The Green Alfa Romeo Montreal
In North America, excess was everything as the muscle vehicle concept was developed to its zenith - all 7 liter V8's and tortured tire as the baby boomers reached driving age. Australian manufacturers, as ever taking the lead from their US parent companies, followed with their own locally developed V8 rockets.
Over in Europe, the introduction of soon-to-be icons such as the E-Type Jaguar showed that, as ever, style remained as important as material. Porsche was also busy, releasing the car by which they are still defined today in the 911.
But as if by right, it was the Italians that shawl the show. Ferrari were on top of their game as their famous 250 series V12's gave way to ever larger units, but ironically it was a disgruntled former Ferrari client that provided the motivation for the world's first super car. Ferruccio Lamborghini, a successful Italian industrialist then most famous for producing tractors, had become fed up with Ferrari unreliability and the diabolical service he received. Whether his debut 350GT of 1963 was made purely out of spite towards Ferrari as opposed to making sound business sense remains a contentious issue even today.
Regardless, the timeless Bert one designed Lamborghini Miura that debuted in 1966 is considered the original super car with its mid-mounted, hyperactive V12 and swooping, stealthy bodywork.
This high-end battle for European preeminence rubbed off on other Italian manufacturers. Fiat did a deal that gave them access to the musical 'Dino' Ferrari V6 which was seen in their Dino coupe and Spider series- worldwide image boosters for the Fiat reputation. Alfa Romeo, that other giant of the Italian automotive industry, was also seeking a flagship to bring the company in line with their vision for the next generation of sports cars.
Over in Europe, the introduction of soon-to-be icons such as the E-Type Jaguar showed that, as ever, style remained as important as material. Porsche was also busy, releasing the car by which they are still defined today in the 911.
But as if by right, it was the Italians that shawl the show. Ferrari were on top of their game as their famous 250 series V12's gave way to ever larger units, but ironically it was a disgruntled former Ferrari client that provided the motivation for the world's first super car. Ferruccio Lamborghini, a successful Italian industrialist then most famous for producing tractors, had become fed up with Ferrari unreliability and the diabolical service he received. Whether his debut 350GT of 1963 was made purely out of spite towards Ferrari as opposed to making sound business sense remains a contentious issue even today.
Regardless, the timeless Bert one designed Lamborghini Miura that debuted in 1966 is considered the original super car with its mid-mounted, hyperactive V12 and swooping, stealthy bodywork.
This high-end battle for European preeminence rubbed off on other Italian manufacturers. Fiat did a deal that gave them access to the musical 'Dino' Ferrari V6 which was seen in their Dino coupe and Spider series- worldwide image boosters for the Fiat reputation. Alfa Romeo, that other giant of the Italian automotive industry, was also seeking a flagship to bring the company in line with their vision for the next generation of sports cars.
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