Unveiling the Legendary Turbo Countach: The Ultimate Lamborghini You Never Knew Existed
When we think of iconic supercars from the 1980s, the Lamborghini Countach instantly springs to mind. Its wedge shape and aerodynamic design not only dominated the roads but also adorned the walls of countless enthusiasts far beyond the realm of mere car aficionados. The symphonic roar of its V12 engine created a mesmerizing music that, combined with the car's jaw-dropping visual appeal, made it more than just a mode of transport—it was an art piece in motion. But what if I told you that one of the most audacious iterations of this classic, the Turbo Countach, truly never made it to the factory floor?
This car exists, although in extremely limited quantities. The story of the Turbo Countach is as fascinating as the car itself, with only two of these exotic machines officially modified and one of them coming up for sale. Let’s dive into what makes this car so spectacularly unique and why it holds an almost mythical status among supercar collectors.
The Birth of a Legend: How the Turbo Countach Came to Life
This remarkable automobile was born from the ambitious dreams of Max Bobnar, the Lamborghini distributor in Switzerland. Wanting more power from the Countach, which was already a powerhouse in its own right, Bobnar attempted to persuade the factory to push the envelope. Equipped with a mere 345 horsepower, Bobnar felt the 3.9-liter V12 was simply not enough for the thin air of the Swiss Alps that seemed to sap its performance.
When factory negotiations failed, Bobnar took matters into his own hands. With the expertise of Franz Albert—an engineer with a prestigious background at Koenig Specials, known for their iconic twin-turbo Ferrari 512 BB—Bobnar decided to retrofit his Countach with turbochargers. The result? An astonishing power boost that would redefine what the Countach could do. Although the exact figures are not entirely clear, estimates suggest that this beast could be cranking out roughly 700 horsepower, enabling it to reach 0-60 mph in just about 4 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph. That’s supercar territory claimed by few!
The Visual Impact: More Than Just Numbers
The exterior of this car is as striking as its performance. Chassis 1121160 shines with its custom metallic red paint and matching wheels, turning heads and eliciting envy with every entrance. Along with striking custom side skirts, the car features bold “TURBO” lettering emblazoned down the sides—a nod to its unique legacy and raw power.
In comparing the Turbo Countach to its contemporaries, it draws immediate parallels to the flamboyant Lotus Esprit Turbo. Each car was emblematic of the era's extravagant automotive styling, turning everyday streets into arenas of spectacle. It’s not just a visually stunning piece; it speaks to an era that celebrated excess and precision.
Inside the Cockpit: 80s Nostalgia That’s Hard to Beat
Step inside, and you're instantly whisked back to the 1980s via the crisp white leather interior. Complementing this aesthetic is an original Escort radar detector—because who wouldn’t want to stay ahead of the speed trap nowadays? But that’s not all; the sophistication continues with the presence of a period-correct tape deck, an Audiovox model that was quite the statement back in the day, offering a delightful nod to the tech of yesteryear.
The story of this specific Turbo Countach doesn’t end with its initial creation. After falling into the hands of the obscure dealer and restorer Curated, it was discovered languishing in a storage facility in Las Vegas. Despite being 'lost' for decades, this gleaming marvel of automotive engineering was always where it belonged, just waiting to be rediscovered. Following a meticulous negotiation period of eight months, Curated acquired this relic and brought it back to life, now boasting just 14,217 km (a bit over 8,834 miles) on the clock. Last time it changed hands, it sold for around $1.1 million—what would you pay for this unique slice of automotive history?
Source: Curated