The 1950s to 1970s were a golden era for European racing, with sleek machines tearing up tracks like Le Mans and the Targa Florio. Some cars, though, slipped through the cracks of history despite their speed and style. These ten forgotten racers from that period deserve a second look. Packed with specs, performance, and details, this list revives their legacy for those who know their way around a classic car.
1953 Lancia D24
The 1953 Lancia D24 was a lightweight racer built for endurance. Its 3.3L V6 made 165 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8 seconds and 140 mph. Only six were built, winning races like the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. The aluminum body had smooth curves and a low nose. Inside, it was bare with a single seat, basic gauges, and a wood-rimmed wheel. Rust and parts scarcity make survivors rare. Its success faded as Lancia focused on rallying, leaving this sleek machine overlooked.
1958 Porsche 718 RSK
The 1958 Porsche 718 RSK was a nimble mid-engine racer. Its 1.5L flat-four produced 142 hp, reaching 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 137 mph. It won its class at Le Mans and the Targa Florio in 1959. The fiberglass body had a low, rounded shape. The cockpit featured a spartan dash, bucket seat, and exposed frame. Only 34 were made, and parts like the four-cam engine are tough to find. Eclipsed by later Porsches like the 917, the RSK’s agility is often forgotten.
1962 Tojeiro-Buick EE
The 1962 Tojeiro-Buick EE, built for Ecurie Ecosse, was a one-off coupe. Its 3.5L Buick V8 made ~250 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~6 seconds and ~150 mph. Raced by Jackie Stewart, it placed sixth at Silverstone. The sleek fiberglass body had a low profile and pop-up headlights. The interior was minimal, with a single seat and basic gauges. Financial issues limited its run, and only one survives. Outshined by Jaguar’s D-Type, this British-American hybrid’s unique design and racing history are rarely remembered.
1956 Maserati 150S
The 1956 Maserati 150S was a small-displacement racer. Its 1.5L inline-four pumped out 140 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7.5 seconds and 135 mph. It scored class wins in European hill climbs. The red aluminum body was compact with a rounded nose. Inside, a simple dash and cloth seat kept weight low. Only 27 were built, and engine parts are scarce today. Overshadowed by Maserati’s larger 250F, the 150S’s lightweight handling and racing success make it a hidden star of the 1950s.
1964 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada
The 1964 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada was a street-legal racer. Its 5.4L Chevy V8 produced 365 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~6 seconds and 174 mph. It raced at Le Mans in 1965, finishing ninth. The sleek Bertone body had a low stance and pop-up lights. The interior featured leather seats and a gated shifter. Only 133 were made, and parts are pricey. Giotto Bizzarrini’s creation was outshined by Ferraris, but its American muscle and Italian style deserve more recognition.
1964 Gordon-Keeble GT
The 1964 Gordon-Keeble GT was a rare British racer with Italian flair. Its 5.4L Chevy V8 made 300 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 140 mph. Only 99 were built, with a few raced in the UK. The Bertone-designed fiberglass body had a sleek nose and tortoise badge. Inside, leather seats and a wood dash added class. Parts scarcity and high maintenance costs hurt its legacy. Eclipsed by Aston Martins, this stylish GT’s blend of power and design is often overlooked.
1962 Facel Vega Facel II
The 1962 Facel Vega Facel II was a French grand tourer with racing chops. Its 6.3L Chrysler V8 produced 355 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~7 seconds and 150 mph. A few raced in European rallies, with decent results. The angular body had chrome trim and a long hood. The plush interior featured leather, wood, and a Jaeger dash. Only 184 were built, and parts are nearly impossible to find. Outdone by Ferraris, its mix of luxury and speed makes it a forgotten classic.
1959 OSCA 1600 GT
The 1959 OSCA 1600 GT was a tiny Italian racer. Its 1.6L inline-four made 125 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8 seconds and 130 mph. It scored class wins in Italian hill climbs. The lightweight body, often by Zagato, was sleek and compact. The spartan interior had a single seat and minimal gauges. Only 128 were built, and engine parts are rare. Founded by the Maserati brothers, OSCA’s racers were overshadowed by larger brands, but the 1600 GT’s agility is worth remembering.
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ
The 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ was a featherweight sprinter. Its 1.3L inline-four produced 100 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~9 seconds and 125 mph. It won its class at Le Mans in 1962. The Zagato body was rounded with a Kamm tail. Inside, a simple dash and cloth seats kept it light. About 170 were made, and parts are tricky to source. Outshined by Alfa’s later Giulia, the SZ’s racing success and sleek design make it a forgotten piece of Italian history.
1966 Abarth 1000 SP
The 1966 Abarth 1000 SP was a pocket-sized racer. Its 1.0L inline-four made 105 hp, hitting 0–60 in ~8.5 seconds and 120 mph. It won class titles in European hill climbs. The fiberglass body had a low, aerodynamic shape. The interior was bare with a single bucket seat and basic gauges. Around 50 were built, and Abarth-specific parts are scarce. Eclipsed by Fiat’s mainstream models, the 1000 SP’s lightweight design and racing pedigree make it a hidden star of the 1960s.
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