» Engine: Midmounted, 60-degree V-12
» Horsepower: 455 at 7,000 rpm
» Wheels: O.Z. Racing multipiece aluminum wheels with Pirelli 225/50/ZR15 (front) and 345/35/ZR15 (back)
» Body: Tubular steel space frame and aluminum body panels, Kevlar front and rear hoods
» Performance: Rear-wheel drive, five-speed manual transmission with reverse all two side mounted, horizontal-flow water radiators and two electric fans, Bosch KE Jetronic fuel injection, dual independent hydraulic brakes, unassisted mechanical rack and pinion steering
» Wheelbase: 98.4 inches
» Ground clearance: 5 inches
» Weight: 3284 lbs.
There were many iconic symbols of the opulence, extravagance, and wealth linked to the 1980s. Perhaps no big-ticket item was more recognizable during those years than the Lamborghini Countach, made famous by its feature in a high speed chase on the wildly popular TV show “Miami Vice.”
Joe Eckart remembers the ’80s well. He also remembers the first time he told his brother about his plans to one day own the most expensive car in the world and the response he received when his brother rebuked him for his gullibility. Unlike most plans that pass as quickly as they came, Eckart remained intent on his dream.
But Eckart’s purchase was first and foremost motivated by his profession. As a mortician, he sees the reality of unfilled purposes and dreams. People commit to things they never get around to doing. Time slips away. And before too long, it’s too late. Eckart, who has the swimming pool, the house and white picket fence to show he is upwardly mobile, had nothing that was, in his words, “truly and uniquely me.”
Eckart’s search to find a white anniversary Lamborghini Countach took five years and almost caused him to give up and surrender to purchasing a kit car. A wise friend pressed him to continue his efforts until he eventually found what he was seeking.
Returning to Maryland, Eckart said the greatest challenge today is finding a good mechanic who knows his way around a Lamborghini. Finding one that is affordable is the other.
“A lot of mechanics will tell you that it’s just an engine and that they can fix it,” said Eckart. “When they get into it, they find that it is more complex than they imagined and they either screw it up or call you to come get it and take it somewhere else.”
In 2008, Eckart, who drives his Countach everywhere despite its collector status, made the bold decision to enter his car into the Fireball Run, a transcontinental rally that begins in Baton Rouge, La., and ends in Grand Rapids, Mich. The effort supported a missing children’s foundation. Eckart’s claim to fame was that his Countach was the only of its kind to ever enter and complete the 3,500-mile rally only to be driven home back to Maryland.
What do you drive? 1989 Lamborghini Countach (25th Anniversary Edition)
Why do you drive it? Just look at the car. The emotion that it invokes is one of pure temptation and, well, I am weak, so I drive it. Seriously, I fell in love with the Countach back in the late eighties.
What makes this car so special? The fact that only about 650anniversary cars were ever produced and, of that, only seven or eight were made white-on-white. Of that number, there are only three that still exist. It is the first real supercar. It is the most written about and photographed car in the world. No other car has excited the senses the way the Countach has and still does.
What is your most memorable driving experience? Anybody who knows anything about Lamborghinis knows that there is an iconic and legendary test driver for Lamborghininamed Valentino Balboni. I had the privilege to be able to ride with him in a Lamborghini Mercielago LP-640 around the Pocono Raceway at speeds of 200 miles per hour.
What was the first car you owned? My first car was a Renault Alliance that I purchased used for two thousand dollars. The car was so poor. I never made it to DMV to title it before it blew up!
What kind of music are you currently listening to in your car? I listen to all types of music. Mostly pop music, but I like all types. However, it is very rare to hear me play music in the Countach. The symphony coming from the engine is the best type of music on the run!
And your first ticket? What was it for? That would be for speeding! But not in the Countach. Believe it or not, I have never received a speeding ticket in the Lamborghini. My first ticket and only was for traveling 50 in a 30 miles per hour zone. I traveled off the normal road I travel after realizing there was an accident ahead and went on an unfamiliar road. A state trooper was hiding just over the hill. When I crested the hill he pulled me over and issued a ticket. I did receive a PBJ in court for that.
