Of all the overfender-equipped creations to have come out of the mind of Liberty Walk’s Wataru Kato, the car you are looking at is probably the most sedate.
That’s not to say the LBW Lamborghini Countach didn’t make an impact when it was first shown to the world at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. Quite the contrary. As much love as hate followed the unveiling – as it always does for any custom-widened collectable classic.
The Liberty Walk Countach could never have hit as hard as Kato-san’s fattened-up Ferrari F40 did last year. If you think about it, that would be an impossible feat. What the LBW Countach did do, however, is prove that wide-body conversions can be tasteful.
It’s all because of the starting point, as the 25th Anniversary Countach came fitted with overfenders from Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.
Penned by Horacio Pagani during his design stint at Lamborghini, the 25th Anniversary model took the late Marcello Gandini’s iconic Countach silhouette and put it through an intensive gym session. The result was pumped front and rear fenders, and protruding vents, spoilers and lips, which combined, turned the car into an almost caricature-like evolution of the base model.
Liberty Walk did the same – on top of the 25th Anniversary Countach redesign.
By emphasizing the overfender treatment, the LBW Countach is not only fatter, but it also has a Japanese bosozoku feel about it.
The wider, redefined and reprofiled fender flares join a squarer, more protruding bumper topped with a flat lip spoiler and a pair of canards.
But it’s out the back where things get really wild.
The massive rear wing is mounted on stays that sprout from underneath the car where the dramatic-looking diffuser attaches. An intricate exhaust system also hides there, shouting a V12 symphony through the four upturned tips.
Despite all this complexity, I think the rear end looks cleaner than that of the stock 25th Anniversary Countach. This is because the bumper section has been removed – much like the body-colored grille panel – and replaced by carbon fiber and the Toyo Tire branding.
The LBW kit is enhanced by air suspension, allowing the car to be dumped right to the ground for maximum effect.
Tagging along for the shoot was something familiar.
For 2024, Liberty Walk has wrapped its 2023 TAS show-stopper blue and slapped on a new set of wheels. The new coloring helps it stay relevant. Not that an F40 with rear overfenders could ever fade into the background.
It was the perfect car to accompany the new 2024 project.
The question must be asked: Which one does it for you? The F40?
…or the Countach?
It is a tough choice. Both cars hit hard and for different reasons. The F40 for upsetting the purists, and the Countach for doing the LBW overfender look so well.
Having the most talked about car of TAS 2024 at my disposal, I had to make use of Tokyo’s many iconic automotive backdrops for the shoot.
So before the LBW guys returned to Nagoya, we hit Ginza’s main shopping street.
The Countach looked right at home here. The perfect accessory to be showing off in one of Tokyo’s wealthiest districts.
Sitting a centimeter from the ground, it looked like aggression personified.
You have to hand it to Kato-san – he never fails at this game.
He does it year after year, show after show, to the point that you have to wonder what his next move will be.
If the rumor mill is correct, he could be going crazy on a genuine Lamborghini Miura next. If you recall, he previously modified a Miura kitcar, but perhaps the replica just didn’t cut it in his eyes. I wonder what Marcello Gandini would think about that…
Dino Dalle Carbonare
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dino@speedhunters.com
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A bit silly. Let's use cars of lesser heritage for design exercises. Having said that, they are fun to look at for the first 15 seconds. Is it worth altering a classic for this purpose? I am certainly not qualified to answer this question universally, still, those are my two cents.
I don't think build like this need to be discouraged. Tuning has always been a part of car culture, especially in Japan where everything seems to get touched regardless of price point.
imo the LBWK Countach is an interesting addition to the really small pool of tuned Countaches, and in 20 years we might look at the Countach's history and notice the "wildcard" car that was modified 30 years after production ended, along with maybe three more people who are crazy enough to purchase the kit LBWK sells for it.
I understand your point, and to be honest I'm not the biggest fan of tuned supercars either and would happily take an original LP400 Countach over an LBWK one. But the great thing about car culture is a diversity in expressing the passion.
I had a 87 4valve countash with euro front and rear. I think the Japanese version custom pimped out a great looking looking machine, which seems sad to me, nothing against resto mod but not body kits like like that on on a life time classic. Pimpmenot.
Since most would have bought these cars as a display of affluence you could argue their intended functions still live on in a way even if you are messing with their heritage?
I see your point, it makes sense by logic, but the whole reason they were worth displaying was their originality and heritage. Sure, we could draw a fat joint in Mona Lisa's mouth with a bright green spray can and call it still worth displaying - I just think there are more suited pieces (and cars) for this sort of exercise..
Using the Mona Lisa as an example in comparison is fine at first but then you realize there is only 1 original Mona Lisa. In Lamborghini's case, there are several Countache still in existence. There are 3 in their original fit and form here in Tulsa, Oklahoma believe it or not. While that's nice that there are 3 in my city I am not saying by any means that it is not a rare car. All of that blabbing aside what I am getting at is there are plenty of these cars in existence that are in fact staying true to their originality and heritage so a few LB works or whatever else comes down the pipeline is not really doing anything to ruin the cars heritage. I'd say far from it.
If there were only one of these cars left in the world then yes, it would be a bit much to messing with it. Since that is not the case, and nobody but rich people can own them anyway. I'd say the heritage isn't going to go away anytime soon(or ever).
rather than design exercise you could rather consider it an automotive publicity stunt
Now you make a good point! This car is fantastic marketing and an interesting exercise for sure....which proves my point: if the whole purpose is just to seek exposure through aesthetics, using a replica will achieve the exact same result. The only added bonus of using an original is generating conversation, so I rest my case: in the scheme of things, this purpose is probably not worth wasting a piece of history.
Interesting that you say using a replica will achieve the exact same result, but in the next sentence state that the using an original generates conversation. Conversation is by definition more exposure. So I feel like using an original in this case makes sense.
Lets be honest here. Everyone stopped caring a little bit about the Gullwing at SEMA in 2018 as soon as they realised it was a replica. I mean it was stunning but still....
Just playing devil's advocate, ultimately they are just machines. Some people buy things because they look cool. In which case, Liberty Walk are winning
You may want to reconsider what being the devil's advocate actually means...because thinking that preserving history and original pieces is important, definitely isn't it. I would argue that trying to rationalise everything into a simplistic scenario like you are doing, is far closer to being the devil's advocate. It's ok to be young, or ignorant, or simple minded, but pretending originality and history has zero value, means it's not really worth keeping the convo with you going, respectfully
The Countach looks like a Fiero based Countach kit.
Underrathed comment
Normally I don't like what this company makes, but from an aesthetic POV this is cool. Looks like a car from Akira or some crazy anime film.
I actually had the same thought about the kit being a bit tame, because the 25th Anniversary version already has flares from the factory. It's a bit like RWB: based on an existing design, but widen further, so it doesn't really look so "in your face".
Hello Dino, great article and outstanding pics!
I love the f40 because it is beautiful to begin with, although the widened front and rear overfenders grew on me fairly quickly...
With that being said, I think the Countach would've looked much better if they didn't opt for a diablo GT style front bumper, rather keep it racey but period-friendly, like how they did with the rear bumper delete and carbon panel.
This article makes me think that TAS needs a track day after the show similar to what SEMA has been doing for the past ~10 years.
That Countach and F40 Liberty Walk build is so sick
This is so damn cool you can't tell me otherwise
Kato-San is part of an ever-shrinking elite cadre of builders worldwide. The Countach here is really neat. My man Bonfiglio bought his first Countach which was wrecked around 2002 or 2003, the past owner was an elderly gentleman who lost control hydroplaning during a freak rainstorm in San Diego. That Countach wore tires extremely unevenly until Bonfiglio had a "reversing mishap" (common on old Lambos due to visibility issues) and he thereby bent the frame straight again by accident. Car has been trouble free for over twenty years now and still attracts attention from the ladies. Kato-San kudos to you for keeping the legend alive.
I can vouch for that. Here’s a shot I snapped of Bonfiglio, Rupert, and Frank after they all got done roasting hAtErz in the canyon. This is right after we all speed taped each others gooch sacks for extra downforce. (Iykyk)
Bonfiglio is the guy with the suds in his hair.
Really classy, stealing the spotlight of Mr. San's creations with your low-brow trolling. Doubt your vehicles have ever been featured on this websight, so you feel a jealous need to "Grab the Mic". I will investigate this, and you.
Yesss Frankie, because if there is one person who is a model of pure class it is definitely you. Here is a quote from you which shows your understanding temperament after you crashed your car:
Thank you for never having children!
Which one for me? While both are so well done I can only see myself in one. The Ferrari, listening to the engine as I’m driving.
As an F40 guy I have to go with the F40. Also the blue livery is just so hard, absolutely love it. It's a shame that the Countach was seemingly trailered instead of driven? Regardless, very sweet photos
Great shots! White and black cars are very hard to get good photos of; the details get lost in the exposure (or lack of) so you really have to plan it out. Very cool.
These cars are supposed to be driven hard. They give infinity space for earning driving skills, especially F40. These cars are history with their unique Italian look and feel of the epoch. Sitting 1cm from the ground is not about "aggression"; it is about bad driving quality, bouncy dumpers, shaky steering wheel, and, as a result, maximum speed under 30 mph. The style is not about dull purists vs modern brave creators. It is possible to create unique things by just following the lines of history. These cars are hype. I'm sure they gave a lot of money with all the virus attention that they have (and deserve). But also, I'm sure that in 5 years, we will see an article here with sad photos of the cars sitting dusty on an underground parking lot and a title like "Forgotten Instagram Heroes." Because this is hype and a result of today's fame, it was not worth doing it in a long-term perspective. An original Countach could look too familiar and boring to a 15-year-old, but it will be as good as in 1976 in 2035, with dents and scratches, 15" wheels, and the ability to be driven hard, with attitude and the skills applied.
Well said. Important to remember journalists aren’t hardcore drivers or enthusiasts. They do what get clicks. They probably get paid to feature this stuff.
They are corny builds are pretty stupid but that’s most road car stuff / time attack / drifting. A lot of the guys writing for this publication have never put an engine together or driven competitively.
Take it for what it is. This is what the industry has become in the last 15-20 years. It’s pretty stupid and all about the newest hype or trend.
"Forgotten Instagram Heroes." Would love to read that article in 5 years!
insane photography. looks otherworldly
Countach is my pick out of these two. would prefer a stock F40 but glad to see people are not afraid to modify them
I love them both but Countach is somehow more appealing, carries the bodykit better.
But the lego interior of countach is wack. I wish they did full custom on it.
When you realize you are mostly IN the car, it has to be a nice comfy place. I prefer curves but the lego angles go well with outside.
Still maybe something coudlve been done.
Purist can ride horses if they are so adamant.
Its all about experimentation and creativity.
I know it's not registered so it would be an impossibility, but i'd love to see the Countach in some rolling shots at some point in the future. I feel like it would look even better then inch or so off the ground it'll be at driving height rather than aired out,