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Festival with Altitude
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2017/06 - June
Spectators at the Highlands Motoring Festival’s Classic Car Show at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, set for 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, June 10, will be able to witness some special treats from Italy.
A great automotive rivalry began in the early 1960s when Enzo Ferrari insulted one of his best customers, Ferruccio Lamborghini, who proceeded to build a new factory and successfully manufacture his own brand of super cars. Always trying to stay a step ahead of Ferrari, in 1966 Lamborghini produced the first mid-engine super car – The Miura.
Powered by a V-12 engine with 430 H.P. positioned directly behind the driver and bodied by Bertone, it is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever. From 1966 to 1972 a total of 754 were built.
It’s hard to believe that the same designer, Marcello Gandini, head designer at Bertone, also penned the Lamborghini Countach. Its sharp edges contrast wildly with the Miura’s flowing shape. From 1971 to 1989 the Countach was “the icon” for high performance with its sinister Darth Vader attitude. A mid-engine V-12 of up to 420 H.P. and aero shape made it one of the fastest cars of the era.
Appearing in 1971 was another early mid-engine super car, the de Tomaso Pantera. It was an Italian built car with a Ford drivetrain and sold through Lincoln Mercury dealers. When Ford stopped importing the Pantera in 1974, just over 6,000 had been sold.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see these and other classic cars at the HMF car show. For more information on the car show and the Festival’s entire weekend schedule of events, please visit highlandsmotoringfestival.com.
