Home Cars Sixteen Cylinders of Legend: The Rare Cars with V16 Power

Cars

Sixteen Cylinders of Legend: The Rare Cars with V16 Power

Jimmy adeel July 15, 2025

Few engines in automotive history inspire as much awe as the mighty V16. Synonymous with engineering brilliance and extreme exclusivity, the V16 has powered only a select handful of the world’s most remarkable cars. These extraordinary machines represent the ultimate pursuit of luxury, performance, and technical mastery. Their thunderous powerplants weren’t just feats of mechanical art—they reshaped the very notion of automotive prestige. In this article, we explore the legendary legacy of V16-powered cars and the indelible mark they left on motoring history.

NEXT >>

1. Cadillac Series 452 (1930-1937)

The Cadillac Series 452 stunned the world as the first mass-produced V16-powered automobile. Its debut in 1930 instantly elevated Cadillac’s reputation, establishing the brand as a leader in ultimate luxury and innovation. The beautifully engineered 7.4-liter V16 engine provided an unmatched smoothness and refinement, setting a new benchmark for American prestige vehicles. This masterpiece not only captivated the elite but also forced competitors to rethink their approach to high-end motoring.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Marmon Sixteen (1931-1933)

The Marmon Sixteen arrived as a daring rival to Cadillac, boasting a groundbreaking all-aluminum V16 engine. Its 8.0-liter powerplant was renowned for both its refined performance and its remarkable lightness, a significant technological leap at the time. The Marmon Sixteen’s blend of innovation and elegance made it one of the most sought-after luxury cars of its era, though only a handful were ever produced.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Auto Union Type C (1936-1937)

The Auto Union Type C redefined racing with its formidable supercharged V16 engine, producing over 500 horsepower—a staggering figure for its time. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, this Grand Prix legend was a technological marvel, featuring a rear-mounted engine that gave it a distinct edge against rivals like Mercedes-Benz. The Type C’s fearless innovation and raw performance made it a symbol of pre-war motorsport brilliance.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Cizeta-Moroder V16T (1991-1995)

The Cizeta-Moroder V16T stands as one of the most exotic supercars ever built. Developed by Claudio Zampolli and music producer Giorgio Moroder, this Italian rarity featured a unique transverse-mounted V16 engine—a world first. Its bold styling drew comparisons to the Lamborghini Diablo, but underneath, the V16T’s engineering was even more audacious. With just a handful ever produced, it remains a cult classic among collectors and enthusiasts.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. BRM Type 15 V16 (1950-1955)

The BRM Type 15 marked a bold British entry into Formula One, powered by a tiny yet ferocious 1.5-liter supercharged V16. Its engineering complexity was legendary, delivering a shrill, unforgettable exhaust note that echoed across racetracks. Despite its temperamental nature, the Type 15’s innovation and ambition left a lasting impression on motorsport history. The car’s technical audacity and unique sound continue to captivate enthusiasts.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Peerless V16 Prototype (1932)

The Peerless V16 Prototype was an ambitious, last-ditch attempt to revive the struggling Peerless brand during the Great Depression. Equipped with a luxurious V16 engine, this singular sedan never reached production, making it a true one-of-a-kind collector’s treasure today. Its existence marks a fascinating “what if” in automotive history.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Cadillac V-16 Aerodynamic Coupe (1933)

The Cadillac V-16 Aerodynamic Coupe stands as a stunning, one-off masterpiece. Its streamlined, Art Deco-inspired bodywork paired with the mighty V16 engine captured the imagination of the era. This visionary blend of futuristic design and engineering prowess makes it one of the rarest and most desirable classic cars.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupe

The Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupe offered a rare blend of open-air motoring and cutting-edge V16 performance. Even scarcer than its closed-body siblings, this luxurious convertible is highly prized among collectors for its elegance and exclusivity. It remains a celebrated symbol of prewar American automotive craftsmanship.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Cadillac Sixteen Concept (2003)

The Cadillac Sixteen Concept paid spectacular tribute to Cadillac’s V16 heritage. Powered by a jaw-dropping 13.6-liter V16 engine, this concept car showcased futuristic luxury and performance. Its bold, angular design would go on to shape Cadillac’s styling for years to come, signaling a new era of ambition for the brand.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Rolls-Royce 100EX V16 Prototype

The Rolls-Royce 100EX V16 Prototype embodied British luxury and innovation with its 9.0-liter V16 engine. Created as a one-off showpiece, it demonstrated Rolls-Royce’s commitment to engineering excellence and opulent design. Though never intended for production, the 100EX remains a testament to the brand’s bold aspirations.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Alfa Romeo Tipo 162 (1939)

The Alfa Romeo Tipo 162 was an ambitious Grand Prix project, conceived to dominate racing with a cutting-edge twin-supercharged V16 engine. Although it never advanced beyond the prototype stage due to the outbreak of war, its advanced engineering and bold vision remain legendary among enthusiasts.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

The Legacy of V16 Power

The V16 engine remains a symbol of ultimate ambition, luxury, and mechanical artistry. These rare machines have not only defined eras of performance and prestige but also inspired generations of automotive enthusiasts and engineers. Today, V16-powered cars are treasured for their history, innovation, and scarcity—true collector’s gems that continue to fascinate. Their enduring allure reminds us why we dream of the extraordinary. Discover more about their remarkable impact at Hagerty.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }

<< Previous