What’s the Most Impressive European Car Name Ever? | Carscoops

      The options are truly impressive and deserve careful thought.

      June 7, 2025, at 19:30

      by Stephen Rivers

      Today, car manufacturers predominantly use alphanumeric codes instead of traditional names.

      Previously, car names were intentionally selected to evoke emotions and a sense of identity.

      Nowadays, it’s uncommon to reflect on the significance of a car's name, but that hasn't always been the case. In Europe, the birthplace of the automobile, both designers and marketers once took pride in creating names that resonated with the public. Over the years, some exceptional names have emerged. Thus, today, we pose the question: what is the greatest European car name of all time? Below are several contenders.

      The vehicle depicted below is a clear candidate. The Lancia Stratos is nothing short of legendary. It revolutionized rally racing, was completely ahead of its time in appearance, and continues to be highly admired and recognized today. However, its remarkable performance and design aren't the only elements that make it stand out—the significance of its name matters as well.

      According to TheLanciaStory, "Stratos" conveys the notion that this car had "fallen from the stratosphere." It appears that Lancia understood long ago that this vehicle would remain in an elite status for many years. Nonetheless, it is far from the sole example of this type of deliberate naming.

      The Bentley Mulsanne serves as another prime illustration. This ultra-luxury brand isn't shy about capitalizing on its heritage; in fact, it excels at this. It's no surprise, therefore, that it chose the name Mulsanne for its 2011 sedan, which could reach speeds of 184 mph. After all, it's named after the famous straight at Le Mans where Bentley once reigned supreme.

      Can we truly have this discussion without mentioning Lamborghini and its Countach? Over the years, myths have emerged that intertwine the car with tales of stunning women and expressions of shock and admiration. In truth, the origin of the name is considerably less dramatic but equally meaningful.

      The late Marcello Gandini, the car's designer, once explained the name's source: during late-night prototype creation sessions, the team would joke with each other to stay alert. A tall locksmith who spoke Piedmontese would often shout "Countach," a local term that conveys a mix of surprise and awe. It was never meant to be taken seriously; it was simply a joke. Yet, Gandini proposed the idea of using it as the car's name. They designed a badge, affixed it to the vehicle, and thus, a legend came to life.

      Forget the rumors that suggest it translates to something like "Holy S@#t." It signifies that someone, somewhere, was genuinely amazed, transforming that moment of unexpected admiration into one of the most iconic model names in history.

      Naturally, these are merely a few highlights. There is no shortage of remarkable names throughout Europe's automotive history. Some evoke speed, others heritage, and a few are just wonderfully unique. What would you choose as the greatest European car name ever? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.