IT'S been 50 years since Lamborghini introduced the Countach, a car that not only revolutionized the world of supercars but also became an enduring icon. Production began in March 1974 at Lamborghini's factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, where it stayed on the market for an impressive 16 years. The Countach was the first Lamborghini to have its bodywork and interiors crafted entirely in-house — a groundbreaking move at the time and one that continues to shape Lamborghini's approach to making cars up to this day. To celebrate this milestone, Lamborghini brought the very first Countach LP 400 back to the production line for a special photo shoot, alongside its modern-day counterpart, the Lamborghini Revuelto. To mark the occasion, the brand also shared some rare, never-before-seen images from its archives. "We're proud to still be producing our supercars where the Countach was born," said Ranieri Niccoli, Lamborghini chief manufacturing officer. "While so much has changed in how we build cars, the attention to detail that started with the Countach is still at the heart of everything we do today." Changing Lamborghini forever When Lamborghini first showed the Countach LP 500 prototype at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971, it was met with instant acclaim. The decision to turn it into a production car was a no-brainer. After three years of development and testing, the production model — the LP 400 — was ready. But it wasn't just the car that was revolutionary. For the first time in Lamborghini's history, the company decided to bring bodywork production in-house, ending its reliance on outside coachbuilders. This move had a huge impact, helping Lamborghini grow and take more control over the design and manufacturing process. Where it all began The original Lamborghini factory, built in the 1960s, covered just 12,000 square meters and included space for engine production, testing and assembly. By 1968, the factory expanded by another 3,500 square meters to keep up with demand. Today, the factory is much larger — spanning 346,000 square meters — but the area where the Countach was assembled, known as the No.1 Assembly Line, still stands. It's where Lamborghini now produces the Revuelto, their cutting-edge 12-cylinder hybrid. Back in the day, assembling a Countach was a hands-on process. Body panels were shaped manually and checked against wooden templates before getting welded and fitted. Every part was slightly unique due to the handcrafting process. The Lamborghini Upholstery Department, which started by partnering with outside suppliers, eventually became fully autonomous, handling everything from leather upholstery to custom stitching. That level of personalization continues today through Lamborghini's Ad Personam program, allowing clients to create one-of-a-kind cars. Countach to Revuelto: A shared legacy Separated by 50 years, the Countach and Revuelto share more than just the same production line. Both feature Lamborghini's iconic 12-cylinder rear engine layout, positioned lengthwise in the car. And, of course, both have the signature scissor doors that debuted on the Countach and became a hallmark of Lamborghini's V12 models. Even stylistically, there's continuity. The subtle "Countach line" — a visual curve that runs from the front fender to the rear spoiler — can still be seen in today's designs. The Countach's enduring impact The original Countach LP 400, produced from 1974 to 1978, was the start of a revolution, with just 152 units made. Over the years, new versions like the LP 400 S and the 5000 S added enhancements like low-profile tires and a more powerful 4.8-liter engine. By the time Lamborghini released the Countach Quattrovalvole in 1985, with its 5.2-liter engine and distinctive hood design, the car had become a global sensation. The final model, the 25th Anniversary edition (1988-1990), celebrated Lamborghini's milestone anniversary with new aerodynamics and carbon fiber panels. In total, 1,999 Countach models were built over its 16-year run, making it a rare but highly influential car. It became a pop culture phenomenon, appearing in countless movies and posters, and helping Lamborghini cement its reputation as a leader in the supercar world. As Lamborghini celebrates 50 years of the Countach, the company reflects on a car that not only transformed the Lamborghini brand but also left a lasting legacy in the automotive world — a legacy that continues today with the same passion and craftsmanship.