40 Fascinating Engines From The Past We Forgot About
The rumble of a muscle car V8 or the shriek of a high-performance Japanese import. Certain engine sounds are forever etched in our automotive memory.
The history of cars is filled with hidden gems, innovative powerplants that once ruled the road but have faded from the spotlight. Unique designs, groundbreaking technologies, and the captivating stories behind these mechanical marvels. From the smooth symphony of European V6s to the raw power of American muscle car monsters, prepare to rediscover the engines that once powered automotive dreams.
Chrysler LA V8
The Chrysler LA V8 engine was a workhorse introduced in the first half of the 1960s. Designed as a compact and powerful alternative to the larger A-Series engines, the LA came in a variety of displacements, from the economical 273-cubic-inch version to the muscular 360-cubic-inch version. Notably, the LA introduced hydraulic lifters in 1968, replacing the earlier solid lifters for quieter operation.
This versatile engine found its way into a wide range of Chrysler vehicles. From iconic muscle cars like the Dodge Challenger and Charger to workhorses like the Chrysler New Yorker and Dodge Ram trucks.
Ford 289 V8
The Ford 289 V8 engine debuted in the early 60s. It left a lasting mark on the automotive world. This 4.7-liter powerhouse was a key player in the muscle car era, offering a perfect balance of performance and affordability.
Unlike its competition with bulky carburetors, the 289 came with a variety of options, including a two-barrel carburetor for everyday driving and a high-performance four-barrel setup for those seeking more power. This versatility made it a popular choice for not only muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Shelby Cobra, but also for mid-size Fords and Mercurys.
Alfa Romeo Twin Cam
Known as the "bialbero" in Italian, the Alfa Twin Cam was a legendary four-cylinder engine produced in the second half of the 20th century. This all-aluminum, high-revving powerhouse marked a turning point for Alfa Romeo, known for its focus on performance and a truly soulful driving experience.
The Twin Cam featured double overhead camshafts and hemispherical combustion chambers, both of which were very innovative back then. This translated into impressive power and a captivating, growling sound. Some of the vehicles that are powered by this fantastic motor include the sporty Giulietta and Giulia sedans, the elegant Spider convertibles, and even later performance models like the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT.
BMW M30
The BMW M30 engine reigned supreme for nearly three decades, holding the title of BMW's longest-produced engine from 1968 to 1995. This silky-smooth straight-six came in various displacements, ranging from 2.5 liters to a powerful 3.5 liters.
While not known for mind-blowing horsepower figures, the M30 offered a perfect balance of refinement and power, making it a favorite for those who enjoyed a spirited yet comfortable driving experience. This engine found its home in a wide range of beloved BMWs, including the luxurious 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, as well as the sporty coupes of the 6 Series.
Nissan SR20DET
The Nissan SR20DET, a legendary turbocharged four-cylinder engine, reigned supreme from 1989 to 2002. It emerged as the successor to the CA18DET, offering a significant leap in performance. This 2.0-liter powerhouse boasted a robust aluminum block and a DOHC cylinder head with four valves per cylinder. A key feature was its Garrett turbocharger, which unleashed exhilarating power gains.
The SR20DET found its home in various Nissan vehicles, most notably the Silvia. It also powered the Nissan Pulsar GTI-R and the Bluebird SSS.
Datsun 240Z L24
The Datsun L24 engine was a straight-six introduced in the late 60s, replacing the earlier L23. This 2.4-liter engine offered a modest power bump over its predecessor, reaching around 130 horses.
The L24 was a popular choice for Nissan's sporty and performance-oriented vehicles throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. The motor made its way under the hood of iconic models like the Datsun 240Z or the Datsun 510 sedan.
Ferrari Colombo V12
Designed by Gioacchino Colombo and produced from the late 40s into the 1980s, this 60-degree V12 was known for its smooth power delivery and a signature Ferrari exhaust note. Unarguably, the Colombo V12 was a truly legendary engine that powered some of the most coveted Prancing Horses ever built.
Early versions were relatively small, displacing around 1.5 liters, but grew over time to nearly 5 liters. The Colombo V12 was constructed with a lightweight aluminum block, a rarity for its era, and featured a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank in most iterations.
Fiat Twin Cam
The Fiat Twin Cam, also known as the Lampredi Twin Cam after its designer, Aurelio Lampredi, was a marvel of engineering that carved its name in both motorsport and everyday driving. Debuting in 1966, this double overhead camshaft inline-four engine came in various displacements ranging from 1.3 liters to 2.0 liters.
Its unique features included a crossflow cylinder head that improved air intake and exhaust flow, contributing to its impressive power output and responsiveness. Throughout its production run until 2000, the Fiat Twin Cam engine was installed in numerous Fiat, Lancia, and even Alfa Romeo vehicles, making it a true legend of the automotive world.
Ford 302 V8
The Ford 302 V8 engine, also known as the 5.0L Windsor, is another legendary powerplant made by the Blue Oval that's often overlooked these days. Introduced in 1962, this versatile engine started as a replacement for the Ford Y-block engine.
Over its impressive production run that lasted until 2000, the 302 saw a ton of different iterations. The 1969 Boss 302 variant became a performance icon with its high-revving nature and distinct character. The 302's cast-iron block and cylinder heads offered durability, while its displacement provided a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
Ford DOHC V6
This powerplant was originally introduced in the mid-1990s and quickly marked a significant shift for the American automaker. This new 24-valve powerhouse replaced the previous single-overhead-camshaft design, offering a more responsive and powerful driving experience. With a focus on high-performance, the DOHC V6 revved willingly and produced impressive power figures for a naturally aspirated engine of the era.
The DOHC V6 made its way under the hood of the Taurus SHO, Ford's flagship sedan made to compete with luxury European competitors. It can also be found in the base model Ford Mustang.
Honda VTEC
VTEC stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control. This motor truly revolutionized the internal combustion engine back when it first hit the market in the late 1980s. This innovative system addressed a longstanding challenge: achieving both high performance and fuel efficiency.
VTEC works by employing multiple camshaft profiles that are selected depending on engine RPM. At low revs, the engine prioritizes fuel efficiency using a low-lift cam. As the engine revs higher, VTEC seamlessly switches to a high-lift cam, allowing for more air intake and increased power output. This technology transformed Honda engines, creating a responsive and powerful driving experience without sacrificing fuel economy.
Jaguar XK Inline-Six
The Jaguar XK engine, a refined and powerful inline-six, roared onto the scene in 1949. This sophisticated powerplant quickly established itself as a cornerstone of Jaguar's performance and luxury. Initially displacing 3.4 liters, the XK grew to encompass variants ranging from 2.4 to 4.2 liters throughout its impressive production run. Notably, the XK engine boasted a double overhead camshaft design, a rarity for its time, which contributed to its smooth operation and impressive power output.
For over four decades, the XK engine powered some of Jaguar's most coveted vehicles. It propelled the legendary E-Type to soaring speeds, growled under the hood of the iconic XK sports car series, and provided a touch of elegance to the refined XJ sedans. The XK engine's longevity and versatility cemented its place as a legend in the automotive world.
AMC Gremlin X
The AMC Gremlin, a subcompact car known for its quirky looks, offered a surprisingly sporty option with the Gremlin X package. Introduced in 1970, the X came with a unique AMC-built 232 cubic inch inline-six engine.
This wasn't your typical six-cylinder. It packed a punch with a two-barrel carburetor, delivering more power than many V6 competitors at the time. The Gremlin X wasn't a huge seller, but it carved a niche for itself with its unexpected muscle, and the 232 six remained its heart throughout the X package's short three-year run.
Lancia Turbo 2.0L
The Lancia Delta Integrale HF Turbo carved its name in rally history with its potent 2.0L engine. Debuting in 1987, this turbocharged four-cylinder unit started with an 8-valve iteration producing 185 horsepower. Later, a 16-valve version upped the output to 200 horsepower, propelling the Delta Integrale to blisteringly fast acceleration and a top speed exceeding 130 mph.
This donning of the Integrale badge signified not just power, but also all-wheel drive. This innovative system, coupled with the engine's muscularity and a lightweight design, made the Lancia Delta Integrale a dominant force on rally tracks, securing six World Rally Championships for Lancia throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Mazda 13B Rotary
The Mazda 13B rotary engine, introduced in 1973, carved a unique niche in automotive history. Unlike traditional piston engines, it utilized triangular rotors spinning within an oval chamber to generate power. This resulted in a smoother, lighter, and higher-revving engine compared to its contemporaries. The 13B's compact size also allowed for better weight distribution in vehicles.
This innovative engine made its way under the hood of iconic Mazda sports cars like the RX-7 and the RX-8. While emissions regulations and fuel efficiency challenges eventually led to the demise of the 13B, its legacy lives on as a testament to Mazda's daring engineering spirit.
Mercedes-Benz M104
The Mercedes-Benz M104 engine, a silky smooth straight-six, replaced the M103 in 1988 and served admirably until 1997. Known for its refinement and durability, it featured a double overhead camshaft design with four valves per cylinder, a technology that boosted both power and efficiency. Notably, the M104 also offered variations in displacement, ranging from 2.8 liters to 3.2 liters, catering to a range of performance needs.
This dependable engine was fitted in various Mercedes-Benz models, including the E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, and SL-Class, leaving its mark on a generation of Mercedes luxury and performance vehicles.
Peugeot T16
The Peugeot T16 engine was a revolutionary powerplant that dominated Group B rallying in the mid-1980s. Built to exploit a loophole in the class regulations, this 1.8-liter, turbocharged engine was a mid-mounted marvel.
Unlike most rally cars, the T16 featured a transverse engine placement, positioned behind the driver and in front of the rear axle for exceptional weight distribution. With twin-turbochargers and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the T16 pumped out over 500 horsepower in racing specification, making it a true beast on loose surfaces.
Subaru EJ Series
The Subaru EJ series engine was a workhorse for the Japanese automaker, powering a vast range of their vehicles from the late 80s all the way up to 2021. Replacing the earlier EA series, the EJ was a four-cylinder boxer engine, meaning the cylinders were horizontally opposed in a flat configuration.
This unique layout provided a lower center of gravity, which enhanced handling and became a signature feature of Subaru cars. Offered in naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, the EJ series ranged from 1.5 liters to 2.5 liters in displacement, producing between 96 horsepower and a thrilling 320 horsepower in the iconic WRX STI.
Toyota 4A-GE
The Toyota 4A-GE engine quickly became a legend among tuners. It held the crown for Toyota's performance engine from 1983 to 2001, yet remains criminally underrated for most petrolheads.
This 1.6-liter, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder powerhouse revved high and delivered exciting performance thanks to its double overhead camshaft design, a rarity in its class. It wasn't just about peak power; the 4A-GE offered a responsive and exhilarating driving experience.
Volkswagen VR6
Introduced in 1991, the Volkswagen VR6 engine was a unique powerplant that blended aspects of inline and V6 engine design. Nicknamed for the German words "Verkürzt" (shortened) and "Reihenmotor" (inline engine), the VR6 featured a narrow 15-degree angle between its cylinder banks.
This compact design allowed it to fit within engine bays originally designed for four-cylinder engines, making it ideal for front-wheel-drive vehicles. The VR6 offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with displacements ranging from 2.5 to 3.6 liters. Notably, it used just one cylinder head despite having six cylinders, contributing to its space-saving design.
Volvo B254T
The Volvo B5254T engine was a turbocharged inline-five offered by the Swedish automaker from 1994 to 2000. Displacing 2.4 liters, this unique powerplant combined performance with practicality. With the help of a turbocharger, it produced a healthy 190 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, making it a peppy option for Volvo's sedans and wagons.
The B5254T's five-cylinder layout offered a good balance of smoothness and power, while its turbocharger provided exciting bursts of acceleration.
BMW M10
The BMW M10 engine, a legend in the car world, reigned from 1962 to 1988. This iron-block, single overhead camshaft inline-4 started life as a 1.5-liter unit, but grew to displacements as large as 2.0 liters throughout its production.
Known for its reliability and smooth operation, the M10 could also be a rev-happy performer, especially in higher-performance variants. It served as the backbone for many beloved BMWs, including the sporty 2002tii and the early E30 3-Series.
Chevrolet 90 Degree V6
The Chevrolet 90-degree V6 engine family, introduced in 1978, was General Motors' answer to the growing demand for fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. Based on a scaled-down version of the successful Chevy small-block V8, the initial 200 cubic inch (3.3 liter) variant aimed to improve fuel economy in Chevrolet's downsized Malibu.
The engine family evolved over the years, with the most popular version being the 4.3 liter (262 cubic inch) V6. This engine found a home in various Chevrolet and GMC trucks and vans throughout its production run, ending in early 2014.
Chrysler Poly V8
The Chrysler Poly V8 was a short-lived but interesting engine offered briefly in the mid-50s. Designed as a more affordable alternative to Chrysler's powerful Hemi engines, the Poly shared the Hemi's block and basic architecture. However, the Poly featured a simpler cylinder head design with fewer valves and a more conventional valve train.
All this resulted in a less expensive engine that delivered good power and decent fuel economy for the time. The Poly V8 came in various displacements ranging from 241 cubic inches to 354 cubic inches.
Acura C30A V6
The Acura NSX, a Japanese supercar that rivaled the best of Europe in the 1990s, was powered by the legendary C30A V6 engine. Debuting in 1990, the NSX came with a 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated motor.
Unlike typical V6 layouts, the C30A prioritized high-end power with a short stroke and wide bore. It boasted unique features for its time, including lightweight titanium connecting rods and VTEC, a variable valve timing system that unleashed additional power at higher RPMs.
Audi 2.1L I5
The Audi Quattro I5 engine, a turbocharged 2.1-liter inline-five, roared onto the scene in the early 1980s. This innovative powerplant emerged as a champion of both performance and grip.
Its unique five-cylinder layout provided a balance between smoothness and power, while the turbocharger unleashed exhilarating acceleration. Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system became the perfect partner for the I5, making the Quattro coupe a force to be reckoned with on rally stages and paved roads alike.
Buick GNX
The Buick GNX was a limited-production muscle car built in 1987. Its heart was a modified version of the 3.8-liter V6 engine found in the Grand National. To unleash its hidden potential, Buick partnered with ASC McLaren, who outfitted the motor with a Garrett turbocharger featuring a ceramic impeller for better efficiency.
A larger intercooler improved cooling, while a freer-flowing exhaust and a recalibrated engine control unit squeezed out more power. The official numbers were 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, but independent testing revealed figures closer to 300 horsepower and 400 lb-ft, making the GNX one of the quickest American cars of its era.
Chevrolet LT1
General Motors revived the LT1 name in 1992 for a new generation of small-block V8. This LT1 engine became a cornerstone of performance for Chevrolet, displacing 5.7 liters and featuring advanced technology like computer-controlled fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing.
The most iconic car that came with a factory-fitted LT1 has got to be the 4th generation Chevrolet Corvette. America's favorite sports car saw this powerplant replacing the less-advanced L98 small-block V8 for the facelifted C4 Corvette.
Ferrari 2.0L V8
Ferrari wasn't always known for monstrous V12s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, they offered a unique 2.0L V8 engine. This compact powerhouse wasn't designed for brutal force, but for a different kind of thrill.
Installed in the Dino 206 GT and later the 208 GT4, it aimed to be an exciting mid-engined sports car experience worthy of the Prancing Horse badge. While overshadowed by Ferrari's larger engines, the 2.0L V8 played a significant role in their history.
Ford V4
Ford produced two distinct V4 engines in the 1960s and 70s. The German Taunus V4, designed by Ford Germany, was a 60-degree V4. This engine featured a balance shaft to counteract the vibrations inherent in V4 layouts. Power ranged from 65 horsepower to 75 horsepower and it powered vehicles like the Ford Taunus and Capri.
The other Ford V4, the Essex V4, was developed by Ford of Britain. This engine also had a 60-degree layout. Unlike the German variant, the Essex V4 did not have a balance shaft. This engine found its home in popular Fords like the Cortina and the Transit van.
Cosworth DFV
Motorsport fans should have heard of this motor. The Cosworth DFV, standing for Double Four Valve, was a legendary powerplant born from a collaboration between Cosworth and Ford.
The DFV was a naturally aspirated V8 with a 3.0-liter displacement. Its key to success wasn't just raw power, but a combination of reliability, affordability, and lightweight design. This made it attractive to a wide range of Formula One teams, and over its 16-year production run, the DFV powered cars to 155 Grand Prix victories.
Rover K-Series
The Rover K-Series engine was a powerful and lightweight option for a range of Rover cars. This aluminum-built, four-cylinder engine came in various configurations, with displacements between 1.1 liters and 1.8 liters. Notably, the K-Series offered both single and double overhead camshaft (SOHC and DOHC) variants, with the DOHC versions boasting more aggressive performance. A unique feature of this engine was its wet liners, which allowed for easier cylinder repairs.
Cars that came powered by the K-Series include the Rover 200, the sporty MG F, and the luxurious Rover 75. While known for its spirited performance, the K-Series engine also faced some criticism for reliability issues in earlier versions.
Maserati 2.0L Twin Turbo V6
Maserati made a splash in the 1980s with their innovative 2.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Debuting in the Biturbo, this powerplant was the world's first production twin-turbo V6, a title it proudly held for years.
This tiny titan squeezed out impressive performance for its era, thanks to its twin Garrett turbochargers nestled within the 90-degree aluminum block. Later iterations even bumped up the valve count from three to four per cylinder, further enhancing power and efficiency.
Lotus C36GET 3.6L inline-six
The Lotus Carlton is one of the world's most iconic sleepers. Don't let the looks deceive you, this saloon boasted a legendary engine co-developed by Opel and Lotus.
Originally a 3.0L inline-six from the standard car, Lotus breathed new life into it by boring and stroking it to 3.6L. Twin Garrett T25 turbochargers were then strapped on, resulting in a monstrous power output of 377 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. This sort of performance was unheard of for a four-door family car at the time, rightfully earning the Carlton a nickname as the "King of the Autobahn".
Daimler 2.5L V8
The Daimler 2.5L V8 engine was a short-lived but significant powerplant designed by Edward Turner for the Daimler Company. It debuted at the end of the 50s and aimed to revitalize the brand's performance image. Notably, it boasted a hemispherical cylinder head design, a rarity for the time, contributing to its output of 140 horsepower.
The engine found its greatest success under the hood of the Daimler 2.5 V8, a saloon from the early 60s. This car essentially took the Jaguar Mark 2 platform and dressed it in Daimler's luxurious trimmings, offering buyers the perfect mix of performance and luxury.
Mazda 12A
The Mazda 12A rotary engine, introduced in 1970, marked a significant chapter in automotive history. This compact 1.0-liter engine was the successor to the even smaller 10A rotary, offering increased power and refinement.
Unlike conventional piston engines, the 12A featured a triangular rotor spinning within a trochoidal chamber, creating a smooth and powerful delivery without the typical vibrations. This innovation made the 12A a darling of enthusiasts who appreciated its rev-happy nature and iconic exhaust note.
Subaru EA
The Subaru EA engine was a workhorse, powering the Japanese automaker's vehicles from the mid-60s. These engines were all flat-fours, a signature Subaru design where the cylinders lie horizontally instead of vertically. This unique layout creates a lower center of gravity, which translates to sharper handling and better stability, particularly beneficial in all-wheel-drive cars that Subaru is known for.
The EA series came in various displacements, ranging from a modest 1.0 liter to a more substantial 1.6 liter. They were offered in single-overhead-cam and pushrod configurations, and while not known for mind-blowing power, they provided reliable and efficient performance for a range of Subaru cars,.
Ford Sidevalve
The Ford Sidevalve, also known as the Flathead, was a workhorse engine produced by the British arm of Ford Motor Company. Introduced in the 1930s, it came in two sizes: a 933 cc and a 1,172 cc four-cylinder layout. Early models lacked a water pump, relying on a simpler thermosiphon cooling system.
This engine powered several popular Ford vehicles in the UK and beyond. Cars like the Ford Model Y, Prefect, Anglia, and Popular all relied on the Sidevalve's dependable nature.
Lancia V4
The Lancia V4 engine was a pioneer in the world of compact, narrow-angle V engines. These unique powerplants utilized cylinder banks angled at just 10 to 20 degrees, allowing them to be housed under a single cylinder head – much like a straight engine. This innovative design kept the engine block short and light, benefiting handling and performance.
Throughout its production run that lasted until the 1970s, Lancia offered various displacements of the V4, ranging from a 1.1 liter to a sporty 2.0 liter. These engines found homes in numerous Lancia cars, including the iconic Flavia and Fulvia.
Bugatti 6.0L V12
Bugatti built a monster of an engine in the early 1990s with their 6.0L V12. Intended for the EB 118, a luxurious high-performance sedan that never made it to production, this naturally-aspirated powerhouse offered a glimpse into Bugatti's design capabilities at the time.
Boasting 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, the engine was a marvel of engineering. Uniquely, it was placed behind the front wheels but positioned closer to the center of the car for optimal weight distribution and handling. While the EB 118 remained a concept, the 6.0L V12 stood as a testament to Bugatti's pursuit of power and innovation.
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