by Legendary Names of European Cars
Today, car manufacturers more often use alphanumeric model designations, but in the past, car names were chosen with particular care to evoke emotions and associations. In the past, especially in Europe, where the automobile was born, car names were true masterpieces. Which of them can be considered the best?
One of the most striking examples is the Lancia Stratos. This model became a legend of rally racing, impressing with its design and technical characteristics. Its name comes from the idea that this car supposedly “fell from the stratosphere.” Another option is the Bentley Mulsanne, named after the straight section of the Le Mans track where cars of this brand once dominated.
The Stratos comes from the idea that this car “fell from the stratosphere.”
The Story Behind the Scenes
The Lamborghini Countach deserves special attention. Rumors say its name is related to exclamations of admiration, but in reality, the story is more prosaic. Designer Marcello Gandini recounted that during night work on the prototype, one of the mechanics often exclaimed “Countach!” – a local expression meaning something like “wow.” The team liked this word so much that they decided to use it for the name.
European automotive history is rich in interesting and unusual names. They reflect speed, brand heritage, or are simply part of a unique culture. If in the past every name had a deep meaning, today this tradition is gradually disappearing, giving way to more technical designations. However, it is these historical names that remain in the memory of car enthusiasts, reminding us of an era when every car had its own character and story.
