Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a 70s Lamborghini Countach, a monster of beauty and power. Now, imagine that this very car decides to hit the road on its own, with no one aboard. This is exactly what happened to Simon Kidston, a British collector who experienced an adventure as incredible as it was ghostly with his LP400. So, has this stunning coupe become the first autonomous vehicle… by accident?
A man, a legend: Simon Kidston
Simon Kidston is a car enthusiast whose life seems straight out of a movie. With a family legacy rich in speed stories — his uncle was part of the famous Bentley Boys and his father was a driver and race car driver — it’s no surprise that he has become one of the greatest collectors of classic cars. His collection includes mechanical wonders, but the centerpiece remains undoubtedly his 1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopio. This model, with its pure lines and aggressive look, resembles more the original prototype than the supercharged versions that would follow a few years later.
A mysterious start in the Scottish night
However, Simon’s life took an unexpected turn when his Countach decided to embark on a nighttime escapade. Parked in front of a castle in Scotland, the car started on its own in the middle of the night, leaving Kidston perplexed. Sure, the beauty has character, but this is bordering on the paranormal! Although the spirits of Scottish ancestors might have been responsible, security cameras confirmed that no driver was present on board.
Fortunately, the Countach ended its journey in a bush, narrowly avoiding a collision with the castle wall. If it had drifted a little more to the right, it could have destroyed its angular nose; a left turn could have sent it straight into the river. A real stroke of luck for this 70s icon!
A misadventure with no major consequences
After extracting the Countach from its unexpected parking spot, Simon took the incident philosophically. A slight damage under the bumper was noted, but nothing serious — it has already been repaired. But then, what could have caused this untimely departure? Between Scottish legends and mechanical reality, Kidston leans towards a short circuit caused by the ambient humidity.
He explains on his Instagram account: “Our best guess is a short circuit due to extreme humidity… or a Scottish ghost. Either way, it’s better than if the Countach had decided to veer a foot more to the right and end up in the wall or a few feet to the left and finish in the river.” A humorous reflection on an event that could have had disastrous consequences.
Electronics versus the elements
Kidston also mentions that the car was parked in gear when the incident occurred. This could explain why it moved intermittently before restarting. A valuable lesson on the whims of automotive electronics and the unpredictability of the Scottish climate: it seems that the mountains aren’t the only ones needing good weather to function properly.
The Countach: a myth that continues to inspire
This misadventure only adds to the mystique surrounding the Lamborghini Countach. This iconic model from the 70s embodies not only the art of automotive design but also an era when cars were truly designed to be works of art on wheels. The Countach remains a benchmark among supercars today, captivating both enthusiasts and newcomers with its bold appearance and stunning performance.
Kidston seems to accept that his Countach has become a sort of local legend. After all, who else can claim to own a car that drives itself? You never know what this Italian beauty might do next. Perhaps it’s just waiting for the perfect opportunity to crash another party?
