Lamborghini Countach (1974 - 1990)

The striking yellow prototype is powered by an untested version of the Lamborghini V12 in 4971cc form. Such is its visual drama that the car receives its name on the eve of the motor show, thanks to the astonishment of a Piedmontese who happened to see it being unloaded...

Although the Countach should have been a shoe-in for full-scale production, it wasn't actually guaranteed. The Miura was still being selling strongly, and the new car would need considerable investment.

The new supercar appears bearing NACA ducts, more cooling, and a 4.0-litre V12 developing a claimed 375bhp.

Finally, the definitive version is shown, with deliveries of the first cars are then then taking place in the summer. It's a slow build-up, but worth the wait. But it takes place in the aftermath of the world's first energy crisis - so a mere 150 LP400s are built.

The wider-tracked Walter Wolf-inspired Countach is launched to exploit the latest low-profile Pirelli P7 tyres. It receives revised suspension and body addenda, but sadly, the periscope roof disappears.

The upgunned Countach arrives to restore some of the performance lost when the wide-body made an appearance in 1978. It's now powered by a 4754cc V12 and breathes through 45DCOE carburettors, raising power to 385bhp. More importantly, driveability is improved, with much improved torque through the rev range.

Now powered by a 5167cc with 48-valves (hence the name quattrovalvole) that packs a Ferrari Testarossa-humbling 455bhp. Subtle visual changes are limited to engineering-led ones, such as a raised engine cover, wider front tyres and suspension geometry changes. But the end result is magical, as the QV is significantly improved in all areas of power delivery over its predecessor.

The new model is created to celebrate 25 years of Lamborghini. New bodykit, as penned by Horatio Pagani, and uprated interior (with more padded seats and better air conditioning) not universally liked by aficionados, but it goes on to become the best-selling Countach of all.