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Lamborghini Athon

1980Coachwork by Bertone

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1980
Body style
Spider
Engine
V12
Type
Concept

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
EUR 347,200 2011-05-21 · RM Auctions Villa d'Este 2011
Price details & sale history ↗

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Lamborghini Athon, a roadster born from the tumultuous journey of Lamborghini, emerged as a testament to Carrozzeria Bertone’s unbridled creativity and a deliberate push to redefine the roadster concept. Based on the Lamborghini Urraco, the Athon maintained the length and chassis of its precursor, opting for an audacious design by Marc Deschamps, that pushed the boundaries of convention. Retaining the Urraco’s proportions, the Athon’s rear exuded an aura of power, accentuated by the treatment of the wings that contributed to its over-the-top (OTT) aesthetic. The deliberate exaggeration of the roadster concept was evident, showcasing Bertone’s desire to explore extremes in automotive design. The central styling element of the Athon was its expansive windscreen, characterized by a pronounced double curve and an original chromatic effect. This feature not only enhanced the vehicle’s visual appeal but also underscored its powerful engine, creating a harmonious blend of form and function. In the context of Bertone’s portfolio during that era, marked by pragmatic models like the Volvo Tundra and Fiat Ritmo Cabriolet, the Lamborghini Athon marked a departure from the constraints of mass production. Following in the footsteps of iconic designs like the Alfa Romeo Carabo and the Lancia Stratos Zero in 1970, the Lamborghini Athon allowed Bertone to unleash his creativity on the international stage. The Athon was more than just an extravagant showpiece; it symbolized a return to creating Motor Show stars for Bertone. As automotive enthusiasts witnessed the Athon’s unveiling, it stood as a testament to Bertone’s ability to transcend practicality and delve into the realm of artistic expression. By giving free rein to his creativity, Bertone crafted a roadster that not only echoed the spirit of Lamborghini but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of automotive design, proving that sometimes, pushing the boundaries can lead to breathtaking innovation.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Concept

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V12

Dimensions & accommodation

Length
3,967 mm
Width
1,887 mm
Height
1,070 mm

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Bertone
Designer · Candidate
Marc Deschamps
Manufacturer · Documented
Lamborghini

04 / INDIVIDUAL HISTORY

Chassis & provenance

Chassis S155/01
Chassis number
S155/01
Year
1980

05 / VALUE

Value & price history

Auction & sale history

Date Venue Chassis Record Status Amount
21 May 2011 RM Auctions Villa d'Este 2011 Model-level · chassis not verified Sale price Sold EUR 347,200

Market observations describe documented transactions, estimates or offers. They are not themselves a current valuation of the vehicle.

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
RM Sotheby's — 1980 Lamborghini Athon rmsothebys.com Auction house primary catalogue unique vehicle

10 / CONNECTED HISTORY

Timeline

Chronological history1 dated records
  1. Unassigned chassis · Auction

    RM Auctions Villa d'Este 2011 · Sold · EUR 347,200

THE CONVERSATION

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