1982 Lamborghini Marco Polo (ItalDesign)

Inspired by the Medusa, It is an aerodynamic study, thought like a tribute to the historical brand of Sant'Agata Bolognese.

After M8 in 1978 and the Medusa in 1980, Marco Polo is a model of aerodynamic research.

Lamborghini brand doesn't' imply a research program, but it wants to be an homage to a brand that during the 70's and the 80's contributed in a very significant way to the image of italian car design all over the world.

The formal statement is different from Lamborghini classical one, and concentrates only on aerodynamic result that registers a 0,24 cx, lower compared to 0,26 registered by the Medusa that was clearly the inspiration for the design of the Marco Polo.

www.italdesign.it

The Marco Polo was merely a styling excercise by Ital Design that few people know about. Not a running prototype, this Giugiaro design was only a painted plastic model for aerodynamic research. The Lamborghini badge on the nose of the car was not to imply any design program undertaken with the factory but was a compliment paid by Giugiaro to the famous manufacturer that became noteworthy for pushing the limits of automotive design. Although Lamborghini has a more exciting image to its products, Giugiaro decided to give this study a less agressive line, prefering instead to focus on aerodynamic efficiency in order to provide a quieter passenger compartment and higher speed while maintaining fuel consumption.

The Marco Polo, while a four seater, has only two doors of the gullwing style used on the Marzal and can be opened from either the front or back seats. The car stands 1300mm high, 1870mm wide and 4575mm long and boasts a cx of only 0.24.

The Marco Polo was presented on December 3, 1982 and appeared on the 1982 Bologna Motor Show.

www.lambocars.com