The stories of cars on the National Historic Vehicle Register come to life in our series of documentary films

This 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, represents generations of car enthusiasts’ passion for speed and the open road. When introduced in 1971, the angular groundbreaking Countach model set in motion 50 years of competition among manufacturers to build the ultimate “supercar.” The radically styled mid-engine exotic was a landmark car in an era when economy and practicality had eclipsed performance and passion.

This Countach was made famous in the 1981 film "The Cannonball Run" – a slapstick comedy based off real-life cross-country record attempts organized by journalist Brock Yates. The film became many budding car lovers’ first experience seeing a Lamborghini Countach. It largely introduced the Countach to the American public, helped save the struggling Italian manufacturer from failure, and made the Countach the poster car of the '80s. Today, the “Cannonball Run” Countach is restored to perfectly evoke its significant role from the classic ‘80s film.

NHVR No. 30 HAER No. FL-46

Full restoration performed shortly after Jeff Ippoliti acquired the car in 2009 by Tony Ierardi. The car still features its front wing that served as a "bumper" to skirt laws that prevented the Countach from being sold in the U.S.

Fully restored interior to match how the car appeared in the 1981 film. During the previous ownership by Ron Rice, the Lamborghini featured maroon upholstery.

Liquid-cooled, mid-mounted, DOHC V-12 3929ccd/240cid 375hp with six 45mm two-barrel Weber carburetors.

Since being imported to the U.S., this Countach is only known to have three owners.

Front 15x8.5” Campagnolo wheels, 205/50VR15 Pirelli P7 tires, Rear 15x12” Campagnolo wheels, 345/35VR15 Pirelli P7 tires

Power assist - disc brakes front and rear/ 10.5" vented rotors

Five-speed manual transmission that extends forward into the passenger compartment. The driveshaft is integrated into the sump of the engine and sends power towards an integral differential housing at the rear of the engine.