VIN: Lamborghini Countach LP400 chassis 1120144 (LP500R)
History of chassis 1120144
Chassis 1120144 was a Countach LP400 originally configured in Rosso Corsa with Bianco leather upholstery and dispatched from Sant’Agata on September 8th 1975. The car was delivered to Lamborghini Deutschland in Dusseldorf run by ex-racing driver, Hubert Hahne.
Between September 11th and 21st, chassis 1120144 was displayed at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Sometime during 1976 or perhaps in early 1977, the red Countach underwent significant modification, most likely in Germany or Italy. All four wheelarches were subtly flared, a deep front spoiler was installed and a twin pylon wing was mounted on the trunk lid. Wider BBS wheels were also installed and the engine was reputedly enlarged to 4754cc. The original Rosso Corsa exterior was switched to a dramatic new black and white-striped livery.
Soon after completion, chassis 1120144 was exported to Japan. At the time, the Japanese economy was red hot and many high end European cars were being acquired by wealthy customers from the country.
Almost immediately after landing in Japan, the now black and white Countach was reputedly stolen from the dealership where it was on display, Seaside Motor in Yokohama. Fortunately, 1120144 was quickly recovered and subsequently sold to a local Yakuza boss who went on to display the striking machine, dubbed the Countach LP500R, at many of Japan’s popular late 1970s supercar shows.
At some point, chassis 1120144 was sold to a second owner who had it repainted red. The car later passed to its third and current owner, Yoshihiro Takayama of Nagoya, who subsequently reverted this most famous of Japanese Lamborghinis (which has been immortalised in almost countless models) to its black and white-striped configuration.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
