Bizarre Sports Car: Lamborghini Countach

One of the most recognizeable sports cars would be the famed Lamborghini Countach designed by Marcello Gandini. The car was in production from 1974-1990 during which the car gained a massive fan appeal.

The term Countach was derived from the romantic Piedmontese language as an idiomatic expression of astonishment: usually after seeing a stunningly beautiful woman. The car lived up to its name with teenage boys and young men salivating at the sight of the Countach as they would at the sight of their favorite actress or centerfold. And indeed, the Countach was like any famous hot woman since it had its own poster selling ridiculously well.

Perhaps it was the outrageous looks that brought the car so much attention and of course, its bizarre appeal. With flat edges, sharp angles and trapezoidal features, the car was a bold statement, distinctively unique and apart from everything else. And that boldness gave the car its aesthetic value despite its extremely unnatural design.

Unfortunately, the Countach only looked good if it remained an illusion. In a sense, the car could be likened to the experience of being disappointed after meeting your favorite star: the moment when you realize that the star is nothing more than just a mere mortal.

Upon seeing the Countach first hand, it becomes easy to realize how utterly average the car truly is. The space inside the car would be uncomfortable for anyone over the age of 10. A stiff neck, and a sore back should be expected if you decide to take the car out on a cross-country joy ride as you are probably trying to boast to everyone that you have a 'Lambo'. Unfortunately, you would probably also have strained arms and a strained left leg by the end of the trip since the steering is unimaginably heavy and the clutch is notoriously hard.

Then there is the issue of the lack of rear visibility: or the absence of it. The only way to park a car in reverse is to open the door and sit on the sill so that you could look back.

Something as foolishly complicated as that could be easily forgivable if the car's design drastically improved its performance. But it doesn't since the car's exterior design is hardly aerodynamic.

In short, the Countach is really useless as a car. Buying it would probably result to the worst case of disillusionment. At first you'd be happy that you were finally able to get the car of your dreams. And then, you'd feel depressed that you were actually stupid enough to splurge so much money on such a car.

As a product, buying a Countach isn't advisable since you can get great looking cars that are more practical for a lot less.

But then again, it is still undeniably a classic. And it is a classic all because of its looks that spawn a strong sentiment of individuality.

And since the whole gist of the car is based on its looks, there is no point in buying it. It is really meant to be seen and admired, nothing more. Having it will only spoil the romantic aura that is the Countach.

As such, the Countach is probably the only classic sports car that is at its best when it is not bought. And because of its strange dilemma, it truly is bizarre.