James May finds his dream supercar in Jay Leno’s Garage
James May took a nostalgic trip to Jay Leno’s garage to reconnect with a car that defined his youth—the striking red Lamborghini Countach LP 500 Quattrovalvole. Known for its dramatic wedge shape and scissor doors, the Countach was a poster icon for many teenagers longing for speed and style in the 1970s and eighties.
James reflected on the car’s complex history, noting that production spanned from 1974 to 1990, with numerous iterations evolving the original pure 70s design. Early models featured unique touches like a periscope to aid the notoriously poor rear visibility. Over time, flared wheel arches and other styling flourishes gave the Countach a more aggressive presence.
However, James was candid about the driving experience. The Countach feels cramped, with little headroom and tight foot space drivers often need to remove shoes to fit comfortably. The steering wheel sits uncomfortably low, nearly at knee level. Controls remain primitive, with manual window winders and notoriously tricky door mechanisms that can leave occupants trapped if the engine stalls.
Maintenance reveals the car’s Italian heritage. James shared stories of an electrical fault that required factory-level expertise to fix, highlighting the challenges of ownership. Still, the Countach’s mechanical robustness shines through, with many owners racking up tens of thousands of miles if driven properly.
James noted the car’s accelerating rarity and soaring value, now worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, turning it from a youthful fantasy to a prized collector’s artifact. Its iconic styling contrasts with the Ferrari F40 and Lamborghini Miura, where May saw the Miura’s aesthetic as more timeless.
Despite its flaws, the Countach’s bold and unmistakable design continues to captivate enthusiasts. For James, it remains a dream car symbolizing a golden era of supercar mythology unforgiving but utterly compelling.
The visit ended with reflections on Jay Leno’s extensive garage and a lighthearted moment remembering how to open the Countach’s famously awkward doors.
