Production of the Lamborghini Countach LP400 began in 1974. It was the production version of the dramatic LP500 prototype shown at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show.
Lamborghini spent three years refining the concept before bringing it to market. The LP400 used a 3.9-liter V12 mounted longitudinally behind the cabin, with power sent to the rear wheels. Its name reflected this layout: “LP” stood for longitudinale posteriore, while “400” referred to the engine’s approximate displacement.
The LP400 was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone and became famous for its sharp wedge profile and upward-opening scissor doors. Those doors were not merely theatrical; they helped the low-slung car in tight spaces where conventional doors would be difficult to use.
A common mix-up is confusing the 1971 LP500 prototype with the LP400 production model. The prototype arrived first, but the Countach customers could buy began with the LP400 in 1974. Lamborghini produced 157 LP400 examples before replacing it with the wider-tired LP400 S.