The Lamborghini Countach is a long-standing piece of supercar history, sitting proudly among the Miura and Aventador as some of the best examples the brand has ever created. Although many supercar enthusiasts and collector car aficionados may be able to tell the difference between an American Countach and a European upon first glance, it may not be as evident to car show-goers — and the biggest differences may actually surprise you.
The Lamborghini Countach Is A Collector Car Staple
Collector cars enthusiasts and Lamborghini fans appreciate just how important the Countach is among the brand's deep-rooted history and heritage. Regardless of origin and import history, each example of the Countach is still highly valuable in today's collector car market. No matter the differences, these cars still require the knowledge of a specialist for maintenance, repairs, and restoration, such as Tyrrell's Classic Workshop, who shows off the beauty of these cars as he begins work on two in his shop.
From the factory, the Countach was not built to meet American's EPA standards for import, but that didn't stop US and Canadian buyers from placing their orders. In its initial years, North American buyers would purchase the vehicle from Lamborghini and then individually modify the car to meet import standards. It wasn't until 1985 that the company began making cars for the American market from the factory.
American-Spec Cars Versus European-Spec Cars
The US regulations for vehicles imported from other countries often mean the cars required modifications in order to legally bring the cars into the country. There are the more obvious differences, such as which side of the road we drive on, therefore changing the car's driver's seat from one side of the vehicle to the other, but there is more to what sets the American Countach apart from the European and Asian spec vehicles.
What Sets The American-Spec Countach Apart
There are several small differences between the European-spec and American-spec versions of the Lamborghini Countach, but the most notable is the difference in fuel delivery to the engine. In order to pass emissions regulations during the time of importance, the American version of the car used fuel injection rather than carburetors. Because this made for a less efficient flow and distribution of fuel to the engine, it does make the car slightly less powerful than European-spec versions.
Regardless of the small dip in power, the American Lamborghini Countach is still a favorite among many collectors, idolized for its iconic '80s styling and supercar status.