Home Cars Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets

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Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets

Vukasin Herbez February 28, 2023

Supercars are among the strangest of all segments of the automotive industry. These unique cars are made to look outrageous, go insanely fast, and be notoriously difficult to live with. Either way, if a driver has one (or more), they are usually the pinnacle of car collections. Supercar owners are proud of these cars that serve primarily as conversation starters for bragging. However, there are several failed supercars that wasted their owners’ money rather than starting a conversation for them.

So not all supercars are sought-after by their owners or well-publicized by the media. There are some models that, despite being fast and extremely good-looking, couldn’t justify the prices and are left forgotten. Today, we’ll look back at the supercars that wasted their owner’s money. If you have the cash for a car at this level, these models should be avoided. Find out which failed supercars are best left in the garage below.

Cizeta-Moroder V16T

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In 1988, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T had the potential to become the next big thing in the world of supercars. It was made by a group of ex-Lamborghini engineers led by Claudio Zampoli. He partnered with famous music composer and supercar fan Giorgio Moroder. The car had celebrity endorsement, an Italian background, an exotic name, and technology. The main feature of this obscure beast was its monstrous V16 engine. It was basically two flat-plane crank V8 units. All supercars have engines installed longitudinally. But Cizeta-Moroder chose a different route, resulting in a very wide rear track and complicated assembly of its five-speed manual gearbox (via Goodwood).

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The V16 engine had six liters of displacement and delivered 560 HP. This was a fantastic number for the late ’80s. The performance was equally impressive, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph. Even today, those numbers will draw attention from the supercar crowd. The base list price was close to $300,000. Production stopped after only 20 examples which is why they are a scarce sight today. It was simply too expensive and weird for most supercar owners.

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Panther 6

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This strange car is considered a supercar due to its power, price, and unusual tech. For example, it had six wheels instead of the usual four. The Panther 6 was a roadster that had a monstrous 8.2-liter V8 engine from the Cadillac Eldorado. The enormous engine was behind the cabin. It powered the rear wheels while the four wheels in the front managed the steering. To achieve proper ride height, designers installed smaller diameter wheels in the front with much bigger ones in the back (via ARO Online).

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The Panther 6 was an over-the-top luxury supercar convertible. It had a leather interior, climate control, power windows, and doors. Designers claimed that Panther 6 was capable of achieving a 200 mph (320 km/h) top speed, but automobile experts were always very suspicious of this. Panther never allowed for independent testing. Only two cars left the factory in England.

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Dauer 962 Le Mans

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If you ever thought about what it would be like to drive a Le Mans race car on the street, here is the answer. The crazy Dauer 962 Le Mans is the ultimate supercar ever built. It is so extreme and fast that it could put most of the current fastest supercars to shame despite the fact it is over 20 years old. This 962 Le Mans is directly derived from the Le Mans-winning Porsche 962 race car. Built from 1993 to 1997 by German company Dauer, this supercar is basically a race car with some trunk space and license plates (via Supercars).

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Dauer made 12 street 926 LMs for sale to the general public. The street car used the same engine, chassis, and body style with two exciting differences. It had narrower tires with street thread and a more powerful engine. Interestingly, the street car was more powerful than racing models since race cars had to have air restrictors and street cars didn’t. So the Dauer 962 produced 750 HP from its 3.0-liter turbocharged flat-six engine. The performance figures were crazy. Its 0 to 60 mph time was 2.8 seconds and the top speed was 251 mph. But the problem with this model was that it needed to be more for most owners. Since most supercar owners only buy their cars to show off, production was very low at only 12 examples.

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Aixam Mega Track

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One of the most interesting forgotten supercars ever produced was the French Mega Track. Built by Aixam in the mid-’90s, the Mega Track was the first and only off-road supercar ever built. You may wonder how it’s possible to have a supercar that is capable of going off-road. Still, Axiam managed to produce a vehicle with adjustable suspension that could be turned from a regular sports car to an SUV in seconds (via Top Speed).

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The complicated system allowed eight to 13 inches of ride height and the Mega Track could become a true off-road beast in a few seconds. Behind the driver was a massive 6.0-liter V12 engine from Mercedes-Benz, which produced 400 HP and powered all four wheels. The concept had its drawbacks, though, and the Mega Track was a heavy car. It weighed over two tons and had a length of over five meters, more than the Mercedes S-Class. The Aixam company, known for producing small microcars and various automotive industry components, needed more time and interest to promote the Mega Track. Production stopped after only five or six (depending on the source) examples were made.

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Isdera Imperator 108i

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Isdera is a small and ultra-exclusive manufacturer of supercars based in Germany. Over the years, Isdera produced only a few models, all of which used Mercedes parts, engines, and components. The company became known for its exclusive production approach. All of their products can be considered lost and forgotten supercars, but the Imperator 108i was the coolest and best looking. It was introduced in 1984 and remained in production until 1993, during which 30 examples left the factory (via Supercars).

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The car had a space frame construction with a plastic body and Gullwing doors, everyone’s favorite supercar detail. Behind the driver was a Mercedes-produced V8 engine with 5.0 liters of displacement. Over the years, Isdera installed more significant engines with 5.6 and 6.0 liters of displacement. Its performance was respectable, with a 5.0-seconds 60 mph time and a top speed of over 170 mph. The design had a characteristic wedge shape and one exciting feature – a periscope rear view mirror which was and still is a unique solution in car design. Despite its interesting look, exclusivity, and performance, Isdera simply couldn’t battle the more popular models and the Imperator 108i soon fell into obscurity.

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Vector W8

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The only American supercar on our list is the legendary Vector W8, a wedge-shaped and V8-powered monster first shown in 1990. It was a very ambitious project by the Vector Aeromotive Corporation, who wanted to produce the most advanced supercar in the world using aeronautical technology and materials in car production. Under the engine cover was a typical American powerhouse, a Chevrolet small block V8. But it had twin turbochargers producing 625 HP, which was impressive at the time (via Car and Driver).

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The company claimed that the 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine was capable of 1200 HP at full boost. Still, it wasn’t recommended to use full boost for extended periods since it would affect the engine’s durability. The Vector W2 cost $450,000, an enormous sum for the day. Despite it being featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and computer games, it failed to translate to sales success. When production ended in 1993, the Vector Aeromotive Company managed to produce only 22 examples of this fantastic American supercar.

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Monteverdi Hai 450 SS

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The Monteverdi company was a Swiss manufacturer of high-end coupes and limousines that became popular thanks to its elegant creations featuring Italian styling, German quality, and American engines. All models featured Chrysler engines which provided raw power European manufacturers of the period lacked (via Auto Evolution). The new model the called Hai 450 SS, was introduced in 1970 and featured a fully new chassis, body, and the famous Hemi 426 V8 engine in the back. Monteverdi wanted the most powerful engine Mopar had to offer. In 1970, that was the mighty Hemi.

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The car was named after a German word for shark. Despite having 450 HP and superb performance, the Hai 450 SS was introduced just as the automotive industry slid into a recession so buyers were hard to find. Eventually, one example found a high-price buyer, and two more were later produced. The decision to retire this model was also forced by Peter Monteverdi’s concern for the customers since the car was so fast and aggressive that it became dangerous. Today, this is one of the lost supercars and one of few Swiss-built cars.

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Noble M600

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The expansion of supercars in the 2000s brought drivers many exciting and powerful machines. Noble became famous for producing very extreme cars using components from other manufacturers. Noble had a reputation as a kit car company, which was not true. But it did affect its reputation in the supercar market. But the M600 model shattered misconceptions and showed what Noble was capable of. Using a 4.4-liter V8 from Volvo and bolting two turbochargers on it, Noble managed to squeeze 550 or 650 HP. They were also able to install it in a lightweight and sleek body (via Evo).

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The idea behind the M600 was to produce a pure supercar without any unnecessary electronic aids and to deliver the most refined driving experience possible. This made the M600 scary to drive. But it was also an immensely fun and unforgettable experience. Using all 650 HP, the M600 could reach 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and top out at over 220 mph. Regardless of its great looks and performance, mainstream supercars buyers avoided this model even though Top Gear featured it on their show and praised its qualities.

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Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale

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You may think it is strange to feature an Alfa Romeo on this list since Alfa is a well-known factory that doesn’t produce supercars. However, there is one very rare model which is very fitting for this article. The TZ name is present in Alfa’s history from the ’60s when it made several sports cars called the TZ 1 and TZ 2. The T stands for Turbulare, and Z for Zagato, the designer house. Only nine examples left the factory (via Supercars).

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The Alfa Romeo TZ 3 was, in fact, the previous generation Dodge Viper ACR-X, a track-prepared version. Alfa only dressed the Viper into Zagato’s body, leaving all essential mechanical components and a massive 8.2-liter engine intact. Even the interior was the same, with all the badging changed from Dodge to Alfa Romeo. The TZ 3 had a supercar-beating performance with 600 HP, a 3.4-second 0 to 60 mph time, and a 200 mph top speed. Despite the fancy new Italian suit, great V10 engine, perfect driving dynamics, and legendary name, Alfa managed to sell only nine copies. Today, almost no one remembers the TZ 3.

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Venturi 400 GT

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You’re excused if you don’t know about Venturi, a small French car company that was active in the ’90s. Using components from other car companies and producing its own bodies and chassis, Venturi produced several fast cars and left its mark in the history of obscure supercars with its magnificent 400 GT model from the mid-’90s. Visually similar to Ferrari F40, the Venturi 400 GT also used a twin-turbocharged engine. But in Venturi’s case, it was a 3.0-liter Peugeot V6 producing 400 HP in street trim (via Motor Trend).

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In racing trim, it was capable of over 600 HP. With all that firepower, the 400 GT could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and go over 180 mph, which was faster than the Porsches or Ferraris of the day. Venturi participated in many races including Le Mans. It even had its own racing series where wealthy amateurs could race their Venturis. Unfortunately, the cruel financial reality caught up with Venturi’s big ambitions. Venturi withdrew from racing and only about 100 cars left the factory.

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Lister Storm

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The Lister company was best known as a racing outfit. They also prepared race cars for several mainstream manufacturers like Jaguar, Maserati, and Chevrolet. But in the mid-’90s, Lister decided to make their supercar using a highly-tuned Jaguar V12 engine. The idea behind the supercar was to introduce a fast four-seat Gran Turismo coupe capable of breaking speed records and transporting its passengers in comfort. The new model was called the Storm and featured a V12 engine with 550 HP (via Road and Track).

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The engine displaced 7.0 liters and was from a Le Mans racer. Lister made their own body which featured a wide track to accommodate wide tires. It had lots of scoops and spoilers for better cooling and aerodynamics. At the same time, Lister offered Storm as a passenger car at almost $450,000 and a racing version for private teams. However, despite having brutal power, a 4.0-second 0-60 mph time, and over 210 mph, only four customers ordered it. The reason was pretty simple. The car was ugly, as some might say. And despite being a four-seater, it didn’t have a lot of space.

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Ascari KZ 1

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Back in the early `2000s, Ascari was on the verge of becoming the next big thing in the supercar segment. Unfortunately, that didn’t materialize. All that is left of this exciting venture is the KZ 1 model. The KZ 1 was introduced in 2004. It featured cool styling, a carbon fiber tub, and an S62 V8 engine from the E39 BMW M5, good for over 400 hp (via Evo).

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Since the KZ 1 was light and balanced, its performance was great. A 0 to 60 sprint was possible in 4.0 seconds while its top speed was 200 mph. Features in popular magazines added to the hype. Ascari priced this car at a hefty $400,000, which was more than a comparable Ferrari or Porsche. This sealed the destiny of the KZ 1. Only 10 examples left the factory.

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Bristol Fighter

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Bristol Cars is one of the craziest companies in the world. And not only for their models, which are quite strange. But also for their business policy. The company barely made any money for decades. Bristol operated only one showroom, sold only 1 or 2 cars per year, and refused to modernize its lineup for decades. However, they somehow managed to survive. In 2004, Bristol decided to introduce a new model with a fresh design, which is therefore how the Fighter was born (via Evo).

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The chassis was custom-made with a unique body that featured Gullwing doors and a long hood. The design of the Fighter has no resemblance to other Bristol cars. But it carried the tradition of using Chrysler engines. This sports car had an 8.0-liter V10 from Dodge Viper rated at 525 HP.

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Lotec Sirius

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The Sirius is one of the most obscure European supercars. Lotec produced it in the early 2000s. The prototype caused much attention when it was first shown in 2001, but ever since, the news about this crazy supercar has been pretty scarce. Some say that only two examples left the factory, and some say that Sirius never progressed beyond the prototype stage (via Supercars).

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However, Sirius is still one of the most powerful and exciting machines out there. The heart is a twin-turbo Mercedes-derived V12 engine with around 1300 HP. The Sirius is unbelievably fast with a five-speed manual transmission and just 2800 pounds of curb weight. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes less than 3.7 seconds. Its top speed is an impressive 285 mph.

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Falcon F7

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In 2009, American car designer and businessman Jeff Lemke established Falcon Motorsports. The company started building high-performance supercars. The first car debuted at the 2012 New York Motor Show. It was called the Falcon F7. Its silver paint, futuristic interior, and aggressive stance make it a great-looking vehicle. The power comes from a naturally aspirated, all-alloy 7.0-liter V8 engine with 620 to 680 HP. Falcon also announced a twin-turbo version with 1100 HP (via FalconF7).

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The production was very limited. If you want to be a proud owner of an F7, be prepared to pay at least $195,000. However, despite all of its qualities, Falcon failed to attract the customer’s attention due to several factors. The model was canceled after a few years on the market as a result.

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Home Cars Strange Cars That Defined The ‘Space Age’ Era of The 1960s

Cars

Strange Cars That Defined The ‘Space Age’ Era of The 1960s

Cameron Eittreim February 27, 2023

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The 1960s were a decade of technological advancement and renewed fascination with space exploration. This led to the creation of a new genre of futuristic automobiles called “space-age cars.” These cars had sleek and aerodynamic designs and many unconventional features such as bubble tops and gull-wing doors. Some of the most iconic space-age cars of the ’60s include the Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Corvair, and Chrysler Turbine.

Space-age cars of the 1960s weren’t just about looks. They were also packed with advanced technology that was cutting-edge at the time. These cars featured advanced safety features, such as seat belts and padded dashboards, as well as innovative features, such as automatic transmissions and power steering. Many space-age cars were also equipped with engines that could deliver speed and acceleration. Space-age cars of the 1960s represented a bold era of car design and technology that still inspires enthusiasts to this day. We took a look at the strange vehicles that defined the space age era right here.

1960 Plymouth Valiant

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The Valiant, a compact car, was designed by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation in 1960. It was designed to appeal to a wide range of people as a fuel-efficient, practical car. It had a functional design that made it easy to maintain and repair. The Valiant was equipped with a reliable engine capable of up to 101 horsepower. This made it a practical, fuel-efficient car for its time (via Valient).

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The 1960 Valiant had a functional and comfortable interior. It featured a comfortable bench seat and a large trunk. The Valiant was compact and easy to park in the city. The 1960 Plymouth Valiant was a reliable and practical car for daily use. It was a simple and functional car that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate classic practical vehicles.

1961 Chevrolet Corvair Pickup

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The 1961 Corvair Pickup was an innovative truck that many people loved for its unconventional design. Chevrolet, an American car company, created it in the early 1960s. The pickup truck had a compact and aerodynamic body that was different from other trucks of its time. The Corvair Pickup also had a functional and spacious interior designed for versatility and comfort. It featured a durable bench seat, a simple dashboard, and a large cargo bed that could haul all sorts of materials (via Motor Authority).

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The truck also had a compact and maneuverable design that made it easy to park and drive in the city. The 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Pickup was a truck that was well-received by people who needed a practical and reliable vehicle for their daily work. It was a unique and innovative truck that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate unconventional yet still practical vehicles.

1960 Studebaker Champ

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The 1960 Studebaker Champ was a sturdy pickup truck that many people loved for its practicality and durability. Studebaker, an American car company, created it in the late 1950s. The truck had a simple design that made it perfect for everyday use. It was equipped with a reliable engine that could handle heavy loads and tough terrain. The 1960 Studebaker Champ also had a spacious and functional interior designed for work and play (via Pinterest).

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It featured a durable bench seat, a simple dashboard, and a large cargo bed. The truck also had power steering, air conditioning, and a radio, which were all useful features for a working vehicle of that era. The 1960 Studebaker Champ was a truck that was well-received by farmers, construction workers, and other people who needed a reliable vehicle for daily work. It was a classic American truck that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate practical and durable vehicles.

1961 Chrysler Imperial

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The 1961 Imperial was a luxurious car that many people loved for its elegant design and powerful performance. Chrysler, an American car company, created it in the early 1960s. The car had a long and sleek body that exuded sophistication and class. It was equipped with a powerful V8 engine that produced up to 325 horsepower, making it a fast car that could reach high speeds on the open road (via Hemmings).

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The 1961 Chrysler Imperial also had an opulent interior designed for comfort and style. It featured plush leather seats, a wood-grain dashboard, and a push-button transmission. The car also had power windows, air conditioning, and a powerful stereo system, which were all high-end features for a car of that era. The 1961 Imperial was a car that was well-received by car enthusiasts and critics alike. It was one of the most luxurious cars of its time. The Imperial still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate classic American cars.

1970 Pontiac Grand Prix SSJ

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The 1970 Grand Prix SSJ was a popular car that many people loved for its powerful performance and stylish design. Pontiac created it in the late 1960s. The car had a sleek and aerodynamic body that made it stand out on the road. It was equipped with a powerful V8 engine that produced up to 370 horsepower, making it a fast car that could reach speeds of over 100 miles per hour (via Motor Trend).

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The Grand Prix SSJ also had a luxurious interior designed for comfort and style. It also featured bucket seats, a center console, and a sporty steering wheel. Furthermore, the SSJ had power windows, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio. Like the Imperial, it was one of the fastest and most luxurious cars of its time. Collectors who appreciate classic American muscle cars still hold the Grand Prix SSJ in especially high regard.

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

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The 1969 Charger Daytona is a classic car that many people love for its unique look. Chrysler Corporation created it in the United States in the late 1960s. The car has a long nose and massive rear wing that helped it stay stable at high speeds. Its V8 engine made it one of the fastest cars on the road at the time. The 1969 Charger Daytona was built for racing and it performed exceptionally well on the track. Even today, car enthusiasts appreciate the car for its unique design and impressive performance (via Motor Trend).

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The 1969 Charger Daytona was not only fast but also an attention-grabber. Its unique design made it stand out from the crowd and it still turns heads today. The car was available in several colors, but the most famous was the bright orange hue, known as “Hemi Orange.” The 1969 Charger Daytona was also featured in several movies and TV shows, which helped cement its place in pop culture. If you ever get the chance to see a Charger Daytona in person, you’ll appreciate its stunning design and impressive performance that made it a legend among muscle cars.

1960 Marcos GT Xylon

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The 1960 Marcos GT Xylon is a classic car. People love it because it looked cool. Built in the United Kingdom, it has a sleek design with a long hood and small windows. The GT Xylon was built for racing and it performed well on the track. It’s a rare car these days and elite collectors seek it out to add to their collections. If you ever get a chance to see a GT Xylon, you’ll appreciate its unique style (via Ultimate Car Page).

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The GT Xylon was a classic car that many people loved because of its cool looks. Its four-cylinder engine made it a fast car. It was a rare car back then like it is today, and most likely will be for quite a while. True muscle car fans appreciated its unique style and impressive performance, which made it a legend in the racing world.

1961 Checker Marathon

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The 1961 Checker Marathon is a classic taxi. People love this car because it’s stylish and reliable. It was made in the United States in the 1960s. The Checker Marathon has a unique look with a boxy shape and chrome accents. A V8 engine powered the car, which gave it plenty of power. Car enthusiasts often seek out the 1961 Checker Marathon because it’s a classic that still runs well. They enjoy driving it on long road trips or just taking it out for a spin on the weekends (via How Stuff Works).

20checker Image Master1050 — Photo Credit: Flickr

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The Checker Marathon gained its reputation as one of the most reliable cars on the road during its manufacturing period from 1960 to 1982. Many taxi companies used the Checker Marathon as their primary vehicle because of its durability and spacious interior, making it an ideal taxi cab. It was a common sight on the streets of many American cities. Today, collectors and enthusiasts seek out the Checker Marathon for its unique history and design.

1961 Plymouth Fury

This 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury Drag Racer Packs 772 Hp 146299 1 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation produced the 1961 Plymouth Fury. It was a large car with a modern design that featured a sloping roofline and prominent fins on the rear fenders. The Fury boasted two strong engine options, a 318 cubic inch V8 and a 361 cubic inch V8. It could comfortably seat up to six passengers (via Hagerty).

This 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury Drag Racer Packs 772 Hp 28 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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Plymouth marketed the Fury as a high-performance car, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and drag racers. The car even appeared in the horror movie “Christine,” where it was portrayed as a possessed car. Today, the 1961 Plymouth Fury remains a sought-after classic car.

1961 Wolseley Hornet

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The 1961 Hornet was a British car that was produced by the Wolseley Motor Company. The Hornet was a compact car that was designed for practicality and versatility. It had a simple and functional design that made it a popular choice for people who needed a reliable and practical car for their daily use. The Wolseley Hornet was equipped with a reliable engine that could produce up to 58 horsepower, which made it a fuel-efficient and practical car for its time (via Hagerty).

Retromobile 2019 Wolsenet Hornet 3 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The 1961 Wolseley Hornet also had a spacious and comfortable interior that was designed for functionality and comfort. It featured a durable and comfortable bench seat, a simple dashboard, and a large trunk that could haul all sorts of materials. The Hornet also had a compact and maneuverable design that made it easy to park and drive in the city. The 1961 Wolseley Hornet was a car that was well-received by people who needed a practical and reliable vehicle for their daily work. It was a simple and functional car that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate classic and practical vehicles.

1962 Renault 8

79b9d39ebf79d7f577bb2c3371f8d57c — Photo Credit: Pinterest

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Renault introduced the Renault 8 in 1962, a small family car that quickly became a popular choice in Europe. The Renault 8 featured a rear-mounted engine that produced up to 50 horsepower, providing adequate power for the car’s size. Its independent suspension system also contributed to a smooth and comfortable ride (via Classic Car Catalogue).

1962 Cars Renault8 Gordini2 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The car’s unique body design, with a sloping rear and distinctive tail fins, made it stand out from other small cars of the time. Production of the Renault 8 continued until 1971, with over a million units sold worldwide. The car remains a popular choice among collectors to this day.

1963 Hillman Imp

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The Rootes Group manufactured the 1963 Hillman Imp, a small British car designed to compete with other popular small cars of the time like the Mini Cooper and Ford Anglia. The Hillman Imp featured a unique rear engine, a rear-wheel-drive configuration that provided excellent traction and handling on the road. The 0.9-liter engine had only 39 horsepower but the car had a unique body design (via Bonhams).

Hillman Imp Deluxe 1963 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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Despite its short production run, the Hillman Imp has gained a cult following among car enthusiasts in the years since. The Imp had a small footprint, which meant that the car did provide driving fun. Although the exterior looked small, the interior of the Imp actually had a spacious amount of room and cargo space.

1964 Morris 1800

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Morris Motors produced the 1964 Morris 1800, a British family car, and part of the BMC 1100/1300 range. Families and commuters alike favored the spacious interior that could seat up to six people. The car featured a 1.8-liter engine capable of producing up to 84 horsepower, and drivers appreciated its powerful performance and agile handling. The Morris 1800 provided a comfortable ride and quickly gained popularity among car enthusiasts (via Retro Motor).

03 Austin 1800 Defacto Wiki — Photo Credit: Mecum

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However, British Leyland discontinued production of the Morris 1800 in 1975 as part of a merger with other car companies. Despite its short production run, the Morris 1800 remains a beloved classic car today.

1965 Renault 16

Images Renault 16 1965 1 — Photo Credit: Classics

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Renault designed and manufactured the 1965 Renault 16, a compact family car. The Renault 16 was the first car to have a hatchback, which provided easy access to the trunk. The car also featured a transverse engine as well which made it more compact and efficient. The Renault 16 hit the market at the same time as the Volkswagen Beetle. The car had a slightly larger interior and exterior that appealed to the family-oriented car buyer (via Driven To Write).

Photo Big Renault 16 Ts 1965 2858 1 — Photo Credit: Classics

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The Renault 16 had a unique and modern design, with a sleek body and large windows that provided excellent visibility for the driver. A 1.5-liter engine powered it and could reach a top speed of approximately 87 miles per hour. The four-wheel-drive independent suspension of the car was also innovative, providing a comfortable ride and undeniably excellent handling.

1966 Lotus Europa

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Lotus Cars designed and built the 1966 Lotus Europa, a sports car. The Europa had a sleek and modern design, with a mid-engine layout and a fiberglass body. A Renault engine powered the Europa, and it could reach a top speed of approximately 120 miles per hour. Racing enthusiasts preferred the car due to its lightweight design and excellent handling (via Smiths).

1966 Lotus Europa 1302780 7809816 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The Lotus Europa was also well-known for its innovative engineering. The car’s chassis had steel and bonded to the fiberglass body, providing rigidity and precise handling. The car featured a unique upward-opening door design, later adopted by other sports car manufacturers. Today, the Lotus Europa is a rare and sought-after car due to its advanced engineering and classic design.

1967 Matra 530

Matra 530 Lx Domagn 9392 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The 1967 Matra 530 was a unique car. It had a distinctive design with a low, streamlined body and a pointed nose. Additionally, a 1.3-liter engine powered the car and could reach speeds of up to 118 miles per hour. The Matra 530 was also a two-seater car with a fiberglass body and an aluminum frame. Furthermore, the car was also known for its large wraparound rear window, which provided excellent visibility for the driver (via Curbside Classic).

Matra M 530 Baujahr 1967 96487 — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The design allowed for better weight distribution and improved handling. A short wheelbase and lightweight platform always equals a fun driving experience. The Matra had a lot of potential, although more car shoppers never got to experience it. The lightweight platform made for an extremely fun driving experience. Enthusiast drivers enjoyed the ease of repair and the wide variety of features that the car offered.

1969 Alfa-Romeo Junior Zagato

C5a58b8b2bc52e5cfc78c277a9ac018b — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The 1969 Junior Zagato was a unique car from the 1960s. It had a sleek design with a low, pointed nose and rounded body. A four-cylinder engine powered the car and could reach speeds of up to 116 miles per hour. Despite its impressive performance, the car was generally impractical as it only had two seats and limited storage space (via Hagerty).

08af90aa1ccf856ddc9efde58fb8a63c — Photo Credit: Mecum

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However, the Alfa-Romeo Junior Zagato was a rare car with only 1,108 models produced. The Italian design of the car appealed to just about anyone who saw it. Alfa-Romeo built a brand on appealing car design and exhilarating performance. The car didn’t have a large production run, which is why you’ll seldom see one on the road.

Chrysler TurboFlite

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In the 1960s, people had a huge interest in space and new technology. This interest influenced the design of cars, which became very different and unusual. Although the Space race and science fiction inspired these cars, they also showed new and advanced engineering and design. In this article, we will look at some of the most famous and unusual cars from this time, and see how they were important for the culture of the era (via Top Gear).

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The car had a turbine engine that could produce up to 500 horsepower. The doors were gull-wing, and the interior had a unique layout with swiveling seats. Despite its impressive features, the car never went into production. However, the car’s design influenced many other vehicles that followed it.

AMC AMX Project IV

Photo Credit: Edmunds

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AMC doesn’t get the credit that it deserved for the muscle car era. American Motors had quite a few well-known muscle cars on the market at the time. This interest influenced the design of cars, which became very different and unusual. The space race and science fiction inspired these cars and showed new and advanced engineering and design (via Street Car Mag).

1970 Amc Amx Dennis Allen Front — Photo Credit: Mecum

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The AMC AMX Project IV was a unique car from the 1960s. It had a wedge-shaped design with a sharply pointed nose and a low profile. The car featured gull-wing doors and a powerful engine that could produce up to 340 horsepower. However, the car never went into production. Instead, AMC used it as a concept car to showcase its innovative design and advanced technology.

Ford Gyron

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The Gyron hit the auto show circuit in 1960. It also had only two wheels and looked like a flying saucer. Electricity powered it and could go up to 100 miles per hour. The driver and passenger sat side by side in a glass bubble that covered the top of the car. The car had never been put into production, but it was a very interesting idea for a car that could have been used in the future (via Jalopnik).

Ford Gyron Gettyimages 973913476 Scaled — Photo Credit: Edmunds

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The flying saucer design of the Gyron broke the mold for design. Additionally, the self-driving feature was exactly what the future of driving was going to hold. Although there were a few other concept cars from the same era, however, it was the Gyron that pushed the envelope of what technology was. Although the Gyron hit the auto show circuit back in the ’60s, it was quite an impressive feat of technology and engineering.

Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets

Cizeta-Moroder V16T

Panther 6

Dauer 962 Le Mans

Aixam Mega Track

Isdera Imperator 108i

Vector W8

Monteverdi Hai 450 SS

Noble M600

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale

Venturi 400 GT

Lister Storm

Ascari KZ 1

Bristol Fighter

Lotec Sirius

Falcon F7

Strange Cars That Defined The ‘Space Age’ Era of The 1960s

1960 Plymouth Valiant

1961 Chevrolet Corvair Pickup

1960 Studebaker Champ

1961 Chrysler Imperial

1970 Pontiac Grand Prix SSJ

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona

1960 Marcos GT Xylon

1961 Checker Marathon

1961 Plymouth Fury

1961 Wolseley Hornet

1962 Renault 8

1963 Hillman Imp

1964 Morris 1800

1965 Renault 16

1966 Lotus Europa

1967 Matra 530

1969 Alfa-Romeo Junior Zagato

Chrysler TurboFlite

AMC AMX Project IV

Ford Gyron

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