VIN: Production Proto #1 - Lamborghini Countach LP400 Prototype chassis 1120001
History of chassis 1120001
Lamborghini used the original LP500 Countach prototype as a test hack. In March 1974 it was crash tested to gain type approval.
By this time, a second prototype Countach had been assembled that more closely resembled the production variant to come: chassis 1120001.
Whereas the LP500 had a square tubed semi-monocoque, 1120001 used the new round tubed spaceframe shared by all subsequent Countach. Considerably more complex than the original, it was also stiffer and lighter (90kg instead of 107kg).
Like production cars, chassis 1120001 had aluminium body panels instead of steel (as used on the LP500).
The car was originally given a Rosso / Nero colour scheme and a silver front bumper treatment. It also had a curious V-type wiper arrangement.
Soon after completion, 1120001 was displayed at the 1973 Geneva Motor Show which took place from March 15th-25th. It was the first glimpse the public had been given of a productionised Countach, two years after the original LP500 had been unveiled.
Chassis 1120001 was tested extensively over the spring and summer of 1973. During this time, conventional wipers were added along with brake cooling scoops under the nose.
When the development programme was complete, Lamborghini sent chassis 1120001 to the workshop of Giovanni Raniero in Orbassano on the outskirts of Turin. Raniero used it to create the Elmwood master model for all future production Countach.
Once back at the factory, chassis 1120001 was given a new colour scheme in time for it to go on display at the 1973 Paris Motor Show (October 4th-14th). The original Rosso / Nero livery was switched to Verdi / Senape, again with a silver front bumper treatment.
When the LP500 prototype was crash tested, chassis 1120001 became the oldest Countach extant.
The car was eventually road registered in March 1975 and became the property of Automobili Lamborghini co-owner, Rene Leimer. It had by now been fitted with a more production-spec. Tobacco leather interior.
Chassis 1120001 remained in Switzerland until it was acquired by the Lamborghini factory in 2001.
Notable History
Rosso / Nero
Left-hand drive
15-25/03/1973 Geneva Motor Show
Verdi / Senape
04-14/10/1973 Paris Motor Show
Fitted with Tobacco leather interior
Acquired by Rene Leimer, Switzerland
May 1975 road registered
2001 acquired by the Lamborghini Automobili
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Lamborghini - https://www.lamborghini.com
