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For Sale: Lamborghini LP400 Countach 'Periscopo' 1976

The future of Lamborghini was unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show with the first public display of the new Countach. The car�s dramatic styling with its trademark scissor doors and low, angular, wedge-shaped body left all onlookers speechless. These first LP400 Countachs however stunning in their design provided virtually no rearward visibility; a periscope-type rear-view mirror was added, lending the name �Periscopo� to the initial Countach series. Just 150 examples of the LP400 were built before the introduction of the LP400S in 1978, making these early examples, with their remarkably clean styling and purity of purpose, highly coveted and sought-after by astute collectors and marque enthusiasts today.


A somewhat rare Lamborghini LP400 has been put up for sale in Huntington Station, New York. The car, painted in Tahiti Blue with Blue/White leather interior, has been listed at $395,000.
The car uses a lightweight 4.0-liter V-12 engine with dual overhead cams that produces 375 horsepower and up to 365 Nm of torque. Mated to a five-speed synchromesh transmission, the engine reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a 316 km/h (196 mph) top speed.


This LP400 Countach received a two year restoration completed by marque specialist Ultimate Motorcars, the oldest Lamborghini dealership in the United States. This facility is renowned for the accuracy of its work, in addition to an enviable record of class victories achieved at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d�Elegance. During the restoration process, all areas of the car were attended to including the exterior, interior, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and air conditioning, with truly spectacular results.


Typically, the car would be valued around $80,000, according to several Lamborghini enthusiast websites. However, this car has been thoroughly restored outside and inside over two years. It has won multiple class trophies at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.


During the restoration process, the noted Lamborghini expert Valentino Balboni inspected this LP 400 on two occasions and a letter from him, attesting to the quality and accuracy of the restoration, is included in the history file.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase one of the finest examples on an LP400 Countach �Periscopo�, the initial version representing the clean, wild design statement of the definitive supercar of the 1970s and �80s.
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Jaguar observes 75-year anniversary by celebrating past, looking to the future

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making. We're also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we've completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars".


Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.

Mike O'Driscoll added: "The development of our new range of cars is all part of making Jaguar the modern, sporting company that it was under our founder Sir Williams Lyons � a company that made its name creating cars that were innovative, exciting and always original."


Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: "Jaguar design over the next 75 years must respect and reflect on the past 75 while continuing to push boundaries of technology, luxury and sporting style. Designing cars with a presence that demands a turn of the head and an allure that pulls at the heart has been central to the Jaguar brand throughout the years.

"A successful piece of design should stand the test of time, holding it's own through passing fashions. Jaguar has a range of cars that are as iconic today as they were when launched � testament to Jaguar's legacy in creating beautiful fast cars.

"Looking at the present with the XK, XF and all-new XJ and with an eye on the future, we will continue to innovate and set the benchmark, not only in automotive design, but in luxury premium design as a whole."


Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcycle sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.

The 'Jaguar' name was an ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car "was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive", a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all of the cars created from that point forward.


Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940s, was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period; the C Type and D Type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950s; the E-Type, launched in the heady 1960s, has been called the most beautiful car ever built and it defined a whole generation. Sports cars have always defined Jaguar, but the Company has also built some of the Industry's most memorable sedans, such as the Mark II in the early 1960's and the renowned XJ range.


During the year Jaguar will celebrate our 75th anniversary at some of the world's most glamorous automotive settings, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D'Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy. Jaguar is also returning to the racetrack with its new JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and will compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
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Video: Renault Launch 2010 Car the R30 and Confirm Petrov

Renault on Sunday presented Vitaly Petrov, Russia's first formula one driver, as the occupant of its second race seat for the 2010 season.


The new car is painted in a radical yellow and black livery, quite stunning and one that harks back to the old days of Renault F1 cars. it is a move away from the white and orange of the previous title sponsors ING and a clear move away from the sky blue liveries used when Renault were sponsored by Mild Seven.


The 25-year-old, who finished the GP2 championship in second place last year and who reportedly has a big sponsorship purse, helped his new teammate Robert Kubica pull the wraps off the R30 car in the Valencia pitlane.


Robert Kubica will be joined at the team, as expected but only confirmed today with Vitaly Petrov, a highly rated youngster who was runner up in the GP2 series last year. Petrov will be the first ever Russian Formula One driver.


Meanwhile, as was predicted, Jerome d'Ambrosio and Ho-Ping Tung were unveiled as the team's new non-race drivers for 2010, and former technical director and acting team boss Bob Bell is now managing director.

James Allison, who while Bell was team boss acted as technical director, now takes up that role full time.
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