Building concept cars is a company’s way of showing off its new technologies and designs. Over the years companies have been known to build concept cars to showcase their next production cars. However, most of the time not many concept cars make it into production. This is because most of the time these concepts are too expensive since they feature one-of-a-kind technologies.

Concept cars make the list for the rarest cars in the world. This is because most of the time only one or two units are produced. In the late 1970s, Lamborghini set on working on a new car to feature in their latest lineup. This car was to line up next to the Miura and the Countach which were by then a big hit. The 1980 Lamborghini Athon concept car was built to be a cross between these two masterpieces. This car was unveiled at the 1980 Turin Motor Show.

The Lamborghini Athon concept was the brainchild of one of Italy’s greatest car builders Bertone. It was designed by Marc Deschamps. Bertone was the guy behind the builds of the Miura, the Countach, and the Espada. The Lamborghini Athon makes for one of the rarest and most valuable cars. This is because not only was only one unit made but the designer is no longer in business.

On May 21st, 2011 the Lamborghini Athon was sold for $487,000 by RM Sotheby at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Unlike most of Lambos, this one deviated from the naming pattern of bull themes. The Athon was named after the Egyptian sun god and it translates to “Hymn to the sun”.

Let's take a closer look at this Lambo concept vehicle.

Powertrain and drivetrain of the Lamborghini Athon Concept Car

Athon Concept
Via: Wikimedia Commons

Under the hood of the Lamborghini Athon concept sat a 3.0-liter DOHC V8 engine. This engine featured two valves for all eight cylinders. Just like all other high-power Lambos this beast pushed 260 horsepower and delivered 237 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a speed gearbox that featured a hydraulic clutch.

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The compression ratio of this engine was 10:1. The power from this engine was to the front and rear independent suspensions. The drive train featured vented disc brakes that helped the car sit on the right track even at high speed.

This Lamborghini weighed 2,390 pounds, so the V8 engine did not break a sweat when it came to pushing the limits. The top speed of this car was 170 mph and it completed a 0 to 60 mph run in 7.3 seconds. For a 1980 concept car, this was pretty fast.

Lamborghini Athon Interior

Based on what we already know about Lamborghini, they do not spare a penny when it comes to interior design. This was no different when it came to the Lamborghini Athon Concept car. The interior of the car featured hand-crafted leather that was used on the seats as well as the upholstery.

The 1980s was the Knight Rider KITT era and it is no surprise that Lamborghini borrowed this concept. The technology used in the car was considered way ahead and advanced for its time.

Exterior design Of The Athon

Athon
Via: Daniel Stocker, Flickr

When it comes to designing sports cars and supercars Lamborghini has always delivered. When it came to the Lamborghini Athon concept, they did not disappoint. The rear of the car was a perfect demonstration of craftsmanship and design.

The design was a mix of vintage, modern, and contemporary. The dual output exhaust was placed under the bumper, and unlike what many people hoped, Lamborghini exposed the exhaust rather than hiding it.

Sticking to what they know best, Lamborghini maintained the low rider stance on this ride. The open-top roof not only added to the beauty of this car.

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