Every so often, giants of industry step out of their comfort zones, diving into realms no one expects—like car companies making computers, or tech brands crafting toasters. But perhaps the most surprising detour happens when a company best known for one thing suddenly unveils a vehicle.
Whether for publicity, innovation, or pure curiosity, these ventures often result in some of the most bizarre, memorable machines ever built.
Let’s take a closer look at twenty times household names rolled out vehicles that left the world scratching its head—and sometimes, in awe.
In the world of automobiles, big names often dominate headlines and showrooms.
However, history is filled with moments where smaller, lesser-known car companies have stunned the industry by producing vehicles that outclassed their heavyweight rivals.
Whether through groundbreaking innovation, exceptional performance, or a bold vision, these companies proved that
excellence isn’t always tied to a massive budget or global brand recognition.
This list celebrates 20 remarkable times when underdog automakers not only kept pace with the giants—but left them eating dust.
In the high-octane world of exotic automobiles, Ferrari stands as a symbol of prestige, speed, and relentless innovation.
For decades, this Italian powerhouse has captured imaginations and dominated racetracks, setting a standard that rivals could only dream of matching.
Yet, behind every shimmering Ferrari is a trail of ambitious brands—some bold, some eccentric—that dared to challenge its throne.
Their stories are tales of passion, audacity, and inevitable downfall, as the unforgiving world of supercars proved too much for most.
This article uncovers 20 such forgotten brands, each with grand aspirations—and glorious failures.
In the world of luxury cars, Cadillac often steals the spotlight, with its reputation for opulence and innovation. Yet, in the shadows, Buick has been making significant strides. Despite its quieter brand presence, Buick has managed to surpass Cadillac in sales on several occasions.
These instances, largely unnoticed by the mainstream, reveal a fascinating competitive dynamic between two of America’s most iconic automotive brands.
This article delves into 15 specific instances where Buick outperformed Cadillac, challenging perceptions and showcasing Buick’s prowess in the market.
Let’s explore how Buick, with its subtle charm, managed to outshine its more glamorous sibling.
The 2000s marked a transformative era for Japanese automakers, with Mazda and Honda pushing boundaries in engineering and design.
Yet, as the spotlight gravitated toward a handful of best-sellers, many inventive models quietly slipped through the cracks.
These vehicles blended performance, style, and forward-thinking features—but never found the mainstream recognition they deserved.
This listicle shines a light on those underrated Mazdas and Hondas, exploring what made each unique and why they’re still worth remembering today.
Join us as we rediscover 15 models that truly deserved more attention in their time.
For decades, the world of performance cars has been defined by one of its most iconic rivalries: Subaru versus Mitsubishi. While Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution was a street legend, Subaru’s rally-bred Impreza carved a path through motorsports history with innovation, resilience, and all-weather dominance.
This article dives into the heart of their competition, spotlighting 15 unforgettable moments where Subaru’s rally DNA didn’t just compete—it outshined Mitsubishi’s street credentials. From groundbreaking technology to jaw-dropping victories, let’s relive the times when Subaru’s spirit truly left its mark.
Statistically, the idea of a 1-of-1 car is cool. Outside of that, a one-off loses a certain amount of appeal because it will probably not be seen by the majority of car enthusiasts—in person, at least. Last November, we shared the news that Rolls-Royce made an extremely special Phantom Extended to honor the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film “Goldfinger.” Instead of being locked in a warehouse somewhere for its value to appreciate or parked in a mansion’s giant living room, the Phantom Goldfinger was put on display at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.
Every car manufacturer has customers, but when it comes to ultra-high-end companies such as Rolls-Royce, the people who buy its cars (particularly the special or unusual ones) become ambassadors of the brand. In fact, certain automakers require you to show up to some of their events with one (or more) of the cars you purchased if you want to obtain a build slot for one of their halo cars. The 007 fan who commissioned the Phantom Goldfinger, which is covered and packed with references to the 1964 movie, agreed to showcase it as part of Rolls-Royce’s celebration of 100 years of the Phantom.
The Phantom Goldfinger had some very special company on the Grand Hotel’s Mosaic Lawn by Lake Como. Rolls-Royce started the festivities with an opening parade that included a Phantom V, which is also rare (although much more common that the Goldfinger): Rolls-Royce built only 832 fifth-generation Phantoms. It also brought the car that inspired the Phantom Goldfinger: the 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville that the villain Auric Goldfinger owned.
Rolls-Royce didn’t state if the Phantom Goldfinger’s owner drove it or had a chauffeur do it for him or her. The photos from the event don’t show anyone in a bowler hat or any headless statues, so we can make a highly educated guess . . .
Few automotive innovations evoke as much passion as the V8 engine.
Its throaty growl and effortless power have become synonymous with driving excitement.
Despite shifting trends toward electrification and efficiency, the V8’s blend of muscle, luxury, and pure performance continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether nestled under the hood of a classic muscle car or powering a modern luxury cruiser, these engines represent a golden era that refuses to fade.
Join us as we celebrate twelve V8 icons that have stood the test of time and remain as thrilling as ever.
In the world of cars, reliability and durability remain top priorities for drivers seeking long-term value and peace of mind.
While every manufacturer promises lasting performance, only a select group of vehicles have earned reputations for truly standing the test of time.
According to industry data and expert reviews, certain models have consistently proven their ability to exceed 200,000—or even 300,000—miles with proper care.
Let’s explore 15 cars that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and legendary longevity.
Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is proud to sponsor the Mustang Club of America (MCA), the largest gathering of Mustang lovers on the planet. Let’s just say Barrett-Jackson’s love for Mustangs isn’t just deep … it’s V8-rumbling, tire-squealing, pony-powered passion!
Back in 2006 at the Scottsdale Auction, Ford roared onto the stage with a showstopper – the very first 2007 Shelby GT500, VIN 001. The hammer dropped on a bid of $600,000, with 100% of the hammer price benefiting the Carroll Shelby Foundation. That set a high-octane precedent for future charity sales and began a powerful tradition at Barrett-Jackson: using the thrill of the auction block to drive real impact for those in need.
Shortly after the special sale, the auction company joined forces with Ford and Shelby American to
unleash something truly special: the 2008 Limited Edition Barrett-Jackson Mustang Shelby GT. Dressed
in Barrett-Jackson’s signature black and red, only 100 of these head-turning coupes and convertibles
were built. Sold exclusively through Arizona Ford dealers, this rare stallion was a bold tribute to
performance, style and the energy of the auction block.
Over the years, Barrett-Jackson has become a Mustang lover’s dream – it’s the place to enjoy a
Hot Lap in the new Dark Horse, see a special VIN 001 Mustang raise funds for charity, experience
the newest Mustangs revealed by Ford and Shelby American, and witness thousands of incredible
pony cars galloping across the stage. Among the showstoppers? MLB great Buster Posey’s 1967
Mustang Eleanor Tribute that set a world auction record at the 2022 Scottsdale Auction, selling for a
cool $550,000. The following year, a stunning 1969 Mustang Boss 429 flexed its muscle and sold for
$605,000. And more recently, at the 2025 Palm Beach Auction, a custom ’69 Mustang with country
music star roots (it was once owned by Keith Urban) cranked up the excitement and sold for $176,000.
Barrett-Jackson’s enduring connection to the Mustang legacy is more than a shared history – it’s a celebration of American performance, heritage and heart. As its partnership with the Mustang Club of America continues to grow, Barrett-Jackson looks forward to creating more unforgettable moments,
from VIN 001 charity cars to limited-edition builds and star-powered classics, shared with passionate
Mustang enthusiasts everywhere.
This article was originally published on Barrett-Jackson.com.