This is the 1980 Lamborghini Athon, chassis number S155/01, the very first concept car developed by Italian coach-building and design company Bertone under the direction of French designer Marc Deschamps. The name ‘Athon’ is related to Egyptian cult of the sun (Aton, in ancient Egyptian religion, a sun god). This unique prototype was mechanically based on Lamborghini’s Silhouette model, thus resulting in the use of the same 260bhp 3.0L (2,997 cc) Lamborghini V8 engine. Upon completion, the Athon was revealed for the first time ever during the Turin Motor Show of 1980, and also that year, Italian magazine ‘Quattroruote’ tested the car for a review, discovering that the car retained many of the positive elements of the Silhouette model. Inside the fully-functional Athon prototype, you’ll find a digital instrument display developed by Italian supplier Veglia, a single-spoke steering wheel, a secondary control pod, and the realization that this exceptional car is also a 5-speed manual. The singular prototype was last offered for sale publicly in 2011 during @rmsothebys Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction in May of that year where it sold for $487,000. Although the Athon is built as a ‘spider’, the cabin of the car is located in a more forward position than the normally seen mid-set cabin design. The pump, yet streamlined futuristic Athon was brought to life during a time when the Lamborghini company was going out of business, however, after Bertone had placed the model on display in their museum for a period of time, the move helped to bring further attention both to the Athon prototype itself, as well as the Lamborghini company as a whole. The Lamborghini company officially went bankrupt in the year 1978 only to be placed into the receivership of brothers Jean-Claude and Patrick Mimran in 1980. The two brothers eventually wound up purchasing the company in 1984, and selling the company to Chrysler in 1987.
How many made? 1
Engine: 260 bhp, 2,996 cc transverse mid-mounted 90° V-8 DOHC
Debut: 1980 Turin Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @lambolog
Research: @rarecarsonly