Lamborghini Athon Bertone concept cars go to auction

At the 58th Turin Motor Show, held in April 1980, Bertone introduced a new concept car based on a Lamborghini chassis – a slightly unusual choice, given that Lamborghini was in dire financial straits at the time. The name Athon, referring to the Egyptian cult of the sun, was appropriate as the car was a spider, completely devoid of a top and intended as a fair-weather car.

The car was based on the Silhouette, itself closely derived from the Urraco. The three-litre V-8 gave 260 bhp at 7,500 rpm fed by four Weber carburettors and was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Lamborghini Marzal and the Lancia Stratos HF Zero are expected to sell for between €1,000,000 and €1,800,000. On the auction block will be a 1967 Lamborghini Marzal, a 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, a 1963 Chevrolet Testudo, a 1974 Lamborghini Bravo, a 1980 Lamborghini Athon and a 1978 Lancia Sibilo.

The interior detailing, both ergonomically and aesthetically. The innovative digital instrument display was developed with the Italian supplier Veglia, while secondary controls normally found on stalks – such as the windscreen wipers and indicators – were instead grouped in a pod a hand-width from the left of the steering wheel. These details, as well as the single-spoke steering wheel itself, were good examples of Bertone seeking to push the envelope with regard to interior ergonomics.

Popularity: 24% [?]

Related posts:

1. The new Lacia Stratos create special versions rally cars
2. Lamborghini Gallardo ST goes to Frankfurt
3. Lancia Stratos revival new to World Rally Championship
4. Bertone Jaguar B99 concept announced in Geneva
5. Lamborghini announces production of the Sesto Elemento