Aton (or Athon) is a deity of the traditional Egyptian faith related to the Pharaoh Akhenaten, who reigned within the mid-14th century BC. He’s the god of the solar and maybe Bertone considered naming its Lamborghini idea automotive after him within the Eighties, hoping to revive a model that was going by a troublesome interval.
Let’s return to 1978, when the court docket in Bologna positioned Lamborghini beneath administration to keep away from chapter. The Athon, introduced on the Turin Motor Present in 1980, was not meant for mass manufacturing, however to relaunch the Taurus model and herald a really ‘vibrant’ future.
An concept of Eighties future
At first look, it appears like one of many automobiles used to shoot movies resembling Blade Runner (1982) or Act of Power (1990). Actually, Bertone’s intention was to venture Lamborghini into the brand new decade, which is why it opted for a sq. and big, but minimalist type.
The physique is made up of a mix of panels, essentially the most outstanding of which is the decrease facet panel, with an outsized, protruding mini-skirt that reaches as much as the rear wheel, making a wing harking back to an aeroplane’s tail. The entrance bonnet and windscreen are steeply raked, not like the remainder of the physique, which stays parallel to the bottom.
The very excessive beltline contributes to a really imposing facet. The entrance finish, alternatively, is sharp and slender, thanks partly to the pop-up headlights. The rear can be angular and big, with a spoiler carved out of a recess within the third quantity and tail lamps which can be basically three gentle strips. The one softer traces are these of the dual exhausts.
Lamborghini Athon, the entrance
Lamborghini Athon, the rear
Digital devices, ‘suspended’ steering wheel and extra-large seats
The minimalist, boxy type of the outside can be discovered within the Athon’s inside. The inside is totally leather-based upholstered, beginning with the seats, whose form and supplies are harking back to these discovered within the residing rooms of these years.
The steering wheel is uncommon in that it seems to be floating, due to the one spoke that connects it to the adjustable column that follows the steering angle. To its left is a form of raised console with all of the controls, resembling the indications, wipers and horn. Additionally revolutionary is the all-digital instrument panel, which extends horizontally in entrance of the driving force’s eyes, harking back to what you see in right now’s Mercedes.
Lamborghini Athon, the inside
All about ‘Silhouette
Bertone’s work is predicated on one other Taurus sports activities automotive: the Urraco Silhouette, a sports activities automotive with a ‘targa’ physique, of which solely 53 have been constructed between 1976 and 1979. The engine is a 260 PS 3.0-litre V8 mated to a five-speed handbook gearbox. The entrance and rear suspension is unbiased.
Regardless of its uniqueness, the Lamborghini Athon stays little identified and wanted. In 2011, Sotheby’s bought it for slightly below €350,000. Definitely a substantial sum, however definitely lower than different related automobiles.
