Engage first, set the throttle so that the rev-counter reads 5000rpm. A last scan of the instruments, and a look behind; all is clear. Let go of the clutch pedal as if it had instantly become burning hot. The crouching supercar rockets forward.
The acceleration times tell the story as well as any words – 60mph passes in 5.6sec, 80 in 8.8, 100 in 12.9, the quarter-mile in 14.0, 120mph in 18.5, 140 in 28.0 and 160 in 58.0, all within the space of little more than two miles. Keep your right foot down until the revs stop rising in fifth and you’re doing 165mph.
There seems little point in the provision of the Japanese-made Alpine Electronics stereo/radio, except at low speeds, so magnificent is the engine’s savage howl overlayed with a little gear whine. Road noise is understandably pronounced, as you might expect given the huge tyres fitted, but wind noise proved to be low.
Straight-line stability at maximum speed is reassuringly good in spite of a suggestion of lightening steering. Use the throttle and a low gear in a slow bend and the tail can be powered out, pleasantly controllably with no uncomfortable sharpness either on provoking such a slide or catching it. Roll is hardly discernable.
The Countach rides more absorbingly than you might expect, but this is obviously not a car to be taken over large bumps if one can avoid them.
Performance like this machine's demands good brakes. The 500S has them, in the shape of servo-assisted 11.1in front and 11.8-inch rear discs, all of the ventilated type.
