Countach or Diablo?

[urraco]

Hi all

I have just sold my beloved Countach LP400S series 1 Lowbody to a European collector in a deal brokered by Joe Sackey. The exact price is a private matter, but I can confirm that the figure reflects the unique condition and provenance of this very special car that establishes a new record price-level for the lowbody Countach.

Obviously, I am gutted to have to let the car go.

Various parties have wisely counselled me to take time to reflect before rushing out to buy some sort of replacement. Naturally, I have no intention whatsoever of heeding their advice and I propose to deaden the pain by plunging straight back in.

The question is - what shall I get, Diablo or another Countach?

I have always yearned for a Countach above all else, so I quite like the idea of spending part of the proceeds on a QV or a series 2 lowbody for example.

However part of me feels that I should move on and try something new, and go for an early Diablo, which may anyway prove a better 'investment' at current price levels.

So, guys, what should I go for:

1) Another Countach @ say £60,000
2) An early Diablo @ say £45,000

I look forward to your views....

Rgds

David S

[The_Jackal]

lol how do you ever get any sleep with that worry weighing on your mind.

I'd go with the Diablo.

[XB70]

Diablo

[Murph7355]

Neither. Get a late Diablo, preferably a GT.

Early Diablos are ugly and you've had probably the best version of the Countach (I love the butch 5000s etc, but every one I've seen looked ropey up close).

[urraco]

3 votes so far for the Diablo.....

I think I may well go that route - maybe a nice early VT.

I think a visit to Carlo's place next week may be on the cards.....

DS

[snapper seven]

David,

You're gutted!!!!????

I'm stunned and devastated Missed my chance to have that ride in what is my favourite Countach and such a fantastic example at that! Still I did at least get to see the car and photograph her for which I am very thankful but...what have you done

I hope you can (part) fill that void soon.
I know I am completely unqualified to give any sound advice given I have never driven or owned these cars (except for a brief but exciting drive of an immaculate QV) but I would stick with a Countach and my money would go on a pre 88 1/2 QV, not an easy decision though given you have owned the rarest and most special version already. Early Diablos do little for me - I don't think they have, or will have, the same appeal as early Countaches though I think a good SV might make a very special car to own.
Good luck with it all though.

David

Edited by snapper seven on Friday 18th April 21:32

[big-si]

i see freewheeler has a nice red countach for sale at the moment, and i for one wouldnt mind it in my driveway, the wife doesnt agree but then what does she know...

[urraco 250 s]

Hi David,

I know some one who is selling a left hand drive 93 spec Diablo VT in Red full service history 60,000 km on the clock and just had the front end resparyed the only thing that let's it down is the wheel's need a refurb but my friend is looking for about 43,000 pound for it. if you are interested i will e-mail through some picture's

All the best

Leslie

[here]

I would go for the diablo, but i also see the appeal of the Countach. Although the looks of the Countach always reminds me of a kit car personally. I think thats because as a youngster i saw alot of Countachs that i thought were real and turned out to be kitcars ha ha

[burriana]

You have had the Countach, so on that basis, and as the Diablo in my eyes is a supremely worthy successor ... I'd spend £60k on a later Diablo.

In dark purple!

[XXVIII]

here said:

the looks of the Countach always reminds me of a kit car

By which you mean (surely) that the various kit cars, from the depressingly frequent and utterly dire 'many' to the very 'few' quite well executed kit cars remind you of the Countach?

It's never been the other way around - Marcello Gandini's original Countach shape was only ever preceded by a few other designs that he made whilst with Bertone and in many respects he was just building up to one element of his finest work (in some observers opinions)...

Edited by XXVIII on Saturday 19th April 11:17

[here]

I dont mean it any other way. When i personally see Countach, it always reminds me of a kitcar. Simple as that Its no biggie, its just what i think.

[Plaistow]

Countach to collect.
Diablo to drive.

[Craig]

Hi David

So you did the deed in the end? I'm sure you were as gutted as me which I let my LP400 go - however, once replaced with another Lambo plus money in the bank you will feel better.

Having owned a 1988.5 QV, 1986 QV, 1992 Diablo and 2000 Diablo - in your place I would be deciding between a pre 1988.5 QV (I don't like the skirts on 1988.5 cars) and a post 1998 Diablo (ideally SV or 6.0).

The early Diablos are quick but the build quality is poor, the brakes not up to the job and the clutch ridiculously heavy (in RHD at least). You really need to be looking at post 1998 when build quality improved and the wheels went up to 18" with the bigger brakes with ABS. These cars are £70k plus though.

The Diablo is a much quicker car but strangely for me feels more cramped (lack of headroom). It will be less tiring on longer journeys than a Countach though. The gearbox is much improved over the Countach as is the air con.

The Diablo is also a bigger car and feels it on the road.

At the end of the day you need to drive a Diablo if you haven't done so already - Carlo at Top Gear Cars has some good examples.

Craig

[DIW35]

Hi David

I would echo Craig's sentiments. From a driving point of view the later Countaches are reckoned to be the best, discounting the Anniversary which just gained a lot of weight. If you go the Countach route, is there a possibility that you'll always be comparing it to your previous car, resulting in disappointment.

If you go for a Diablo, again the perceived wisdom is to go for a later car, as these were much better fettled than the early versions.

[Lambochick]

here said:

I dont mean it any other way. When i personally see Countach, it always reminds me of a kitcar. Simple as that Its no biggie, its just what i think.

I used to say the same thing, then we got one. More like a futuristic space rocket, strangely I got as much enjoyment watching her backside going up the road as driving her... even though it's been eighteen months since we sold her; I still miss that spacey look. And it's no good, they are individual so looking at other Countachs just doesn't do it for me.

Edited by Lambochick on Saturday 19th April 22:14

Edited by Lambochick on Saturday 19th April 22:14

[Ocarru]

here said:

I dont mean it any other way. When i personally see Countach, it always reminds me of a kitcar. Simple as that Its no biggie, its just what i think.

Hmm, not sure I agree with you as far as the Countach is concerned, but you do make an interesting point. I have seen so many 355 replicas on an MR2 platform advertised for sale, that I when I do see a 355 go past on the road I am starting to wonder whether it is the real thing or not rather than just admire it. It's really mucking up my boys education - look lads a ferrari...er..no..hang-on...it might be... When I get caught out by a 944/355 lookalike, I really will stop spotting altogether

Back to the OP, I would go for a Countach nice QV or 5000S. Like them or not, you can't beat the stunning design or presence on the road.

[asian_boy_back]

Diablo all the way mate! Thing is that you've had the countach and if you find that the diablo isn't what you wanted I suppose you could always revert back to the countach.

[Freaky Lady]

Hi David

I have always had a very soft spot for the Countach I just think that they are an awsome car.

Lorraine

[here]

Ocarru said:

here said:

I dont mean it any other way. When i personally see Countach, it always reminds me of a kitcar. Simple as that Its no biggie, its just what i think.

but you do make an interesting point. I have seen so many 355 replicas on an MR2 platform advertised for sale, that I when I do see a 355 go past on the road I am starting to wonder whether it is the real thing or not rather than just admire it. It's really mucking up my boys education - look lads a ferrari...er..no..hang-on...it might be... When I get caught out by a 944/355 lookalike, I really will stop spotting altogether

Oh yes the 355 replicas, exactly my thoughts as well