Bob Sharp Valve Cover

2012 Lamborghini Aventador vs. 1973 »

Our little bit of performance art in Rome puts the Aventador in perspective. Lamborghini's latest V12-powered exotic is a tribute to the latest technology, but it's also part of a grand tradition that can be traced back from the Murciélago to the Diablo and thence to the original Countach.

Is the Aventador the real deal — a raging bull like the Countach that shocked the world so long ago? Or is it just an Audi-engineered concoction of frippery with scissor doors attached?

As we ponder the question, the sound of the Countach's V12 echoes in the narrow streets of Rome.

Then as Now? It's a revealing exercise to place new and old side by side. The 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 embraces the modern theme of lightness with its exotic carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, not to mention its carbon-fiber bodywork, so it's no wonder it weighs 198 pounds less than the Murciélago it replaces. Yet the equally modern themes of crash safety and top-speed capability have had their impact, too, because this 3,472-pound car is positively portly compared to the relatively dainty 2,778-pound Countach.

When it comes to style, however, the Aventador comes from the same mold from which sprang the Marcello Gandini-designed Countach. Filippo Perini, the Aventador's designer, is a big fan of the great man's work and hopes that the angular elements of this new design will measure up in time to the lasting impact of the low, wedge-shaped Countach with its unique trapezoidal surfaces. The Aventador gets plenty of cheers from the bystanders, but then again, they're celebrating the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification this year and will cheer at almost anything Italian.

The Key to History That morning we were offered the keys to the Countach LP400 and took them without hesitation. Given the history of this car, we'd be mad not to. It's the oldest surviving example, a factory prototype that was the second car produced. The first was the famous yellow car that wowed the crowds at the 1971 Geneva motor show, only to be subsequently destroyed during crash testing at the MIRA proving ground in the U.K.

Slipping inside its cabin, the LP400 is a time capsule of 1973, as the exotic upholstery of leather and suede contrast with the trio of Fiat-style keys hanging off their ring from the ignition lock. Firing up the freshly restored V12 engine is a joy, and the engine snuffles through its side-draft carburetors as it lights up and then revs cleanly and tunefully. The action of the throttle pedal is long and surprisingly fluid considering the long run of cable that goes to the linkage for the six 45mm Weber DCOEs, and the cable-operated clutch is equally progressive and surprisingly light.

looking for Bob Sharp racing valve cover mine was stolen

Hi I have the Turbo Maxima Bob sharp built for Paul Newman and was featured on the cover of car and driver as Maxima with Moxie. I have let it sit for years and some noob stole the vavle cover and dist cap??? If any one knows of one for sale please contact me it may be mine or if you know where to buy one please let me know.

Motor trend

Car and driver

Popular Mechanics

Road & track

How to hotrod small-block Chevys