The Lamborghini Countach, the predecessor of the Diablo, was first launched in 1974. The Italian supercar was produced until 1990 and was pioneering in its dynamic and angled design.

The futuristic styling of the Lamborghini Countach was the brainchild of Marcello Gandini, who was at the time a young designer, one who was not afraid to be different. The futuristic angled looks and scissor doors are testament to Gandini thinking outside the box to deliver a car of beauty. The Countach was listed third by Sports Car International as one of the top sports cars of the 1970's.

The manufacture of the car was unique in using aircraft grade aluminium as seen with racing cars and whilst expensive, it provides a very strong and light body. The car itself only weighed 1,400 kg which was immensely impressive for its size. The weight of the car was reduced further by using fibreglass on the underside.

The first Lamborghini Countach to hit the market was the LP400 which delivered 375 PS. The first car hit Australia in 1974, with the company counting 158 by 1977. The LP400 did not differ too much from the LP500 prototype as featured at the Geneva Motor Show. The Lamborghini showed off its large air scoops, which were not only fashionable but ensured the car didn't overheat.

The LP400S was released in 1978 with a number of key modifications. The engine power was reduced to 355 PS but the Countach we remember from our childhood was born. Wider tyres were added along with fibre glass wheel arches, though it was the introduction of the spoiler which really set it apart from other Lamborghini's and other super cars.

The design of the LP400S remained for the life of the car, with the only internal change occurring in 1982 when the engine was upgraded to 4.8 litres. This gave the car that little extra boost with 375 PS, as seen with the original LP400.

The Lamborghini Countach remains one of the most distinguishable Italian supercars, with the LP400S being the model which will stand the test of time. The scissor doors on this striking design are one of the reasons why Lamborghini continue to deliver timeless classics.