The best selling poster of my teen years was probably the hint-o-nipple Farrah Fawcett-Majors followed closely by the luminous Cheryl Tiegs. But right behind those two, it was probably any number of posters featuring the Lamborghini Countach 5000S, scissor doors in the up position (nothing implied there ya think?) with some comely bikini clad model stepping out of it.

The Countach (which, roughly translated, is slang for what most heterosexual men would fantasize doing with said model) is a ripped bicep of a car. While the Countach started out as the relatively demure LP400, fourteen years on the body by Bertone evolved to be as straightforwardly sexual as any car in history and the V-12 engine was said to be able to provide a top speed of 200 mph (but no test validated that lofty claim). You see, Automobili Lamborghini has never been about racing or luxury, it’s the power and speed that’s the thing. This model by Auto art celebrates those hallmarks. I’ve also reviewed the Kyosho model of the same car and encourage you to compare the two – while both models are fabulous, they are very different takes on a legendary car.

The AUTO art model is drenched in obsidian lacquered black – which is a nice option for this car particularly if you find the car’s shape irresistible but don’t wish all the vents and airfoils to distract you. I did experience some rub spots that were probably incurred trying to free the model from some overly enthusiastically tightened set screws, but these blemishes buffed right out.

Detail is excellent. For example, realistic screens are mounted for the front brake ducts and rear vents. Badging is enameled. The opening front boot has spectacular detail of the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system. The ivory interior is captured perfectly – AUTO art wisely modeled it with custom red pinstring.

The Lamborghini specific features you are looking for are well executed: Scissor doors open crisply and are secured by a push button latch embedded in the cove for the door handle. This should prevent potential sag over time. Headlights pop-up when a button on the chassis is depressed. The trunk (for what it’s worth) stays open, and the louvered engine compartment has a realistic prop to hold it open as long as you want to gaze at that fully wired engine. Smartly exectued badging, insignias (and the Countach license plate) make the graphic elements pop.

Setting the car down, the stance seems a bit high. The aspect on the windshield seems slightly more angular than it should be. However, score one for AUTO art for getting the tires right. The Pirelli P7’s were a key ingredient in translating this monster’s torque to the pavement and AA has them complete with extruded lettering. The rear flanks on the AUTO art model are chunkier – modifications necessary to accommodate the massive P7 rubber.

Overall a satisfying model of a stunning subject - even sans bikini clad women. I did review Kyosho's model of a similar model and you may find comparing the two(especially their photo sets) helpful if you are trying to decide between the two.

Now if I could only get Carol Alt to pose with it…