With its futuristic styling and universally recognisable wedge shape, the Lamborghini Countach’s outrageous lines belie its standing as a concept that dates back to the early 1970s.

The design process for the Countach began halfway through Miura production, with Ferruccio Lamborghini believing that to keep ahead of the competition—in particular those based in neighbouring Modena—his company would need to always focus on innovation and development.

Ferrari’s newly launched 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” had generated quite the sensation, and the Sant’Agata marque needed a modern take on its flagship platform.

And so, the Countach was born.

Inspired by the mid-mounted V-12 platform of the Miura—a major factor in its success—the primary goal for Lamborghini’s engineers was to ensure that the Countach maximised power by creating the sleekest-possible body.

Starting life under the code name “LP112”, the project was spearheaded by Paolo Stanzani, who worked alongside Massimo Parenti and test drive...