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We tend to think of high-end vehicles or super-rare cars when it comes to making an impact at car shows. But small cars, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s, tend to do the job just fine.

Want to make a splash at your next car show, either metaphorically or quite literally? This 1964 Amphicar Model 770 now available on Hemmings Auctions might be just the car you’re looking for. So, while we’re sharing details about the Amphicar, we thought we’d also give you some info on this equally charming 1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile that’s also ending the same day on Hemmings Auctions.

1964 Amphicar Model 770

The designer of the Amphicar, one of the few amphibious vehicles ever marketed to a non-military market, got his start prior to World War II. Hanns Trippel created the Trippel SG6 Schwimmwagen. Ironically enough, it was created for civilian use, but several variants were created for the Nazi war machine. Trippel actually manufactured the Schwimmwagen at Bugatti’s Molsheim, France factory, which had been seized under German orders.

Following the war, Trippel spent a few years in prison in France as a war profiteer. He later attempted to build a sports car with various partners throughout Europe. That project never panned out. He did inadvertently invent—and later patent—gullwing doors, which Mercedes-Benz famously used in the 300SL coupes of the 1950s.

Amphicar Built in Partnership with IKW

With the failure of the sports car, Trippel returned to his roots and designed another amphibious car. This time, he found success with the Amphicar. Built in West Germany by IWK with the backing of the government there, Amphicar production began  in 1961.

Amphicar Powered by a Triumph Engine

Powered by a 1.1-liter OHV Triumph Herald engine, which was good for all of 43 horsepower, the Amphicar could had a top speed on land of 70 mph. In the water, the Amphicar boasted of a 7 knot maximum velocity. Acceleration was not its strong suit. It took an estimated 40 seconds to reach 60 mph from a dead stop on the road.

The Amphicar Could Navigates Roads and Waterways

On the water, the driver disengaged wheel drive and engaged the twin-prop water drive via a lever. The double-sealed doors had a locking mechanism. The Amphicar included an on-board bilge pump should water enter the passenger cabin. With no rudder, steering on the water was via the front wheels, which was probably not ideal. But with its limited speed, it sufficed.

Production continued from 1961 through the mid-1960s, though sales continued nearly through the end of the decade. Today, Amphicars will almost always draw attention at car shows and if spotted on the road. Walt Disney World in Florida maintains a fleet for tours on its Lake Buena Vista to this day.

The 1964 Amphicar 770 Now on Hemmings Auctions

This 1964 Amphicar Model 770 convertible presently listed on Hemmings Auctions was repainted 25 years ago, according to the seller. He notes in the listing that “the hull is solid, with no rust or leaks.” He does indicate that the canvas top is in “good condition,” while acknowledging two small patches to keep it leak-free.

The car is said to run well. The seller included a video showing the car running and him engaging the props and then reversing them. The listing notes recent rebuilds for the starter, generator and carburetor. The dash was rewired and “soldered properly,” per the seller. He adds that the brakes have been rebuilt with new shoes.

Find more details about this Amphicar on Hemmings Auctions.

1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile

Fiat’s postwar savior was the Nuova 500, a car that not only served yeoman’s work in putting the company back on its feet, but also provided a blank slate for a surprisingly large number of variants. Some of these variants were badged Fiats, while others, like this 1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile, carried their own unique badges.

Joint Venture Formed to Build the Autobianchi Bianchina

One of the more ambitious Fiat 500-based vehicles came from Autobianchi, a venture formed by Fiat, Pirelli, and Bianchi, the latter one of Italy’s most famous bicycle manufacturers. Autobianchi started production of the Bianchina just two months after the car it was based on. An estimated 35,500 examples of this charming little convertible were produced between 1957 and 1962 at Bianchi’s Desio, Italy factory.

Rather than a simple enclosed car designed for efficient transportation, the Bianchina was a somewhat luxurious and fun take on the concept using unique bodywork. Passenger and cargo space was rather limited as the rear-engined Transformabile had only a rear seat suitable for small children and just enough space in the frunk for a spare tire and fuel tank.

In terms of looks, there is an undeniable cuteness to the otherwise conventional three-box design as it was built on a 72-inch wheelbase and measured just 117.5 inches long. It was tiny even compared to the Volkswagen Beetle, which was 160 inches from stem to stern.

Though it did not have a full convertible top, the center section of the roof, from the top edge of the windshield back, could be rolled down for a nearly fully open-top driving experience.

Fiat Provided the Engines for the Bianchina

Fiat rated the 500’s 479-cc OHV, air-cooled twin-cylinder engine at 13 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque. Autobianchi began installing an updated 499.5-cc version of this engine in the cars in 1959. It boosted output to 17.5 horsepower and 26 lb-ft of torque. That half horsepower was likely worth bragging about in the sub-1,200-pound Bianchina. Top speed was somewhere north of 60 mph, though not likely too much beyond that figure. A sportier version of the 499.5-cc engine featured higher compression and a Weber carburetor to produce 21 horsepower.

The Bianchina also had a bit of flair with more brightwork inside and out as compared to the 500. That stylish panache was likely expected by customers paying a 20 percent premium over the basic Fiat. Rather than a true top-of-the-market luxury car, it was for the upper middle class family that wanted a second car and could afford something not as practical as a typical family car.

The 1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile Now on Hemmings Auctions

The seller of this 1958 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile now on Hemmings Auctions describes it as “a good, well-running vehicle that’s been restored.” Details of the restoration include replacement of suspension and braking components. He also notes rebuilds of both the engine and transmission. Cosmetically, both the red top and red houndstooth upholstery are indicated as new.

There is truly nothing else on the road quite like a Bianchina. Show up at cars and coffee or even when just going out for a cup of coffee and you had better be ready for a conversation. You will get questions for sure!

Never in danger of breaking any speed records, these two small European cars instead deliver their own unique driving experiences, on land or on water. Head on over to Hemmings Auctions for more details. Just be prepared to be smitten with their charms.

The post Prepared to be Charmed by the Autobianchi and Amphicar Now on Hemmings Auctions appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The Shelby Cobra 427 stands as a testament to American muscle and innovation, born from an audacious vision to combine a lightweight British roadster with a massive, powerful American engine. A true automotive icon, its raw power, unmistakable design, and legendary racing heritage have cemented its place in history as one of the most revered sports cars ever built.

To those lucky enough to get behind the wheel, driving a Shelby Cobra 427 is an extreme, raw, and visceral experience due to its massive V8 engine, lightweight construction, and lack of modern safety features, delivering overwhelming power and requiring significant skill to control. The driving experience is defined by brutal acceleration, a thundering engine, heavy steering at low speeds, and a pure, analog connection to the road, demanding constant respect and vigilance from the driver.

The birth of a monster

The Cobra’s journey began with Carroll Shelby’s ambition to create a dominant sports car after a successful racing career. His initial collaboration with British carmaker AC Cars involved installing a smaller Ford 260 cubic-inch V8 engine into the AC Ace roadster chassis. However, Shelby’s quest for more power was insatiable. Prompted by a humbling defeat to a Corvette Grand Sport at the 1963 Nassau Speed Week, he and his team, with support from Ford, developed an even more extreme version: the Shelby Cobra 427. This endeavor required a complete re-engineering of the vehicle to accommodate Ford’s immense 427 cubic-inch (7.0-liter) FE V8 engine.

A complete and muscular redesign

To handle the brute force of the new engine, the Cobra received a comprehensive overhaul that resulted in the Mark III chassis. It was built on a wider, stronger four-inch tubular steel frame, a significant upgrade from the 3-inch frame of earlier models. For superior handling, the transverse leaf springs were replaced with a more advanced coil spring suspension on all four wheels. The body was also visibly altered, featuring wider fender flares to accommodate larger racing tires and a larger radiator opening for improved cooling. These modifications gave the 427 Cobra its signature aggressive and muscular stance.

Performance that astounded its era

The centerpiece of the Shelby Cobra 427 was its engine. In street-legal form, the 427 V8 engine was officially rated at 425 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance semi-competition (S/C) model, however, was tuned to produce an estimated 485 horsepower, pushing the boundaries of performance for a road car. This immense power, combined with a featherweight body of around 2,400 pounds, gave the Cobra a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio. The result was breathtaking speed, with standard models capable of 0 to 60 mph times under four seconds and top speeds over 160 mph, while S/C versions could reach an estimated 185 mph. Some competition models were even rumored to possess over 500 horsepower. The raw, unfiltered driving experience, devoid of modern driver aids, made the Cobra a thrilling, and often challenging, car to command.

Limited production, lasting legacy

With only a few hundred original Shelby Cobra 427s produced between 1965 and 1967, its rarity further contributes to its legendary status and high value among collectors. Though it did not achieve its intended racing homologation due to production delays, the 427 Cobra became a celebrated and successful competitor in the SCCA series. Its distinctive styling and thunderous presence also made it a pop culture icon, appearing in numerous films and television shows over the decades.

Shelby Cobra 427 Values and Availability

Shelby Cobra 427 values vary significantly by model and condition, with Competition and Semi-Competition models ranging from $2 million to over $4 million, while earlier “wide-body” models typically start around $1.2 million and can go higher. Rarity, history, specific features like a 427 Super Snake designation, and auction sales determine the exact price.

Availability of Shelby Cobra 427 models differs based on whether you’re looking for a rare, original 1960s car or a modern continuation or replica vehicle. Original 427 Cobras are only available on the secondary market through auctions, with limited numbers and high prices, while continuation models from Shelby American (CSX 4000 series) and Shelby Legendary Cars (60th Anniversary Edition) are occasionally available new.

For enthusiasts who cannot obtain one of the priceless originals, third-party replica manufacturers like Superformance, Factory Five, AC Cars, and Classic Recreations, offer a wider range of options, mixing up the market with more affordable ways of owning a piece of Shelby history.

Keep Reading: Is the ‘66 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake the Most Dangerous Sports Car Ever Made?

The post Unleash the Beast: Driving the Iconic Shelby Cobra 427 Big Block appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The 1950 Studebaker Ice Princess XF58 is not a genuine Studebaker production or prototype from 1950, but rather a remarkable custom car built decades later. Constructed in 1987 by custom car designer Richard Fletcher, this iconic six-wheeled machine was designed to be a retro-futuristic concept, envisioning what Studebaker stylists of the 1950s might have dreamed up. It is a fusion of mid-20th-century aesthetics, incorporating parts from a 1950 Studebaker sedan and a 1960 Cadillac, along with a powerful 500ci Cadillac engine. The Ice Princess has since gained a cult following among custom car and classic vehicle enthusiasts for its unique history and space-age design.

From 1950 Studebaker to futuristic custom

The Ice Princess XF58 began its life in the 1980s, where Fletcher used a 1950 Studebaker sedan as the base for his radical design. He hand-formed the bodywork by blending Studebaker sheet metal with that of a 1960 Cadillac, resulting in a 20-foot-long, spaceship-like ride. The car’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by the 1950s jet age, featuring a double bubble canopy reminiscent of the Lincoln Futura and a twin-cockpit design like that of an F4 Phantom jet.

Unique features of the Ice Princess XF58

Fletcher’s creation is defined by a series of unconventional design choices. The most notable is the six-wheeled layout, with four wheels in the front for a distinct profile. Other striking details include tapered headlights, Imperial fins, and “nozzle reactors” on the back designed in the style of an early 1960s Cadillac. Powering this elaborate custom is a robust 500ci Cadillac engine, which was sourced from a later model. The interior is equally captivating, with a “Jet Age” theme and golden hues throughout.

The car’s history and evolution

Before becoming known as the Ice Princess, the car underwent a transformation. In its first iteration during the late 1980s, it was originally dubbed the “Vampire-Mobile” and toured Europe. The car was restyled and renamed the “Ice Princess” in 2005. In 2018, it was sold at a Russo & Steele auction for $38,500. The Ice Princess XF58 has since been showcased at various events, including the Chicago Auto Show, as part of the prominent Klairmont Kollection.

A tribute to a visionary automaker

Although the Ice Princess XF58 is not a factory-built vehicle, it serves as a creative tribute to the spirit of innovation that defined the real Studebaker company in the 1950s. The original 1950 Studebaker lineup featured daring designs for its time, including the iconic “bullet-nosed” Champion and Commander models. With its whimsical and over-the-top design, the Ice Princess XF58 captures the “what if” imagination of the era and stands as a testament to the custom car world’s ability to reinterpret and celebrate automotive history.

The 1950 Studebaker Ice Princess XF58 will be offered at Mecum Auctions’ Larry’s Legacy Auction on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago, Illinois. The car will be offered without reserve and is being sold from the Larry Klairmont Museum Collection along with other unique custom cars such as the award-winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom, the Golden Sahara II, a legendary custom car with glowing tires, and a George Barris protege build, the 1956 Continental Mark II Custom Bubble Top.

Looking for more cool Kustom cars? Cruise over to Hemmings Marketplace.

The post Rare Six-Wheeled Studebaker Ice Princess Will Sell at Auction Without Reserve appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The legendary 1956 Continental Mark II Custom Bubble Top is a quintessential example of 1960s “Kustom Kulture,” a unique hand-built creation that fused the understated elegance of a factory Mark II with radical, futuristic custom coachwork. While the original Continental Mark II was already a symbol of mid-century American luxury, this one-off masterpiece pushes the boundaries, demonstrating how post-war American luxury vehicles became a canvas for imaginative customizers.

The genesis of a luxury icon

To appreciate the Custom Bubble Top, one must first understand its foundation. The standard 1956 Continental Mark II was the flagship vehicle of Ford’s short-lived Continental Division, designed to compete directly with high-end European marques like Rolls-Royce. Each Mark II was hand-built, commanding a price tag of around $10,000—more than many homes at the time. With its clean, long lines and minimalist chrome, it was a stark departure from the fins and flamboyant designs of its contemporaries, exuding timeless sophistication. The limited two-year production run cemented the Mark II’s status as a rare and exclusive American classic.

A radical custom transformation

The transformation into the Bubble Top occurred in the 1960s, long after the Mark II left the assembly line. The build was undertaken by renowned customizer Lee Wells, an artist who had previously worked under the legendary George Barris, a key figure in the custom car scene. Wells took the stately Mark II and re-imagined it as a dazzling piece of automotive art, capturing the Space Age fascination of the era. The most dramatic modification was the addition of the futuristic, custom-formed bubble dome, which replaced the car’s original steel roof. This bubble top, which had been pioneered by customizers like Darryl Starbird and Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, created an unmistakable, otherworldly presence.

Under the bubble: The details that define a legend

The customizations extended far beyond the unique bubble dome. Wells and his team fitted the car with a modern Hilborn fuel injection system, a significant performance upgrade from the original 368 cubic-inch V8. Inside, the car featured a polished tilt steering column and a custom leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing both its looks and its driving experience. The entire build was a meticulous exercise in custom car craftsmanship, blending the Mark II’s original luxurious foundations with the audacious style of 1960s “Kustom Kulture.” The end result was a car that perfectly captured the jet-age excitement of its time.

A celebrated custom today

Today, the 1956 Continental Mark II Custom Bubble Top is a highly coveted and celebrated piece of custom car history. It was most recently featured in an auction and previously displayed at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, bringing the car’s unique story to a new generation of enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder of an era when luxury and imagination combined to create truly unique, one-of-a-kind automotive creations. The Custom Bubble Top represents the pinnacle of classic custom car building, celebrating both the factory’s exquisite craftsmanship and the creative spirit of the customizer.

The 1956 Continental Mark II Custom Bubble Top will be auctioned on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at the Mecum Auctions Larry’s Legacy 2025 auction. The car will be offered without reserve and is being sold from the Larry Klairmont Museum Collection along with other unique custom cars such as the award-winning 1955 Ford Beatnik Bubbletop Custom, the Golden Sahara II; a legendary custom car with glowing tires, and even a rare 1947 Tatra T87.

The post Rare 1956 Continental Mark II Custom Bubble Top: George Barris Protege Build Heads to Auction appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

It’s a common story within the automotive world: if one brand at a corporation finds success, the other brands under the same umbrella want a piece of that pie. When the Plymouth Duster proved to be a hit for 1970, Dodge crowed until they got the Demon. When Chevrolet’s Camaro was nearly ready for the public, Pontiac, recently denied the XP-883 Banshee project, was given the Firebird as a consolation prize. And for 1956, the De Soto Adventurer, like the Plymouth Fury and Dodge D-500, were responses to the success of the 1955 Chrysler C-300. Packing a 320-horsepower variant of the first generation of Chrysler Hemi V8, the Adventurer was the shot in the arm that De Soto needed.

It wasn’t like De Soto had just gained a V8, however. The brand had been fitting the 160-horsepower Firedome V8 into their cars since 1952. The problem seemed to lie with marketing. De Soto didn’t play the power card. Instead, the company chose to tout their build quality and ride comfort instead. For a country that just came out of World War II smelling like a rose, filled with optimists and performance-hungry veterans, that wouldn’t do. When the Chrysler C-300 arrived, it hit the nail on the head: knockout looks, 300 horsepower at the ready, and the right amount of luxury added up to a monster. It was a NASCAR warrior that took on all comers and sent them back to the trailer.

Within the Chrysler divisions, Chrysler and De Soto had been in heavy competition with each other. Each Chrysler brand was not only competing with outside forces, but each other as well, and Chrysler having a trump card over De Soto didn’t sit well. As told by A.E. “Kim” Kimberly to Special Interest Autos in 1974, “Chrysler’s 300 was a very good seller and, of course, the 300 identification was continued long after the specialty car concept ended. We at De Soto felt we needed something similar.”

De Soto didn’t just stay complacent with Chrysler’s leftovers, either. Bent to make the Adventurer better, the Hemi was bored out to 341 cubic inches and had a compression bump, from 8.5:1 to 9.25:1. Larger valves and dual Carter four-barrel carburetors finished the package off, leaving the Adventurer with 320 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 356 ft-lb of torque at 4,000 RPM. The power-to-weight ratio was just a tick better than the 1955 C-300 and at Chrysler’s testing grounds, the stiffly sprung De Soto was able to run up to 144 miles an hour.

Performance doesn’t sell without an image, and De Soto aimed for class with the Adventurer’s outward appearance. There were three two-tone paint combinations available: black-and-gold, black-and-white, and this gold-and-white combination. The radiator grilles were anodized gold, as were the rear quarter-panel emblems and the wheel covers. Finally, a special De Soto “Pacesetter” convertible, likely packing every ounce of gear the Adventurer got, got the spotlight as the pace car for the 1961 Indianapolis 500, shattering any previous pace car lap records – and reportedly terrifying the pit crew when it left the track at well over 100 mph. 

1956 Adventurers are a rare breed. Only 996 were built in a two-week production run and they all were sold within six weeks of the February 18^th introduction. The $3,728 price tag wasn’t an issue, surprising given the standard Firedome sold for $2,678. 

Looking resplendent in Adventurer Gold and Surf White, this is the 481^st example built and features a rare Benrus 15-jewel self-winding clock mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The front bumper guards house fog lights that are easy to miss at first glance, and outside of the addition of aftermarket seat belts for the front passengers, the interior has remained original, down to the Highway Hi-Fi 45-rpm record player.

The question now is just how much money would it take to get into this gold-and-white testament to the Forward Look’s best foot forward? The answer is surprisingly easy: classic.com saw an example not meet the reserve at $110,000 at a Mecum auction in August 2023, but more recent examples have sold at $30,800 and $40,700. Given the few 1956 Adventurers made, and the fewer that have lasted nearly 70 years to present day, those prices seem quite attainable for such a rare and notable 1950s machine.

Cars of the 1950s represent what happens when engineers and stylists are let off the leash. In the case of the De Soto Adventurer, the result is a fine example of early American pre-muscle, where the consumer could truly have it all in one stylish package. All a driver had to do was twist the key, bring the Hemi to life, push the button for Drive, and proceed onto the nearby boulevard or highway to enjoy the fruits of that labor.

The post Classy And Fast, This 1956 De Soto Adventurer Is An Approachable 1950s Muscle Machine appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

Inside OSCA

The subtitle of this 272-page hardcover history reads “The Bolognese miracle that amazed the world.” Sounds right to us. OSCA—the acronym stands for Officine Specializzate Contruzione Automobili—is the product of the combined efforts of the three Maserati brothers after they stepped away from the automaker they founded under their own names decades earlier. OSCA was born the same year as Ferrari—1947—but specialized in a very different variety of exotic cars. Today, OSCA is remembered for the jewel-like sports cars and monoposto racers it fabricated, all of them diminutive in size and with exquisite, tiny-displacement engines that were intended to conform with Italian rules that established racing classes for 1,100cc cars.

OSCA lasted until 1967 and achieved copious success on the track over those 20 years. The photos, captured by Walter Breveglieri, document this saga, which involves some of the world’s best drivers. Stirling Moss, for instance, owned and raced an OSCA. The roadgoing cars were treated as exotics, with coachwork from Italian masters including Vignale and Zagato. Besides the photographer’s work, Inside OSCA—now available for the first time in English—includes personal recollections from former employees about working for the Maserati brothers and their design genius. Moss contributed to creating this narrative, too. This is a terrific, scholarly work of history about a delightful marque from Bologna. —Jim Donnelly

The Complete Book of Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Cars

There’s a reason a segment of the car-enthusiast population swears by the edict, “Mopar or no car”: the Chrysler Corporation has engineered and built some of the most respected and valuable high-performance automobiles in postwar American-car history. Those V8-powered street and strip Dodges and Plymouths from the 1960s and 1970s enjoy a huge following, as do the reborn Chargers and Challengers. Motorbooks has revisited Mike Mueller’s 2009 tribute to the 20th century Mopar muscle cars and, with the help of fellow respected author/photographer Tom Glatch, expanded it to include the 2006-’23 Dodges, creating a new 320-page hardcover aptly subtitled, “Every Model From 1960 To Today.”

Even before the 1966 debut of the 426 Street Hemi, Chrysler was innovating engine technology with offerings like ram induction. Dodge and Plymouth models using that twin-carburetor setup are the first of this title’s highlights, followed by cars with 413- and 426-cu.in. Max Wedges underhood. The hottest A- and E-body Barracuda and Challenger variants get their due, as do the B-body Charger, Coronet R/T, Super Bee, GTX, Road Runner, Superbird, and the top Darts and Dusters. The final two chapters walk us through the reborn Charger and Challenger. This book is extensively illustrated with 500 quality images, and its copy offers both historical context and technical detail. If you’ve been looking for a Mopar muscle book that hits all the highlights with genuine reverence, this one is just right. —Mark J. McCourt

The post Hemmings Book Reviews: “Inside OSCA” and “The Complete Book of Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Cars” appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The small-block engine is one of the most significant powerplants in automotive history, renowned for its compact design, reliability, and immense performance potential. First introduced by Chevrolet in 1955, the Small-Block Chevrolet (SBC) became a legend that reshaped the American auto industry and fueled the muscle car and hot-rodding movements for decades.

People love small-block engines because they are a versatile, compact, and lightweight alternative to larger engines, offering a good balance of power, performance, and affordability, especially in classic vehicles and hot rods. Their widespread availability of aftermarket parts makes them a customizable and reliable option for enthusiasts to build, modify, and maintain with readily available knowledge and components, leading to their dominance in the performance and racing communities.

Historically, the Ford Mustang 289 Hi-Po, the Chevy Camaro SS 350, and the 1968 Dodge Dart GTS with its 340 cubic-inch engine are recognized as powerful and influential small-block examples, but for this article we wanted to take a look at a few of the less heard of “underdogs,” all found on Hemmings Marketplace.

1968 Mercury Cougar

The 1968 Mercury Cougar offered two small-block engine options: the standard 200-horsepower 302 V8, and the more potent 210-horsepower 302 with a four-barrel carburetor. These small-block engines provided a solid, performance-oriented foundation for the upscale pony car, which shared its platform with the Ford Mustang but featured unique styling elements like hidden headlights, sequential turn signals, and an available luxurious XR-7 package.

While other more powerful engines were available (like the 390 or 428), the 302, which offered 325 horsepower and 427 pond-feet of torque out of the factory, provided a balance of usable power and the smooth, comfortable ride characteristic of a luxury-sport GT (Grand Touring) car.

We found this beautifully restored and upgraded 1968 Mercury Cougar, powered by a strong-running Ford Racing 302 crate engine, listed for sale on Hemmings Marketplace.

1969 Buick Skylark GS

The small-block powered 1969 Buick Skylark GS represents Buick’s unique approach to the muscle car era, offering a balanced blend of power, comfort, and a sophisticated design. The small-block in these models, a successor to the earlier Buick 300 and 340 cubic-inch engines, was a unique Buick-designed 350 cubic-inch V8, known for its low-end torque, external oil pump, and distributor located in front of the engine. When equipped with the three-speed manual gearbox, the 350 cubic-inch V8 produced 280 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque.

While not a top-tier muscle car like the GS 455, the 350 V8 offered a significant performance upgrade over the base Skylark’s inline-six and it was considered a good performer for its day. This 350 V8-powered 1969 Buick Skylark Custom listed on Hemmings Marketplace is a blend of aesthetic appeal and robust performance making it an outstanding choice for any classic car enthusiast or collector.

1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass

The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass with a small-block engine was a popular option, featuring a 350-cubic-inch V8 that provided a good balance of performance and efficiency for its time, making it a great cruiser and a fun car to drive. These cars were part of the final year of the third-generation Cutlass, offering classic styling with a range of available body styles, transmissions, and options like factory air conditioning and performance upgrades. While not as powerful as the big-block 455 models, the 350 offered a smooth, responsive powerband and was a well-loved alternative, especially in the Cutlass S and base models.

The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass featured the Rocket 350 V8, with two main power configurations: a base model with a two-barrel carburetor producing 160 or 180 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque (like this restored example), and an optional upgrade with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts, boosting output to 200 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Check out an excellent example of the four-barrel carb equipped model at this link.

1972 Plymouth Duster 340

The 1972 Plymouth Duster was a popular, budget-friendly muscle car that offered performance and style at an affordable price, featuring a lightweight, fastback design based on the A-body platform. The high-performance Duster 340 model was the most desirable, packing a 340 cubic inch small-block V8 engine producing around 275 horsepower, delivering strong performance that could challenge larger muscle cars.

This exceptional 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 is described as a true survivor that embodies the spirit of American muscle. This all-original car features a matching-numbers drivetrain paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Get a closer look on Hemmings Marketplace.

1973 Ford Maverick Grabber

The 1973 Ford Maverick Grabber, powered by a small-block Windsor V8 (often the 302), was a sporty compact car that, while modest in stock form, became a legendary platform for drag racing and performance modification due to its light weight and tuner potential. It featured unique Grabber trim, including distinctive striping and hood scoops, and served as an affordable, reliable, and adaptable vehicle for enthusiasts during the Malaise Era.

In its original form, a 1973 Maverick Grabber with a 302 V8 was not a performance powerhouse, with a 0-60 mph time in the mid-9 seconds and a mid-16-second quarter-mile. Its true appeal lay in its potential for performance upgrades, making it a favorite for drag racers. Owners could easily install aftermarket parts to transform the car into a legitimate muscle car. This mostly original 1973 Maverick coupe is a rare, low-mileage example of the popular sedan.

The post Five Underrated Small-Block V8 Muscle Cars That Deserve More Love appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.

The 1947 Tatra T87 is best known as a masterpiece of aerodynamic design and unconventional engineering from Czechoslovakia. This luxury sedan, with its futuristic teardrop shape, rear-mounted V8 engine, and controversial history, remains a fascinating icon for vintage car enthusiasts and collectors. The T87 embodies a rare and daring approach to automotive innovation from a company that consistently challenged conventions.

A look into the T87’s unique features

Streamlined for efficiency

The T87’s stunning, streamlined body was designed by a team led by engineer Hans Ledwinka and heavily influenced by Paul Jaray, an aerodynamicist who worked on German zeppelins. The result was an exceptionally slippery shape, complete with a prominent central fin, which delivered a remarkably low drag coefficient and impressive fuel economy for its era.

Rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 engine

At the heart of the T87 is a 2.9-liter, air-cooled, overhead-cam V8 engine. Constructed from a lightweight magnesium alloy, this advanced engine produced about 85 horsepower and enabled the car to reach a top speed of 100 mph—a formidable feat for a passenger car of its time.

Influential and innovative design

The T87’s advanced engineering had a profound impact on other automotive pioneers. Its rear-engine layout and design principles heavily influenced Ferdinand Porsche during his development of the Volkswagen Beetle. After World War II, Tatra won a settlement against VW for patent infringement related to this influence, though the story has a bittersweet end for Ledwinka.

The myth of the ‘Nazi killer’

One of the most infamous—and likely exaggerated—stories surrounding the Tatra T87 is its alleged reputation as the “Czech secret weapon”. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, German officers favored the fast and comfortable T87 for use on the Autobahn. However, the car’s rear-heavy weight distribution and independent swing-axle suspension, combined with inexperience from drivers accustomed to more conventional front-engine cars, led to dangerous oversteer.

Rumors spread that so many officers crashed their Tatras that driving them was eventually forbidden. While the ban and the number of fatalities are often debated, the car’s tricky handling is a well-documented aspect of its history.

Why the 1947 model is special

The 1947 Tatra T87 falls into the post-war production period, after the factory was nationalized under communist rule. While production was briefly halted during the war, it resumed afterward with limited changes, continuing the legacy of its pre-war design. The 1947 model carries the weight of a unique transition: a luxurious, technologically advanced car produced for the elite in a country entering a new political reality. It was also during this period that Czech explorers Miroslav Zikmund and Jiří Hanzelka famously embarked on their multi-year expedition across Africa and Latin America in a T87, further cementing its reputation for rugged reliability.

A collector’s dream today

Today, the Tatra T87 is a rare and highly sought-after classic car, admired for its aesthetic boldness and engineering foresight. Its scarcity, coupled with its captivating backstory, makes it a star attraction at museums and auctions worldwide. Jay Leno, a prominent car collector, has called it “the greatest car that no one has ever heard of,” an apt description for this automotive pioneer that continues to surprise and delight.

The 1947 Tatra T87 (lot U320) featured in this article’s photos is from the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago. After the owner’s passing, the entire collection is set to be sold by Mecum Auctions later this month.

Read more: Billed as the “Million Dollar Tatra,” this 1934 Tatra T77 cost all that and more to restore.

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