Ferarri, Lamborghini, Maserati: Classic Italian exotics exist in their own world

1967 Pininfarina Dino Prototipo Competizione

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Italian exotic car builders exist in a world of their own. WIth their state of the art, race-derived engines and chassis wrapped in sexy, limited production coachbuilder bodies--there just isn't any equivalent in the rest of the world.

Say exotic Italian and most people will say either Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati, for they are the major players, making what are essentially sex toys, built only for the pure pleasure of driving. Practical? Don't be silly. These cars are all about enjoying the act of driving with red-blooded Italian passion. More and more, Americans seem to like their cars to be appliances. A cozy Camry with air-condtioner and CD player spinning is really closer to being a refrigerator than an automobile. All Americans seem to care about is reilability. Do you want your wife or husband to be only rock steady, safe and predictable? Or maybe you like a little spice sometimes.  Italian exotics are for those times when Martha Stewart or Mitt Romney won't do.

Built from 1974-89, the Lamborghini Countach had a rear wing so large that drivers were required to file flight plans. Posters and die cast models of the over-the-top car graced millions of boys bedrooms during its era. The Countach was so extreme that the word "supercar." was created for it. It appears that it would be safe to call this car "unapologetic."

Lamborghini Countach, the wedding edition.

I don't know anyone who's traveled to italy that, once home, didn't immediatey start planning their return. The Italian love of beauty combined with their lust for sensuality is unique. Add to that their insistence on enjoying life to the fullest and it comes as no surprise that their cars reflect this. But enough talk. Please, enjoy the slide show below and experience these Italian beauties for yourself.

For more info: Check out the slide show below.