CAR Magazine – January 1978 – Lamborghini Countach S – Classic Motoring

Original January 1978 edition of CAR Magazine, featuring a striking Lamborghini Countach cover photograph and a major article examining the remarkable Countach S.

This vintage British motoring publication captures an important period in automotive history, when manufacturers were experimenting with increasingly dramatic supercar styling, advanced engineering and new approaches to everyday motoring.

The magazine's main cover headline reads:

"Stand Back – It's Lamborghini's Even Wilder Countach!"

With the accompanying caption:

"At corners at 180mph – we know, we've tried it."

The cover photograph shows a bright red Lamborghini Countach parked on a street, surrounded by a group of onlookers admiring the car.

The Countach's unmistakable wedge-shaped bodywork, low nose, angular front panels, recessed headlamp arrangement and dramatic proportions dominate the photograph.

The image captures the extraordinary visual impact of Lamborghini's flagship supercar during the late 1970s.

An interesting original publication for collectors of Lamborghini memorabilia, vintage automotive journalism, Italian supercars and classic motoring magazines.

Main Feature – Lamborghini Countach S

Page 30 – Countach S

The principal attraction of this issue is a feature examining Lamborghini's sensational Countach and the development of the Countach S.

The contents page describes the earlier Countach as remarkable before introducing an even more dramatic version.

The article is credited to motoring journalist Mel Nichols.

The Lamborghini Countach became one of the defining supercars of the 1970s and 1980s, famous for its futuristic styling, mid-mounted V12 engine and distinctive wedge-shaped body.

The magazine's cover photograph is especially appealing because it shows the car in an everyday street setting, surrounded by people rather than photographed in a studio.

The bright red Lamborghini is positioned diagonally across the image, emphasising its extremely low front end, broad body and angular styling.

The period photograph also shows the reaction of several onlookers standing behind the vehicle, providing an interesting glimpse of how extraordinary the Countach appeared when new.

The cover's reference to high-speed cornering reflects CAR Magazine's enthusiastic and often adventurous approach to performance-car journalism.

An excellent period feature for enthusiasts of the Lamborghini Countach, classic Italian supercars, 1970s performance vehicles and Marcello Gandini's automotive design.

Additional Magazine Features

The photographed contents page confirms a varied selection of road tests, automotive commentary, manufacturer reports and technical features.

Page 22 – The Volkswagen Miracle

An article examining Volkswagen's remarkable recovery and transformation.

The contents describe how the German manufacturer moved from serious financial difficulties towards commercial success, with reference to its expanding range of vehicles.

An interesting contemporary examination of Volkswagen during the period following the introduction of important models such as the Golf and Passat.

Page 26 – Newcomers

A selection of contemporary new-car reports, including:

Alfa Romeo's New 2.6-Litre V6

Coverage of Alfa Romeo's developing V6 engine technology during the late 1970s.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Discussion of the new Giulietta, an important compact executive model within Alfa Romeo's range.

Subaru

A look at Subaru's contemporary automotive offerings.

Lada Niva

Coverage of the rugged four-wheel-drive Lada Niva, a distinctive vehicle introduced during the late 1970s.

These articles provide an interesting overview of the international motor industry in 1978.

Page 37 – The Magic of Modena

An article examining how northern Italy had become one of the world's most important centres for specialist sports-car manufacturing.

The feature considers the extraordinary concentration of performance-car manufacturers and engineering expertise in the Modena region.

Particularly interesting for enthusiasts of Italian automotive history and manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

Page 38 – Now Hear This!

A commentary feature discussing the growing popularity of CB radio equipment and questioning whether Britain needed to embrace the trend.

An interesting example of period motoring culture and the technologies attracting attention in the late 1970s.

Page 40 – Giant Test

Alfasud 1300 Ti vs Fiat 128 3P vs Renault 5 TS vs Peugeot 104 ZS

A substantial comparative road test examining four European small cars.

The test brings together a selection of vehicles representing different approaches to compact-car engineering, handling, practicality and performance.

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud 1300 Ti offers the distinctive driving character associated with Alfa Romeo.

The Fiat 128 3P represents Fiat's practical and sporting hatchback design.

The Renault 5 TS reflects the growing popularity of compact French hatchbacks.

The Peugeot 104 ZS adds another sporting interpretation of the European small-car formula.

This comparison is particularly appealing to collectors interested in classic hatchbacks, European road tests and original 1970s automotive reviews.

Page 46 – Ah, Show!

A report examining the Tokyo Motor Show and the increasing influence of Japanese car manufacturers.

The article reflects the period when Japanese manufacturers were becoming increasingly important competitors in international automotive markets.

Page 48 – A Tale of Three Renaults

A feature by Mel Nichols examining a selection of Renault vehicles.

The contents describe the article as exploring an unusual French combination.

An interesting contemporary assessment of Renault engineering and design.

Page 50 – Time On Your Hands

A technical feature by Steve Sturgess examining automotive timing systems.

The article contributes to the magazine's wider coverage of mechanical engineering and vehicle technology.

Page 57 – Phantom Corsair

An article by Marc Madow examining the remarkable Phantom Corsair.

The Phantom Corsair was an extraordinary streamlined American prototype from the late 1930s, remembered for its futuristic appearance and unconventional design.

The article is described as exploring the end of a dream.

An interesting historical feature for collectors of unusual concept cars, aerodynamic design and automotive history.

Regular Editorial Sections

The contents page also identifies several regular features and columns.

Page 5 – Sir!

The magazine's readers' letters and opinions section.

Page 8 – Frontline

Contributions from Ian Fraser, LJK Setright and George Bishop.

Page 14 – Oracle

Automotive commentary and reports involving George Kacher, Giancarlo Perini, Pierre Beauregard, Bill Taylor, Gunnar Elmgren and others.

These sections reflect the distinctive editorial style of CAR Magazine, combining informed technical discussion, motoring opinions and international industry coverage.

Original 1970s Automotive Photography

One of the strongest attractions of this issue is its original period cover artwork.

The Lamborghini Countach is photographed in bright red against an urban background, with a group of people gathered behind the vehicle.

The cover composition emphasises the car's dramatic styling and the public fascination surrounding exotic Italian supercars.

The magazine retains its original CAR masthead, printed in metallic-style lettering above the photograph.

The headline typography is bold and characteristic of British motoring magazines from the late 1970s.

Inside, the photographed contents page uses a comparatively simple editorial layout, with article titles arranged centrally and a strip of smaller black-and-white photographs along the bottom.

The interior photographs reference several of the magazine's features, including the Lamborghini Countach, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo and Phantom Corsair.

These original design elements make the magazine an appealing piece of automotive publishing history.

Historical and Collector Interest

Published in January 1978, this issue represents a particularly interesting period in the development of European motoring.

The Lamborghini Countach was establishing itself as one of the world's most recognisable supercars.

Volkswagen was developing a new generation of successful vehicles following the Beetle era.

Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Renault and Peugeot were competing in the increasingly important small-car market.

Japanese manufacturers were expanding their international presence, while European sports-car makers continued developing distinctive high-performance vehicles.

The combination of supercar features, comparative road tests, manufacturer reports and period automotive photography makes this issue suitable for a variety of collectors.

Particularly relevant to enthusiasts of:

• Lamborghini Countach

• Lamborghini Countach S

• Classic Italian supercars

• Alfa Romeo Alfasud

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta

• Fiat 128

• Renault 5

• Peugeot 104

• Volkswagen history

• 1970s European road tests

• Vintage British motoring magazines

• Automotive engineering and design

• Classic car memorabilia

Publication Information

Magazine: CAR Magazine
Issue Date: January 1978
Editor: Mel Nichols
Publisher: FF Publishing Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Format: Original printed motoring magazine
Condition: Pre-owned vintage publication
SKU: 1569

Important Information About Original Extras

Any free gifts, loose inserts, supplements, promotional materials or additional items originally supplied with this magazine are no longer included.

This listing is for the magazine only, as photographed.

Any original competitions, promotional offers or subscription advertisements appearing within the publication are historical and should not be considered valid.

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: Carefully packaged and dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Carefully packaged in a cardboard mailing-size box to provide additional protection during international delivery.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they show the actual magazine being offered for sale.

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine with visible age-related wear.

This is an original January 1978 edition of CAR Magazine, showing signs of previous handling, reading and storage.

The supplied photographs show the front cover and an interior contents page.

Front Cover

The original Lamborghini Countach cover artwork remains clearly visible and retains its distinctive red, black and brown colour scheme.

The main cover photograph, CAR magazine masthead and headline text remain readable.

Visible imperfections include:

• General surface rubbing and light scuff marks.

• Fine scratches and handling marks across the printed cover.

• Noticeable wear along the left-hand edge.

• Slight waviness and curling to parts of the cover.

• Minor corner wear and softening.

• Light creasing and surface marks consistent with age.

The cover remains visually appealing, although it is clearly a used vintage publication rather than a pristine example.

Spine and Left-Hand Edge

The left-hand edge shows visible rubbing, wear and minor discolouration.

There is some whitening along the edge, particularly towards the lower section.

The magazine's spine has not been photographed separately, so its full condition cannot be confirmed.

Upper Edge and Corners

The upper edge shows slight waviness and signs of handling.

The upper-left corner appears mildly softened, while the upper-right corner has a small amount of curling and wear.

Lower Edge and Corners

The lower edge shows general age-related rubbing and light wear.

The lower-left corner appears slightly softened, and the lower-right corner shows minor bending.

Interior Contents Page

The photographed contents page remains clearly readable, with the original article listings and accompanying black-and-white photographs visible.

The paper shows noticeable age-related yellowing and a warm cream colour, consistent with an older publication.

There is some darker discolouration around the margins and light handling wear.

The outer page edge appears slightly curled, and the lower-right corner shows minor bending.

No major tears are apparent on the photographed contents page.

Binding and Pages

The magazine is shown opened to its contents page.

The photographed pages appear attached, although the entire binding and all interior pages have not been individually inspected in the supplied photographs.

Back Cover

The back cover has not been photographed, so its condition cannot be confirmed.

Writing, Marks and Tears

No obvious handwritten annotations are visible in the photographed areas.

There are signs of normal ageing, including surface marks, rubbing, minor creasing and paper discolouration.

No major tears are clearly visible in the supplied photographs.

Original Extras

Any originally supplied free gifts, loose inserts, supplements or additional promotional materials are not included.

The sale is for the magazine only.

Overall Assessment

An original 1978 motoring magazine showing visible age-related wear, including cover scuffing, edge and corner wear, minor creasing and yellowing to the photographed interior paper.

The original Lamborghini Countach cover remains attractive and the photographed contents page is readable.

A suitable example for collectors of vintage CAR Magazine issues, Lamborghini memorabilia and historic British motoring publications.

Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing. They form part of the condition description and show the actual item being sold.