The 1960s and 1970s saw foreign cars from Europe and Japan deliver serious performance, often overlooked next to American muscle. These machines combined unique engineering with surprising power, leaving a mark despite low sales or obscurity. Here are the forgotten foreign cars, with specs and details, that brought serious heat to the streets.
1967 Saab Sonett II
The 1967 Sonett II had an 841cc two-stroke I3 with 60 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~12 seconds and 100 mph. Its 85-inch wheelbase and 1,500-pound body were featherlight. The interior featured a spartan dash and cloth seats.
This tiny Saab was a rally star, not a drag racer. Its lightweight fiberglass body and tight chassis outmaneuvered V8s on twisty roads. The two-stroke engine’s scream and nimble grip made it a sleeper, but Saab’s niche status kept it obscure. It’s a rare find for collectors who value handling.
1969 Gilbern Invader
The 1969 Invader used a Ford 3.0L V6 with 140 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~9 seconds and 120 mph. Its 93-inch wheelbase and 2,200-pound fiberglass body were agile. The interior had gauges and leather trim.
Wales’ only production car, the Invader used Ford’s Essex V6 for surprising speed. Its fiberglass shell kept weight down, making it a corner-carver. Gilbern’s small scale and odd styling limited sales, but its GT vibe matched Lotus. Collectors now seek these rare beasts for their unique British flavor.
1970 Citroën SM
The 1970 Citroën SM used a Maserati 2.7L V6 with 170 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8.5 seconds and 140 mph. Its 114-inch wheelbase and 3,200-pound body were sleek. The interior had leather and a futuristic dash.
The SM’s hydropneumatic suspension and Maserati engine made it a French rocket. Its low-slung design and high-speed cruising rivaled Corvettes, but complex mechanics deterred buyers. It’s a cult classic for its unique engineering.
1971 Jensen FF
The 1971 Jensen FF had a 6.3L Chrysler V8 with 325 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 135 mph. Its 109-inch wheelbase and 3,800-pound body used AWD. The interior featured leather and wood trim.
This British coupe’s AWD and V8 combo was unheard of, beating GM’s muscle on wet roads. Its Ferguson Formula system added traction, but high costs ($10,000) killed sales. Collectors prize its rarity.
1973 BMW 2002 Turbo
The 1973 2002 Turbo used a 2.0L turbo I4 with 170 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 130 mph. Its 100.8-inch wheelbase and 2,400-pound body were nimble. The interior had sport seats and a manual shifter.
BMW’s first turbo road car shocked Mustang drivers with its lightweight chassis and boost. The 2002’s flared fenders hid serious speed, but high costs and fuel crises limited sales. Collectors now chase these rare turbos for their heritage.
1977 Fiat 131 Abarth
The 1977 Fiat 131 Abarth used a 2.0L I4 with 140 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8 seconds and 120 mph. Its 98-inch wheelbase and 2,500-pound body were rally-tuned. The interior had Recaro seats and a roll cage.
This boxy Fiat was a rally champion, with Abarth’s tuning making it a street screamer. Its lightweight chassis and high-revving engine outran bigger cars, but Fiat’s reliability rep hurt it. Collectors seek these for their racing legacy.
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