Classic cars with race-bred engines hold a special place in automotive history, often overshadowed by more prominent models. These vehicles are a testament to the fusion of competitive engineering and road-going elegance. Here, we revisit seven remarkable classic cars that have been largely forgotten, each powered by engines with a racing pedigree.

1964 Sunbeam Tiger

The 1964 Sunbeam Tiger is a quintessential example of British engineering meeting American muscle. Under its hood lies a Ford V8 engine, a powertrain with deep roots in racing heritage. The Tiger was a high-performance variant of the Sunbeam Alpine, and its engine choice was inspired by the racing success of Carroll Shelby’s Cobra. Despite its potential, the Sunbeam Tiger remains a lesser-known classic today, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts.

1962 AC Greyhound

The AC Greyhound, produced from 1959 to 1963, was a grand tourer with a sporting heart. It featured a Bristol straight-six engine, known for its use in the AC Ace and its racing credentials. The Greyhound offered a blend of elegance and performance, making it a choice for those wanting a refined yet potent vehicle. Despite its potential, the Greyhound never achieved the acclaim it deserved, partly due to the spotlight being stolen by its sibling, the AC Cobra.

1961 Facel Vega Facellia

The Facel Vega Facellia was a stylish French sports car that boasted a race-inspired engine from Pont-à-Mousson. Known for its sleek design and luxurious interior, the Facellia was aimed at the high-end market. However, engine reliability issues marred its reputation, leading to its obscurity in the classic car world. Yet, it remains a fascinating piece of automotive history for enthusiasts who appreciate its ambitious engineering.

1955 Austin-Healey 100S

The Austin-Healey 100S was a limited-production sports car designed for racing. With only 50 units built, it featured a modified inline-four engine that was a serious contender on the track. Known for its lightweight aluminum bodywork and improved performance components, the 100S was a racer at heart. Its rarity and racing pedigree make it a sought-after collector’s item, yet it remains relatively unknown compared to other classics of its era.

1963 Iso Rivolta GT

Combining Italian styling with American power, the Iso Rivolta GT featured a Chevrolet V8 engine known for its racing success. The car was designed as a high-performance grand tourer, offering both luxury and speed. Despite its impressive credentials, the Rivolta GT has slipped into the shadows of automotive history, overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Iso Grifo. Nevertheless, it stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between European design and American muscle.

1970 De Tomaso Mangusta

The De Tomaso Mangusta, produced between 1967 and 1971, featured a Ford V8 engine that was a favorite among racers. With its striking design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and mid-engine layout, the Mangusta was a head-turner. However, its complex engineering and limited production numbers have kept it in the realm of forgotten classics. Despite its rarity, the Mangusta remains a symbol of the innovative spirit of Italian-American automotive collaboration.

1967 Marcos GT Xylon

The Marcos GT Xylon, often referred to as the “Ugly Duckling,” was a quirky yet capable sports car. Powered by a Ford engine with racing roots, the Xylon was designed for performance, featuring a lightweight wooden chassis. Despite its unconventional appearance, the Xylon was successful in racing circuits, particularly with a young Jackie Stewart behind the wheel. Its unique construction and competition history make it a fascinating yet overlooked piece of racing heritage.