From Cortina to California: Cars Named After Iconic Places

Car manufacturers have often drawn inspiration from geographic locations when naming their models. It gives the cars an extra layer of character and history. Here are some remarkable examples:

Ford Cortina

Named after the Italian ski resort town Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Ford Cortina became one of Britain’s most popular cars during the 1960s and ’70s.

Chevrolet Malibu

The name comes from the California coastal city of Malibu, known for its beaches and laid-back lifestyle. Introduced in 1964, the car has remained a staple in Chevrolet’s lineup ever since.

Alfa Romeo Montreal

Unveiled as a concept car at Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada, this sports car was so well-received that it went into production under the name Montreal.

SEAT Ibiza

Named after the Spanish holiday island of Ibiza, this compact car was launched in 1984 and remains in production to this day.

Bentley Mulsanne

The name refers to the Mulsanne Straight, a famous straight section of the Le Mans racetrack in France, where Bentley has enjoyed significant success.

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