By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist, and by Brian Snelson, Lamborghini Countach, https://www.flickr.com/photos/exfordy/2556500311, CC BY 2.0.

The Lamborghini Countach is without question the most quintessential poster car ever built. It’s outlandish, unlike anything else on the road ever, and of course blisteringly quick as equipped with 3.9, 4.8 and 5.2-liter V12s.

The Countach had actually reached the end of its 16-year production run by the time I was aware of cars, but its impact was all the same. From Cannonball Run (1981) to those ’80s era posters every car-crazed youth treasured, I knew the Countach was a halo car before I’d ever even driven a car. In fact, my dad had this partially completed 1/16-scale model of a Countach that likely dated back to the late ’80s, and my brother and I would open the box just to ogle at it, knowing full-well we weren’t permitted to touch it.

It’s collective memories like these, and the Countach’s measurable impact on global culture, that gives the car its iconic status to this day. And most often, cultural icons receive a fitting price tag, and the Countach is no exception. $389,500, $525,000 and $995,000; those are the advertised prices of just a few Countachs out there, while the majority are listed as “auction,” or “inquire.”

So the Countach is out of reach for us mere mortals, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future — but I guess there’s always the lottery. In the meantime though, is it possible for a convincing replica to scratch the itch? Surely, but what about a cheap one like this crusty Craigslist Countach in Buffalo?

Things are looking bleak at the onset, with super faded upholstery, some clear paint issues and of course, the $12,000 price tag. Tall grass surrounding the car and a tarp peeled back on the ground indicates lengthily outdoor storage, along with the faded finish on the wheels.

But after scanning this scuzzy supercar for a few seconds, I actually think there’s a decent car here. For one, its appearance is actually pretty convincing, much more so than many replicas we see of this nature, and I’d actually say it looks pretty good from a distance. Now obviously, you’ll note some flaws up close, but keep in mind that this faux exotic hits the scales at the price of a secondhand mini van.

I’m also getting the impression that whoever built this car actually took their time and did it right. Look at the door cards, inner upholstery and seat belts — definitely better than most, and also see that mirrors, side markers and a windshield wiper were all installed. Sure we take those things for granted on modern replicas, they’re not always equipped on projects like this one. So I’ll say it again, I really think this car was pretty damn nice at one time.

For the price, we’d also expect to find an anticlimactic donor under the skin, but the car’s mechanical credentials are confidence inspiring. All we’re told is that a ’72 Corvette 350 ci engine and ’72 Porsche transaxle were used, but that has us more excited than say a THM425 automatic.

I’m not sure where to fall on many Countach replicas, but the more I look at this one, the more I’m into it. Certainly this has to be about the best replica out there right now for the money, and even if this Countach copy doesn’t get you going, I’m sure you’ll agree with that.

Check out the ad here on Buffalo Craigslist and let us know what you think in the comments below.