Introduction: Kyosho's Lamborghini Countach models have been some of the most highly-anticipated diecasts of the year. First out of the gate were the orange and yellow LP400 models, and next came the red LP500 you see below. Due out in Q3 are the black and white LP500's. Seems to me that Kyosho beat Autoart to the punch on these...Autoart won't have their Countach to market until Q3/Q4 of this year (2003), and by then I imagine a lot of people looking to add a Countach to their collection will have already bought the Kyosho. And, as great as Kyosho's version is, I'm not sure many will be looking to switch. I guess it depends on how good Autoart's is, and if they can improve on the Kyosho at all. In my estimation, that is going to be VERY difficult...
Highs: Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING about this diecast is absolutely amazing. Paint quality, engine detail, interior detail, door operation, grill and air intake detail, stance, proportions...it's all fantastic. To say that this model is a "home run" is an understatement. It's more like a homerun, in the bottom of the 9th inning, to win the World Series. The only things missing are a fully operational drivetrain, and a honey-I-shrunk-the-kids type of machine that can shrink me down and put me inside. If you don't have one yet, and are on the fence, do yourself a favor and buy one. And, yes, I will be adding the black and white versions to my collection. Any collection top-heavy in Countach models is a nice collection in my book!
Lows: The tires are unbranded and unmarked, visible mounting posts in the fog lamps, and....that's it. As I wrote on my Diecast Rankings page, this is such a quirky car, there could have been so many ways to screw it up, but Kyosho nailed everything wonderfully. I have said, in other reviews, that there's no such thing as a perfect model. And, I guess, if you polled enough collectors you'd probably find someone who might complain about this car. But that person probably needs psychiatric counseling, or new eye glasses.
Summary: No matter how nice (or crappy?) you might think my photos are, you won't fully appreciate this model until it's sitting in your hands, or on a table in front of you. And they can be had for only $50-60. For that money, if you have a choice between food and the model, or your phone bill and this model, or paying your electricity bill and this model, just buy the Kyosho and worry about that other stuff later. Can you tell I love this diecast?
