Lamborghini marks 45th anniversary of Countach from ‘The Cannonball Run’ – and it’s sexier than ever

  • Lamborghini is celebrating one particular Countach LP 400 S
  • It starred in the 1981 comedy movie, ‘The Cannonball Run’
  • And it turns 45 this year

Published on Jun 20, 2024 at 7:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Jun 26, 2024 at 3:54 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

If you remember the drop of the iconic 1981 comedy movie, The Cannonball Run, you might just recall the Lamborghini Countach that starred – and it just turned 45 years old.

In 2021, the Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S became one of just 30 cars considered to be of ‘national importance’ to the US. 

And as it turned 45 yesterday (June 19), actors Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman were reunited for the first time since the movie’s release.

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The accolades of the iconic Lamborghini Countach

Italian sports car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini, was behind the instantly recognizable 1979 model, chassis number #1121112.

It was recognized by the Hagerty Drivers Foundation on the 40th anniversary for its significant role in pop culture.

The foundation also oversees the National Historic Vehicle Register and decided to add the Lamborghini Countach to the list of 29 other vehicles considered important for the history of the US.

Its role in The Cannonball Run

It’s arguable that appearing from the three-minute mark of The Cannonball Run, the Lamborghini Countach was actually the main character.

Plus the V12 and six carburetors sitting beneath the hood are a vital part of the film’s soundtrack.

There was also an iconic Lamborghini Countach in Wolf of Wall Street, which this year had a bid of $1.35 million at auction but didn’t sell.

Barbeau and Buckman, who played Marcie Thatcher and Jill Rivers, respectively, said in a recent interview that neither had driven or even seen a sports car made by Lamborghini before filming commenced.

And Lamborghini posted about it on their Instagram account.

“I immediately thought it was beautiful, simply beautiful, and it still is,” Barbeau admitted.

“We had the best car and it was definitely the most beautiful of all,” Buckman added., who was Jill Rivers in the movie.

“I think that the Countach has the look of a winner, none of the others could have won,” Barbeau said.

“They were not in its league. And then the opening scene, with that soundtrack and the sight of the Countach racing along and playing hide-and-seek with the police car. Only the Countach could achieve an effect like that,” she continued.

From more recent cinematic history, the Jaguar C-X75 that featured in the 2015 James Bond film Spectre was finally made road-legal earlier this year.

What’s more, you can check out one of only three BMW iL kitted out for James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies.

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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.