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See Vintage Photos of Early Lamborghinis

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The Lamborghini LP500, first prototype of the Countach sports car, designed by by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, circa 1972.
The Lamborghini LP500, first prototype of the Countach sports car, designed by by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, circa 1972.Hulton Archive—Getty Images
By Lily Rothman

When Ferruccio Lamborghini was born 100 years ago—on April 28, 1916—it was into a life where sports cars, then a young concept, were out of reach. The son of a farmer, Lamborghini called on his family background after World War II to launch a business turning leftover military vehicle parts into affordable tractors.

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The business proved a success, enabling Lamborghini to start other ventures in the decade that followed. By the early 1960s, he could afford the car of his dreams—all that was left was building it. By 1963, he had succeeded at that too. In the half-century that followed, Lamborghinis would become some of the most recognizable sports cars in the world.

As these early images show, that distinctive look didn’t take long to develop.

 

The launch of the new Lamborghini 350GTV with body by Franco Scaglione at the Lamborghini Factory, Sant'Agata, October 1963.
The launch of the new Lamborghini 350GTV with body by Franco Scaglione at the Lamborghini Factory, Sant'Agata, October 1963. Klemantaski Collection—Getty Images
Mechanics building up the prototype P400 Miura at the Lamborghini Factory in Sant'Agata, October 1965.
Mechanics building up the prototype P400 Miura at the Lamborghini Factory in Sant'Agata, October 1965. Klemantaski Collection—Getty Images
Lamborghini 400GT 2+2, with four separate headlamps, is introduced to the Press alongside the prior 350GT model, which had followed the 350GTV. 1966.
Lamborghini 400GT 2+2, with four separate headlamps, is introduced to the Press alongside the prior 350GT model, which had followed the 350GTV. 1966.Klemantaski Collection—Getty Images
The special Lamborghini P538 sports car designed by Bizzarrini. 1966.
The special Lamborghini P538 sports car designed by Bizzarrini. 1966.Klemantaski Collection—Getty Images
A Lamborghini Miura P400 sports car, circa 1967. The car was designed by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, and launched in 1966.
A Lamborghini Miura P400 sports car, circa 1967. The car was designed by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, and launched in 1966. Hulton Archive—Getty Images
The Lamborghini Marzal, a one-off prototype concept car, designed by by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, at a preview of the London Motor Show at Earl's Court, Oct. 17, 1967.
The Lamborghini Marzal, a one-off prototype concept car, designed by by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, at a preview of the London Motor Show at Earl's Court, Oct. 17, 1967.Mike McLaren/Central Press/Hulton Archive—Getty Images
Lamborghini P250 Urraco 2+2 V8 sports car styled by Bertone and priced at £5500 in 1972.
Lamborghini P250 Urraco 2+2 V8 sports car styled by Bertone and priced at £5500 in 1972. Hulton Archive—Getty Images
The Lamborghini LP500, first prototype of the Countach sports car, designed by by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, circa 1972.
The Lamborghini LP500, first prototype of the Countach sports car, designed by by Marcello Gandini of the Bertone design studio, circa 1972. Hulton Archive—Getty Images

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Write to Lily Rothman at lily.rothman@time.com