Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S (#58005)

Released in September 1979, the Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S (#58005) was the fifth model in Tamiya’s lineup and the company’s first foray into the world of replicas. This model brought the bold and futuristic design of the Lamborghini Countach into the RC hobby, combining scale realism with cutting-edge 1970s RC technology.

The Real-Life Inspiration

The Lamborghini Countach LP500S, also known as the Countach 5000, was one of the most iconic supercars of the late 20th century. Introduced in 1974 and refined over the years, the Countach became synonymous with exotic car design, thanks to its wedge-shaped body, scissor doors, and wide stance. The LP500S variant, launched in 1982, was powered by a 5.0L V12 engine, delivering unmatched performance for its time.

Tamiya’s model faithfully captured the essence of the Countach, making it a must-have for enthusiasts who admired the supercar’s groundbreaking design.

Key Features of the Tamiya Model

Scale and Body

  • Scale: /12.
  • Body Material: Hard ABS plastic for durability and highly detailed .
  • Design Details:
    • Accurately replicated the Countach’s wedge-shaped profile, flared wheel arches, and rear-mounted wing.
    • Included molded details such as air intakes, pop-up headlights, and taillight clusters.

Chassis Design

  • Material:
    • Built on a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) double-deck chassis, ensuring durability and rigidity.
  • Layout:
    • The mid-mounted motor layout mimicked the real Countach’s rear-engine design, offering balanced weight distribution.

Suspension

  • Torsion-Bar System:
    • Equipped with torsion bars on both the front and rear axles, providing smooth suspension travel and improved handling on flat surfaces.

Drivetrain

  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD):
    • Power was delivered to the rear wheels, emulating the real car’s drivetrain layout.
  • Motor:
    • Powered by a Mabuchi RS-540 motor, which provided ample speed for on-road driving.
  • Gearbox:
    • The enclosed gear system protected components from dirt and debris, ensuring .

Wheels and Tires

  • Wheels:
    • Chrome-plated plastic wheels that replicated the Countach’s iconic five-hole rims.
  • Tires:
    • Low-profile rubber tires for scale realism and grip on smooth surfaces.
    • Wide rear tires enhanced traction and stability during acceleration.

Electronics

Radio System

  • Designed for use with a 2-channel analog RC system:
    • Channel 1: Controlled the steering servo.
    • Channel 2: Operated the throttle/brake via a mechanical speed controller (MSC).

Battery

  • Powered by a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack, positioned centrally for balanced weight distribution.

Performance Characteristics

  • Speed:
    • Achieved a top speed of approximately 20–25 km/h, depending on motor tuning and battery performance.
  • Handling:
    • The rear-wheel-drive setup, combined with torsion-bar suspension, provided realistic handling and stability for on-road use.
  • Durability:
    • The FRP chassis was sturdy and resilient, but the ABS plastic body required careful driving to avoid cracks.

and

  • Kit Form:
    • Like most Tamiya RC models of the era, the Countach LP500S was sold as an unassembled kit, encouraging hobbyists to enjoy the building process.
  • Customization:
    • The body could be painted in the Countach’s signature colors, including red, white, and black.
    • Decals included Lamborghini emblems and details to enhance scale accuracy.

Specifications

FeatureDetails
Scale1/12
LengthApprox. 360 mm
WidthApprox. 165 mm
Wheelbase210 mm
WeightApprox. 1.2 kg (without battery)
Drive SystemRear-Wheel Drive (2WD)
MotorMabuchi RS-540
Top SpeedApprox. 20–25 km/h
SuspensionTorsion-Bar
Body MaterialABS Plastic
Chassis MaterialFiberglass Reinforced Plastic

Historical Significance

  1. First Tamiya Supercar RC Model:
    • The Countach LP500S was Tamiya’s first RC model based on a supercar, marking a new direction for their lineup.
  2. Scale Realism:
    • Its faithful reproduction of Lamborghini’s groundbreaking design showcased Tamiya’s commitment to .
  3. Collector’s Item:
    • Original kits in mint condition are highly sought after and command high prices among collectors.

Legacy and Re-Releases

Although the original Countach LP500S (#58005) has not been re-released, Tamiya has paid homage to the Countach with newer models:

  1. Lamborghini Countach LP500S (#58573):
    • A 1/10 scale model released in 2014, based on the TT-02 chassis.
  2. Countach LP400 (#57802):
    • A smaller-scale model with modern performance upgrades.

1. Chassis Design

Material and Structure

  • Material:
    • The chassis was constructed from Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), offering strength and rigidity with a lightweight design.
  • Structure:
    • Double-Deck Configuration:
      • The upper deck supported the steering mechanism, electronics, and front suspension.
      • The lower deck housed the drivetrain, rear suspension, and battery, maintaining a low center of gravity for stability.
    • The chassis was flat and wide, mirroring the Countach’s sleek, low-slung profile.

Weight Distribution

  • The motor and battery pack were centrally aligned, optimizing balance and rear-wheel traction, a crucial feature for the 2WD setup.

2. Suspension System

Torsion-Bar Suspension

  • The torsion-bar suspension system was a highlight of the Lamborghini Countach LP500S model:
    • Front Suspension:
      • Independent swing arms with torsion bars connected to the chassis.
      • This system allowed for smooth suspension travel, improving grip during cornering and over uneven surfaces.
    • Rear Suspension:
      • The rear torsion bars were stiffer to handle the torque generated by the motor and maintain stability during acceleration.

:

  • The torsion-bar design provided realistic damping for smooth on-road surfaces.
  • Allowed for adjustability, enabling hobbyists to fine-tune suspension stiffness to match driving conditions or personal preferences.

3. Drivetrain

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

  • Power was delivered exclusively to the two rear wheels, replicating the drivetrain layout of the actual Lamborghini Countach LP500S.

Transmission System

  • Gearbox:
    • Fully enclosed to protect the gears from dirt and debris, ensuring durability and consistent performance.
  • Gearing Options:
    • Adjustable gear ratios allowed users to modify the car’s balance between top speed and torque, depending on the driving surface and battery.

Motor:

  • Equipped with a Mabuchi RS-540 brushed motor, which was standard for at the time.
    • Performance:
      • Delivered reliable torque and acceleration for a top speed of approximately 20–25 km/h.
      • The motor placement at the rear provided authentic handling characteristics, similar to the real Countach’s rear-mid-engine setup.

4. Wheels and Tires

Wheel Design

  • Chrome-plated five-hole Lamborghini-style rims, accurately replicating the iconic wheels of the Countach.

Tires

  • Rubber Racing Slicks:
    • Low-profile, wide tires provided optimal traction on smooth, hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
  • Front and Rear Tires:
    • The rear tires were wider than the front, replicating the staggered configuration of the real Countach and improving rear grip under acceleration.

5. Electronics

Radio Control System

  • Designed for 2-channel analog radio systems:
    • Channel 1: Controlled the steering servo for directional control.
    • Channel 2: Operated the mechanical speed controller (MSC), which adjusted throttle and braking.

Mechanical Speed Controller (MSC)

  • The MSC provided three-step speed control, with manual adjustment of the throttle.
  • While simple, it allowed for effective speed management on a variety of surfaces.

Power Source

  • Battery Pack:
    • Required a 6V Ni-Cd battery, housed securely in the chassis for stability.
    • Typical runtime was 10–15 minutes, depending on driving conditions and motor tuning.
  • Receiver and Servos:
    • Positioned centrally to protect against damage and ensure optimal weight distribution.

6. Body Design

Material

  • ABS Plastic:
    • Provided durability while allowing for fine detailing.
    • The hard shell added realism but required careful driving to avoid cracks or damage.

Detailing

  • The body replicated the Lamborghini Countach LP500S with impressive accuracy:
    • Aerodynamic Shape: Wedge-shaped design with sharp lines.
    • Rear Wing: Molded rear spoiler for added realism.
    • Pop-Up Headlights: Included molded headlight details to replicate the Countach’s distinctive front-end design.
    • Air Intakes: Realistic side and rear intakes enhanced the scale look.

Customization

  • The body was provided unpainted, allowing hobbyists to paint it in the Countach’s signature colors (red, white, black, or custom schemes).
  • Decals:
    • Lamborghini emblems and other details were included to enhance the scale appearance.

7. Steering System

  • Mechanism:
    • The front wheels were steered via a single servo, providing reliable directional control.
  • Adjustability:
    • Toe angle could be adjusted manually for fine-tuning steering precision.
  • Realistic Handling:
    • The rear-wheel-drive system, combined with wide rear tires and front steering, gave the model a natural oversteer characteristic, replicating the driving dynamics of a real Countach.

8. Performance Characteristics

Top Speed

  • Achieved a maximum speed of 20–25 km/h, depending on motor tuning and battery performance.

Handling

  • The combination of rear-wheel drive, torsion-bar suspension, and wide rear tires made the car stable during straight-line driving and predictable in corners.

Durability

  • The FRP chassis was robust and could handle minor impacts, but the ABS plastic body required careful handling to avoid damage during high-speed crashes.

9. Assembly and Build Process

  • Kit Form:
    • The Countach LP500S came as an unassembled kit, allowing hobbyists to enjoy the process of building their car.
  • Build Time:
    • Assembly typically took several hours, depending on skill level.
  • Customization:
    • Builders could adjust suspension stiffness, gear ratios, and paint schemes to create a personalized model.

Specifications Summary

FeatureDetails
Scale1/12
LengthApprox. 360 mm
WidthApprox. 165 mm
Wheelbase210 mm
WeightApprox. 1.2 kg (without battery)
Drive SystemRear-Wheel Drive (2WD)
MotorMabuchi RS-540
Top SpeedApprox. 20–25 km/h
SuspensionTorsion-Bar
Body MaterialABS Plastic
Chassis MaterialFiberglass Reinforced Plastic

Legacy

The Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S (#58005) remains a historic model in Tamiya’s lineup, blending iconic supercar aesthetics with innovative RC engineering. It set a standard for scale realism and became a must-have for enthusiasts of both RC cars and Lamborghini vehicles.

Conclusion

The Tamiya Lamborghini Countach LP500S (#58005) was a groundbreaking release that brought the exotic world of supercars into the RC hobby. With its striking design, realistic details, and reliable performance, the Countach LP500S remains a treasured model in Tamiya’s history and a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.

Related Posts

Tamiya Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001) Tamiya vs. Other Model Brands: A Detailed Comparison Tamiya Toyota Hilux 4×4 (#58028)