Lamborghini Countach from 'The Cannonball Run' celebrates 45th anniversary

MANILA: The iconic Countach LP 400 S from the automotive film “The Cannonball Run” has celebrated its 45th year anniversary. 

The movie, released on the silver screen on June 19, 1981, featured the wedge-shaped supercar in all black as it competed in a fictional version of the real-life Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. 

To commemorate its 45th anniversary, Automobili Lamborghini brought the original movie car together with actresses Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman, who played Marcie Thatcher and Jill Rivers, respectively. In the movie, the said characters formed the Spandex-clad team piloting the all-black V12-powered supercar. But interestingly, the actresses have not seen the car and each other since the movie’s release. 

As a short backgrounder for the Countach in question, it was produced by the Sant'Agata Bolognese-based car maker in 1979. It was initially sold in Rome, Italy, and eventually reached Florida, USA. The vehicle’s then-owner was an acquaintance of the movie’s director Hal Needham. 

For filming, the Countach received several modifications, including three antennas, a front spoiler, a rear wing, 12 exhaust pipes, and a fake collection of gauges and instruments on the passenger side. Even as filming for The Cannonball Run ended, Lamborghini says its owner didn’t remove the aforementioned mods. Its new owner, car enthusiast and collector Jeff Ippoliti, likewise kept the movie car modifications. 

In his own words, Ippoliti was captivated by the open scene of the movie where the Countach was showcased front and center. 

“I had always been crazy about cars, but the opening of the movie was the first time I got to see and hear the Countach in motion, and I was captivated,” Ippoliti said. 

Currently, the Italian car brand is hailing the Countach LP 400 S from The Cannonball Run movie as a shining beacon of its heritage. Aftersales Director of Automobili Lamborghini Alessandro Farmeschi also described the black Countach as influential in creating brand recognition amongst legions of its fans. 

“It’s a car that ignited a passion for the Lamborghini brand and for the Countach model in many young enthusiasts who, after growing up, came to us as customers of our brand and our cars,” Farmeschi said. 

Other interesting cars starring in The Cannonball Run include examples of the Aston Martin DB5, Subaru Leone, Rolls-Royce Shadow, Mercedes 280 SEL, and the Ferrari 308 GTS, among others. 

Photos from Automobili Lamborghini

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