What’s The Coolest European Car Name Ever?

It’s uncommon lately to cease and contemplate the which means behind a automobile’s identify. That wasn’t at all times the case. In Europe, the birthplace of the car, designers and entrepreneurs alike as soon as took satisfaction in crafting names that resonated. Over time, some actually spectacular names have emerged. So right now, we’re asking: what’s the very best European automobile identify ever? Listed here are a number of of the numerous contenders.

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The automobile you see under is an apparent possibility. The Lancia Stratos is a legend. It modified the sport in rally racing, appeared completely out of this world on the time, and nonetheless garners deep admiration and recognition right now. It wasn’t simply its ground-breaking efficiency or styling that stood out, although – its identify is critical, too.

Stratos comes from the concept that this automobile had “fallen from the stratosphere,” in line with TheLanciaStory. It appears that evidently Lancia, all these years in the past, knew that this automobile would stay in rarefied air for many years to come back. Nonetheless, it’s removed from the one instance of this sort of considerate naming construction.

The Bentley Mulsanne is one other glorious instance. This super-luxury model isn’t above buying and selling on its heritage; in actual fact, it’s one of many issues it’s exceptionally good at. No marvel then that it leveraged the identify Mulsanne for its 2011 sedan that might attain 184 mph. In any case, it’s named for the well-known straight at Le Mans the place Bentley as soon as dominated competitors.

Can we actually end this dialog although, with out speaking about Lamborghini and its Countach? Over time, the rumors have swirled to create tales that embrace lovely girls and exclamations of shock and awe. In actuality, the story behind the identify is much extra sedate however no much less transferring.

The late Marcello Gandini, who designed it, famously clarified the origin of the identify:

The late Marcello Gandini, the automobile’s designer, as soon as defined it like this: throughout late-night classes constructing prototypes for auto reveals, the workforce would joke round to remain awake. Certainly one of their colleagues, a towering Piedmontese-speaking locksmith, would steadily exclaim “Countach,” a regional expression which means one thing between “goodness” and “wow.” It wasn’t meant to be critical. It was a joke. However Gandini floated the concept of utilizing it anyway. They mocked up a badge, caught it on the automobile, and identical to that, a legend was born.

Overlook all of the tales you’ve heard about it which means one thing like “Holy S@#t,” or what have you ever. It means somebody, someplace, was genuinely impressed, and so they turned that second of spontaneous admiration into one of the vital iconic mannequin names of all time.

In fact, these are just some highlights. There’s no scarcity of worthy names from throughout Europe’s automotive historical past. Some evoke velocity, others heritage, and some are simply superbly unusual. What’s your choose for the very best European automobile identify ever? Tell us within the feedback.