The front wing of the Lamborghini Countach in the film 'Driving Horses' is a detail that has raised many questions. Although it messed up its original design, it had a very specific reason for being.
The Lamborghini Countach in 'The Crazy Drivers'
'The Fools at the Wheel' is one of the most important automobile cult films in cinema. Released on June 19, 1981, this film features a 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S, famous for its spectacular police chase in the opening scene.
The legendary chase scene
The film begins with an iconic scene where a black Lamborghini Countach tries to escape from a police car. This Countach had a front spoiler which, although modifying its harmonious design, served a very specific function.
The origin of the car
The Countach in the film was manufactured in November 1979 and sent to the SEA dealership in Rome before being sold in the United States. Ultimately, it fell into the hands of a friend of the director, which explains its presence in the film.
Modifications of the Countach
The Lamborghini Countach featured in 'The Crazy Wheels' not only had a front spoiler, but it was also modified with several additional elements.
Change details
Among the modifications, the car featured two headlights on the nose, three antennas, 12 exhaust pipes at the rear and two fake instruments in front of the passenger seat. These modifications made the car even more remarkable on screen.
Safety regulations
The main reason for the front spoiler was a regulation by NHTSA, the US highway safety agency, which prohibited headlights from being placed too low. This regulation required that the headlights could not break during an impact at less than 7 km/h, such as during parking maneuvers.
The need for the front wing
To comply with these regulations and be able to sell the Countach in the United States, Lamborghini had to add the front spoiler. This adaptation was necessary to protect the headlights and ensure that the car met American safety standards.
Impact on design
Although the front spoiler altered the Countach's original design, its incorporation was crucial to marketing the car in the American market. Without this spoiler, the Countach would not have been able to comply with the safety regulations in force at the time.
Later versions
Subsequently, Lamborghini introduced even more unsightly versions of the Countach, with modified front bumpers, to comply with regulations in other markets. These adaptations, although functional, significantly affected the aesthetics of the vehicle.
The Countach in popular culture
The Lamborghini Countach from 'Driving Crazy' has become an icon of automotive and American culture, with memorable scenes that remain etched in the memories of car enthusiasts.
Iconic scenes
One of the most memorable scenes is the initial police chase, where the Countach's naturally aspirated V12 engine adds an unforgettable soundtrack. Another notable scene is when Tara Buckman stops to paint an 'X' on a speed limit sign.
On file at the Library of Congress
Such was the influence of this film and the Countach that it became one of the few cars 'registered' in the United States Library of Congress, solidifying its place in film and music history. automobile.
The front wing of the Lamborghini Countach in 'The Fools', although aesthetically questionable, was a necessary adaptation to comply with safety regulations of the time, thus allowing this iconic car to leave an indelible mark on the popular culture.
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