Building A Lamborghini Countach Replica With A Toyota 1GZ-FE V12 - Episode 1 (Introduction)

As the title says, here's an introduction to a very interesting project - restoring an abandoned Countach and fitting a JDM Toyota V12 1GZ-FE engine inside.
Before we get too far ahead, lets be obvious for those who didn't read the title - this is a replica Countach. Lamborghini purists would have a heart attack seeing a Toyota engine in a genuine Countach. This isn't a stretched Pontiac Fiero or Toyota MR2 either, research has suggested this is an early Prova / Mirage Countach kit - full tube chassis with a virtually identical mold of a real Countach. Therefore, it looks pretty near identical to the real deal.
There is a lot to redo on this car (like the entire interior), but it'll certainly be a one of one when done - a JDM / Euro Countach hybrid of sorts.
*engine is Ford, not Chev.
Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: ICR3LFQDAM1DW0Q4

[@MrFelonystreet]

That engine is insane.

[@GarethBargate]

Agreed, I doubt Toyota would have ever expected to see it in something like this.
There's a new (and better) gearbox on the way as well. Aiming to do a much more in-depth walkaround / breakdown in the next week or two.

[@jadielmaistry1532]

👏👏👏👏

[@russtecauto]

This body and frame looks decent!

[@GarethBargate]

Thanks. Yeah, the body mold is from a genuine Countach, and a full custom tube chassis to support it - not based on another car like a MR2, Fiero etc. So the proportions are pretty good.

[@mikelmarion]

@@GarethBargatewhen’s the next video coming? Are you going to do a stock motor or build it? Would love a deep dive into the motor such a weight and other dimensions. Would be cool to compare that Vs other motors. Are you going to run a Pdk trans? Is the chassis custom?

[@GarethBargate]

Just waiting for a few more parts, then thinking of doing a more "in-depth" walkaround type of video. But to answer your questions:
- Stock motor (for now, just a mild refresh), but will obviously have a custom exhaust
- Trans is a traditional 5 speed manual
- Chassis is custom. They were built specifically for these bodies.

[@blackmanta8999]

What body or kit is it ?. It looks Amazing! Good job!

[@GarethBargate]

It's an early Prova / Mirage kit. We're still unsure which one.

[@ryansmock2709]

Great looking car , will you be selling it upon completion? I'm a serious buy located in New Zealand,, thanks Ryan

[@GarethBargate]

Thanks, unfortunately it won't be for sale. If you're based in NZ, maybe check out one of the Countach Replica / Lamborghini Replica groups on FB - I'm sure I've seen a few for sale there.

[@titop6152]

who makes the body?

[@GarethBargate]

We were told it's an old Prova designs body

[@titop6152]

@@GarethBargate it looks original

[@ebrahimkhan922]

Next episode.....

[@GarethBargate]

Are you quoting Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg?

[@zAvAvAz]

i could build you an extraordinary V8. Good thing you got the toyota V12, the porsche transaxle is really a mismatch with a chevy V8 's torque and power curves and would break it.

[@GarethBargate]

Lol thanks, figured since the original car is a V12, it would be better to put another V12 in, instead of the V8.

[@35CONTENDER]

That’s not a Chevy 350 or any SBC

[@bobolulu7615]

Its a Ford V8, probably 302 or 351.

[@GarethBargate]

Interesting...I'll update it.