Why Lamborghini Steers Clear of Continuation Cars
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While automakers like Bentley and Aston Martin capitalize on their heritage by producing continuation cars, Lamborghini has firmly stated it won't follow suit. Despite the nostalgic delight sparked by its 2021 modernized Countach, the Italian marque remains committed to preserving the authenticity of its past without recreating its classic models like the Miura, Diablo, or Murciélago.
'We are not interested,' said Giuliano Cassataro, head of Lamborghini's Polo Storico, in an interview with The Drive. For Lamborghini, their classics are untouchable relics. 'For us, there is only one Countach,' Cassataro explained. 'It was born in that year, with this color, in this configuration, and with this interior, and it must be like it was. We don't want to modify the past.'
This approach contrasts sharply with the growing trend of continuation cars, which faithfully reproduce iconic models for wealthy collectors. Automakers like Bentley and Aston Martin have embraced this practice, drawing on history as a significant asset. Lamborghini, however, is adamant about honoring its legacy without rewriting it.
The modern Countach, unveiled in 2021 to celebrate the car's 50th anniversary, exemplifies Lamborghini's philosophy. Though inspired by the original, it wasn't a continuation car. Instead, it was a thoroughly modern machine, sharing little more than a name and design cues with its predecessor. It was built as a one-off for a special customer, using the chassis number of a Countach crashed in 1974.
Exceptions like this might occur for Lamborghini's most devoted customers, but the automaker isn't likely to mass-produce replicas of its classics. Cassataro notes that while vintage Lamborghinis are stunning to behold, their outdated technology diminishes the driving experience compared to modern supercars.
By steering clear of continuation cars, Lamborghini reinforces its commitment to innovation while cherishing its heritage. Each new model is a bridge to the future rather than a recreation of the past, ensuring that the Raging Bull remains an icon of cutting-edge design and performance.
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