The Lamborghini Countach is a name synonymous with supercar excellence. Introduced in 1974, its bold design and powerful V-12 engine redefined the automotive landscape. Over its production run, nine official versions of the Countach were released, each with its own unique characteristics. Here's a ranking of every Lamborghini Countach, from the earliest models to the most recent.

The Original: Countach LP 400 (1974-1978)

The Countach LP 400 is considered by many to be the most stylistically pure version of the car. It debuted in 1974 with a sleek body and clean lines, minimizing unnecessary bulk. Despite design quirks like a periscopic mirror and limited rear visibility, the LP 400 featured a longitudinally mounted 4.0-liter V-12 producing 370 hp.

Countach LP 400 S (1978-1982)

It only took four years for Lamborghini to decide the Countach was in need of a makeover. The LP 400 S featured a reworked exterior with more prominent wheel arches, wider tires, and an optional rear wing. These changes gave the car a more muscular appearance. However, it was the least powerful of the production Countachs, with a downgraded V-12 making 345 hp.

Countach LP 400 QV (1982-1985)

The LP 400 QV may have looked almost identical to the LP 400 S, but it packed a stronger punch. The key difference was a larger 4.8-liter V-12, capable of producing up to 370 hp – matching the original LP 400’s output.

Countach LP 5000 QV (1985-1988)

The fourth iteration of the supercar debuted in 1985 with revised styling, featuring chunkier lines and Kevlar body panels. Its most significant upgrade was a 5.2-liter V-12 with four valves per cylinder and a Weber carburetor, generating 449 hp.

Countach 25th Anniversary (1988-1990)

The Countach 25th Anniversary is the ultimate version of the wedge-shaped supercar. Lamborghini enhanced the LP 5000 QV with new bodywork designed by Horacio Pagani. The modifications included an even more exaggerated aerodynamic package, with enlarged air boxes and a prominent rear wing, providing a fitting finale for this iconic model.

Countach LP 500 (1971)

The world first saw the Countach on March 11, 1971, at the Geneva Motor Show. The first of three prototypes showcased an ultra-sleek yellow body closely resembling Marcello Gandini’s initial sketches. It featured a larger V-12 than the production version but was destroyed in a test crash in 1974. A meticulous four-year restoration by Lamborghini Polo Storico culminated in its public display at the 2021 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Countach Evoluzione (1987-1988)

The Countach Evoluzione was a unique one-off prototype designed as a testbed for the Diablo, the Countach’s successor. It featured an all-new chassis and composite bodywork made from carbon fiber and Kevlar. Despite rumors of a limited production run, it never reached the market.

Countach Grand Prix (1980-1983)

Lamborghini didn’t officially build a Countach race car, but a modified LP 400 S served as the Monaco Grand Prix safety car from 1980 to 1983. Equipped with rooftop sirens and a distinctive red-and-white livery, it remains one of the coolest safety cars in motorsport history.

Countach LPI 800-4 (2021)

Introduced during Monterey Car Week in 2021, the modern Countach LPI 800-4 is the most powerful iteration, boasting a hybrid-assisted 6.5-liter V-12 producing over 800 hp. While its electrified powertrain sparked debate, the $2.8 million price tag and limited production run drew criticism from some, labeling it a “cynical cash grab.”