Celebrating 45 Years of the Iconic “Cannonball Run” Lamborghini Countach

One of the most memorable cars in automotive and film history, the Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S from the cult classic movie “The Cannonball Run,” turns 45 this year. To commemorate this milestone, Automobili Lamborghini brought together actresses Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman, the original all-female crew who drove the car in the movie, for the first time since its release on June 19, 1981.

Produced in November 1979, this Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S features a striking Nero (black) exterior and Senape (mustard) interior. It was initially shipped to a dealership in Rome and later made its way to Florida, where it found its first owner, a friend of the movie’s director. For the film, the car was modified with a distinctive wing, full-beam headlights, a spoiler, three antennas, 12 exhaust pipes, and fake instruments on the passenger side. Despite these changes, the car retained its allure and, after the filming, continued to capture imaginations worldwide.

Inspired by the real-life Cannonball race, where participants raced across the United States from New York to Los Angeles, “The Cannonball Run” featured an impressive cast, including Roger Moore, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Jackie Chan, Farrah Fawcett, Adrienne Barbeau, and Tara Buckman. The movie’s opening scene, featuring a police chase with the Countach’s roaring 12-cylinder engine, became iconic, ensuring the car’s place in American pop culture.

The Countach used in the film became the 30th car to be registered with the U.S. Library of Congress in 2021, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. This honor preserves the car’s legacy for future generations, marking it as a piece of American history.

For Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman, reuniting with the Countach brought back a flood of memories. Neither had seen or driven a Lamborghini before filming. Barbeau, who played Jill Rivers, remarked on the car’s beauty and its unmatched presence, while Buckman, who portrayed Marcie Thatcher, highlighted the Countach’s winning look and the unforgettable opening scene.

Both actresses expressed surprise at the movie’s enduring popularity. Barbeau noted that despite her success in other roles, fans most frequently request autographs on Countach model cars. Buckman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact of their roles and the car on fans worldwide.

Lamborghini Polo Storico, the company’s in-house department dedicated to preserving Lamborghini’s historical heritage, manages the archives, certifications, and restorations of classic Lamborghinis. The Countach LP 400 S’s inclusion in the Library of Congress underscores its significance not just to Lamborghini, but to the broader cultural and automotive history.

Alessandro Farmeschi, After Sales Director of Automobili Lamborghini, reflected on the car’s impact, stating, “This Countach LP 400 S ignited a passion for the Lamborghini brand in many young enthusiasts. Its historical importance is undeniable, and we are proud to celebrate its 45th anniversary by reuniting it with its unforgettable crew from ‘The Cannonball Run.'”