably the LP 400 “Periscopio” Countach was Lamborghini’s father of all modern supercars, with the clean and uncluttered lines of the Lamborghini LP400 “Periscopio” still making a truly stunning presentation today.
While the Countach was in production for approximately fifteen years, the pure shape of the original LP400 “Periscopio” Countach, devoid of fender flairs, wings and later bumper modifications, is a masterwork of industrial design. These earliest production cars were true to the original Gandini concept, making them a visually stunning yet drivable exotic. Among the many innovative details featured exclusively on the early cars is the “Periscopio” roof configuration, meant to resolve the low profile of the rear window in relation to the roofline and driver position. A traditional inside rear view mirror was simply not enough to allow a clear view of the rear of the car. In response to this problem, the roof panel was recessed, allowing a periscopic view of the rear through a cleverly dropped roof section between the driver and passenger. Only 150 cars were built with this unique and collectable feature.
LP400 Countach s/n 1120298 is number 149 of the very first 150 original Periscopio cars and so features all the refinements and construction improvements learned over four years of production, and was delivered new to Monaco Motors, the official Lamborghini dealer for Monte Carlo, on 19 Dec., 1977. Countach LP400 s/n 1120298 was sold new to Robert Katz, West Orange, New Jersey and later to Norman King, St. Augustine, Florida. As of March 2001 the mileage was a mere 11,888 kms. In 2003 LP400 s/n 1120298 was sold to John Kyle in Miami, Florida, and in 2005 was sold to Steve Claasen, still in its original dark brown metallic with a champagne interior. In 2014 s/n 1120298 went to Greg Manocherian, Katonah, New York who had Gary Bobileff complete a down-to-the-bare-tub, every-nut-and-bolt resto at a cost of $226k. Books, tools and a fitted four-piece luggage were included. In August 2016 LP400 s/n 1120298 was shown at Concorso Italiano at Monterey and was judged by the Lambo Club, giving it the award for Runner Up Best of Marque. The Gary Bobileff restoration summary invoice is on file, e-mail us for a copy.
In January, 2017 Countach LP400 s/n 1120298 was sold by Mike & Colleen’s Ferraris Online LLC to the current owner and was next shown at the fifteenth annual La Jolla Concours in April, 2019, winning First in Class and then shown at the San Marino Motor Classic, Lacy, Park, San Marino and was again judged First in Class. In January of this year LP400 s/n 1120298 was serviced by Dugan Enterprises, Oceanside CA, with a safety check; a new junction box for the starter motor; a repair to the headlight mechanism; a paint touch up the driver’s door window opening; a pedal adjustment; a rebuild of the clutch hydraulics; a rebuild of the steering rack; a four-wheel alignment; a refit of the battery tray; a sublet repair to the amp gauge and tach; a rebuild of the clutch hydraulics; a clean of the idle jets; a new fuel cross-over tube; a compression and leakdown test and a new door seal. The total parts and labor invoice was $20,886.60. In February and March of this year LP400 s/n 1120298 was further serviced by Dugan Enterprises with an engine-out service. The clutch assembly was rebuilt; the engine bay was comprehensively cleaned, painted and detailed. The headers were heat coated and all new engine bay hardware was fitted. Two new airbox covers were sourced and painted. All oil lines were replaced or cleaned and fitted with new hardware. All new braided cloth heater hoses were installed. The muffler was repainted. The A/C was serviced and recharged. All six Weber carbs were tuned and synchronized. The shifter and shifter gate “fingers” were aligned. All electrical, headlight and turn signal lights plus the engine bay light were checked. New door support struts were installed. The paint on the rocker panel lower lip was touched up. The fuel level sending unit and fuel gauge reading were coordinated. The alternator connections were cleaned and charging was confirmed. The speedometer drive cable was checked and repaired. LP400 s/n 1120298 was again safety inspected and all safety and operating systems were checked on multiple test drives. The total parts and labor invoice was $36,279.08 at 19,483 kms (12,106 miles).
This comprehensively restored Countach LP 400 Periscopio presents as a stunning example of brilliant design and outrageous engineering. This earliest body design is clean, uncluttered and the crisp lines and geometric forms show well in this unique yet original color. From the razor thin front bumper to the four menacing exhaust pipes, the LP400 is true to the original Gandini design, unlike the later year, heavy bumper, flaired and winged Countachs. Thanks to extensive (and expensive) restoration work by two of Southern California’s best shops, the Luci del Bosco (dark brown metallic) paint is flawless and the Champagne (light tan leather) interior is both stunning and as new! 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 and effortlessly swing open and shut with confidence. The hood and trunk both open and shut properly and show perfect panel gaps, likely better than original factory specifications. The rear of the car is breathtaking. The sleek front body flows into the dramatically angled windshield, to the ultra-low profile roofline, onto the expansive rear deck, which flows outward into air intake and exhaust vents, punctuated by the recessed rear engine lid. The beautifully finished Campagnolo factory wheels are in as-new condition, shod with period correct 205/70 VR 14 Michelin XWX tires with only token minimal wear. The aggressive stance, pure body form, angular geometry, and vivid color deliver a stunning visual impression, supported by excellent detailing and attention to originality wherever possible.
The interior is a dramatic visual delight in every way. The flawless champagne leather is nicely offset by the body colored dash. The form-fitting seats are surprisingly comfortable and LP400 Countach s/n 1120298 comes with both a “tall” driver’s seat (now in the car) and a regular driver’s seat, both in perfect condition. The stepped dashboard and center console are jet-fighter inspired. 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 show-quality factory tool kit and jack inside a proper round zippered case, complete with the cloth gloves supplied should one have to use the tools. A full four-piece set of color-matching, fitted and Lamborghini labeled luggage fits nicely into the upholstered trunk. A rare owner’s manual, a dealer listing booklet and the very rare booklet pouch are all with the car. The front storage compartment shows proper factory detailing including the correct 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 were beautifully prepared during the restoration and even further detailed during the most recent work. Twin factory air cleaners feed air to the tightly flank six side-draft Weber carburetors on the the quad cam V12 engine. 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 original factory data plates and engine compartment decals are in place. The underside of the car is spotless clean and dry, showing all correct components and hardware, all of which amply show the car has been fully restored and obsessively detailed.
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 well beyond highways speed limits in a matter of seconds. The air-conditioning functions properly, and while the period-correct Pioneer AM/FM Cassette radio also works, most drivers will be more inclined to listen to the music made by the symphonic V12 engine.
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 who’s meaning is best described as “Wow”! The ground-breaking yet state of the art design and engineering, coupled with the sight, the sound and the performance of the V12 made every aspect of the Countach a visceral experience. This iconic early Periscopio Countach is beautifully finished and is ready to roll into your garage or onto any concours lawn. The stunning color combination and Bertone coachwork are sure to delight anyone who enjoys captivating design coupled with rapturous performance. In the pantheon of great sports car design, history is lined with achievements worthy of praise. But the Lamborghini Countach still remains the shocking hammer of audacity that nailed a gasping exclamation point on the sports car world, ultimately changing everything about performance and beauty, an amazing fifty years after its launch. The Countach forced the automotive world to recognize that a tiny fledgling company, less than decade old, had forever redefined the standards of leading-edge design and performance! LP400 Countach s/n 1120298 is beautifully restored to the very highest standards, comes with a full, four-piece set of color matching, embossed luggage, a complete show-quality factory tool kit and jack inside a proper round zippered case, complete with the cloth gloves, a rare owner’s manual, a dealers listing booklet and a very rare correct booklet pouch are all with the car, as well as the trophies from Concorso Italiano, the La Jolla Concours and the San Marino Motor Classic, plus all documents supporting the restoration work. Only 19,483 kms (12,106 total miles) since new.
S/n 1120298. Lamborghini Countach LP 400 “Periscopio”. LP400 # 149 of the 150 total built. Original Luci del Bosco (dark brown metallic) with Champagne (light tan leather) interior.
1977, 19 Dec., delivered new to Monaco Motors, the official Lamborghini dealer for Monte Carlo.
1978, sold to it’s first owner, Robert Katz, West Orange, New Jersey.
2001, March, sold to Norman King, St. Augustine, Florida. 11,888 miles.
To John Kyle, Miami, Florida.
2008, to Steve Claasen, in its original dark brown metallic with champagne interior. Needs a mechanical and cosmetic restoration.
2014, to Greg Manocherian, Katonah, New York.
2014, to Gary Bobileff for a full nut and bolt resto since, taken down to a bare tub and rebuilt from the bare tub up. All new mechanicals, paint, leather interior. Equipped with a full set of books, tools and fitted luggage, total cost $226k USD.
2016, one of two Lamborghinis owned by Greg Manocherian, restored by Gary Bobileff and scored as 2nd best Lamborghini, Concorso Italiano, Monterey California.
2017, 17 Jan., sold by Mike & Colleen’s Ferraris Online LLC to current owner.
2019, 14 April, first in Class at the fifteenth annual La Jolla Concours, Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1133 Coast Blvd., La Jolla.
2019, 09 June, first in class at the San Marino Motor Classic, Lacy, Park, San Marino.
2020, Jan., serviced by Dugan Enterprises, Oceanside CA, with a safety check; a new junction box for the starter motor; a repair to the headlight mechanism; a paint touch up to the driver’s door window opening; a pedal adjustment; a rebuild of the clutch hydraulics; a rebuild of the steering rack; a four-wheel alignment; a refit of the battery tray; a sublet repair to the amp gauge and tach; a rebuild of the clutch hydraulics; a clean of the idle jets; a new fuel cross-over tube; a compression and leakdown test and new door seal. Total parts and labor invoice $20,886.60.
2020, Feb. – March, further serviced by Dugan Enterprises, Oceanside CA, with an engine-out service. The clutch assembly was rebuilt; the engine bay was comprehensively cleaned, painted and detailed. The headers were heat coated and all new engine bay hardware was fitted. two new airbox covers were sourced and painted. All oil lines were replaced or cleaned and fitted with new hardware. All new cloth braded heater hoes were installed. The muffler was repainted. The A/C was serviced and recharged. All six Weber carbs were tuned and synchronized. The shifter and shifter gate “fingers” were aligned. All electrical and head and turn lights plus the engine bay light were checked. New door support struts were installed. The rocker panels were touched up. The fuel level sending unit and fuel gauge reading were coordinated. The alternator connections were cleaned and charging was confirmed. The speedometer drive cable was checked and repaired. LP400 s/n 1120298 was again safety inspected and all systems were checked on multiple test drives. Total parts and labor invoice $36,279.08 at 19,483 kms (12,106 miles).
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