mod@tech

For decades, Japanese car manufacturers had two types of cars they sold. The first were JDM cars produced for the domestic market, and the second ones were models sold in the rest of the world. True JDM connoisseurs knew that sports cars were never offered to outside markets deep in Japan and lusted after those exclusive machines. Today, we will tell you more about 10 forgotten Japanese sports cars that are rarely seen outside Japan.  

1. Isuzu 117 Coupe

The gorgeous Isuzu 117 Coupe was never offered on the American market, which is a shame. Even with its limited production, it became one of the early Japanese classics and a very influential model. The company needed a halo car to turn the industry’s attention to Isuzu and present them in the best possible light.

So, they used the existing passenger car rear-wheel drive platform with a 1.6- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and went to Italy to find a fashionable suit. There, Isuzu contacted famous designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who provided them with an elegant, cool-looking coupe design. This was the final piece of the puzzle, and in 1968, the beautiful Isuzu 117 Coupe debuted. The car stayed in production until 1981 and was sold in reasonably large numbers. 

2. Honda S600/S800 Roadster

Honda was one of the first Japanese car companies to enter the American market in the ’60s. However, the first Hondas weren’t cars because the company made and sold only small but durable scooter motorcycles at that time. Honda has always had an ambition to start proper car production, and one of their first models was a cute little roadster called the S600.

Introduced in 1964, the S600 was a two-seater convertible with extremely compact dimensions, light weight, and powered by a small 600cc engine. It had 57 HP but a pretty lively performance since it weighed 1500 pounds. Interestingly, the S600 had a chain drive, a primitive drivetrain system from motorcycle production. In 1967, Honda introduced the S800, an upgraded and more powerful version with a bigger 800 cc engine and 70 HP, also available as a coupe. 

3. Nissan Silvia CSP 311

You all probably know Nissan Silvia for its widely popular S14 and S15 versions, which were produced in the ’90s and became the definitive drift cars. However, Silvia’s story as one of Nissan’s most legendary sports cars dates back to the mid-’60s and the cool-looking Silvia CSP 311 coupe, which was one of the first modern and proper sports cars from this brand.

Introduced in 1964 at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Silvia CSP 311 was a big step forward for this still obscure manufacturer. The car had European looks and proportions, and it was a luxurious (for the Japanese standards of the times) sports coupe with rear-wheel drive. It was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 96 HP, which gave it decent performance. 

4. Mazda RX-3 Coupe

Despite the limited appeal of Mazda’s Wankel engine offerings, problematic durability, and unusual driving dynamics, the company continued to offer this type of engine in various models for USA buyers, even in compact pickup trucks. But in the early ’70s, a small but lively RX-3 Coupe was the most interesting. 

This tiny car was a nicely styled fastback coupe with modern design cues, although on a much smaller scale than contemporary models from the USA or Europe. The most important was the engine, and under the hood was a two-rotor, 1.1-liter Wankel unit with 91 HP. We know it doesn’t sound like much, and foreign markets got the same engine with 115 HP, but domestic emissions regulations choked this little Rotary motor. 

5. Autozam AZ-1

If you don’t know what this is, nobody could blame you. It is a tiny sports car powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 660 cc and 64 hp. It was built by Mazda and sold by Suzuki in limited numbers from 1992 to 1995. During that time, fewer than 5000 were made. 

Despite its size and 1500 pounds, the Autozam AZ-1 was a proper sports car; some consider it the only supercar in the Kei Car segment. Perfect chassis, gullwing doors, and decent performance made it a favorite driving machine in Japan at the time. The bizarre styling but lively driving dynamics give the driver a unique driving experience, which is one of the reasons you should consider importing this little gem, since it was never officially sold outside of Japan. You can now import it in the USA since it is older than 25 years. 

6. Mitsuoka Orochi

One of the world’s most obscure supercars comes to us from Japan in the form of the Mitsuoka Orochi, a pretty groovy-looking two-seater with Lambo doors and a controversial design.. This crazy design is, in fact, a regular production model even though it looks like a dragon-like creature from somebody’s worst nightmares. 

The Orochi is based on the Honda NSX platform but powered by Toyota’s 3.3-liter V6 engine with 240 HP. Not much, but the car is light and nimble, so the performance is satisfying, to say the least. The Orochi was never intended to be sold outside of Japan or selected Asian markets, especially not in the USA. First of all, the car is only made in right-hand configuration, and second, Mitsuoka is not interested in foreign buyers.

7. Suzuki Cappuccino

If you are a fan of Kei Cars, Japanese micro automobiles with diminutive dimensions, small engines, and a lot of fun, now is the time to show it. This tiny roadster is built out of aluminum with rear wheel drive, a cramped interior, and a small trunk. You probably think the smallest Japanese convertible is the Mazda Miata, but the Cappuccino is almost half the size.

The engine only has 64 hp from a 670 cc three-cylinder unit, but it likes to rev. Thanks to its only 1400 pounds of weight, this car has lively performance and unbelievable driving dynamics. Produced in right-hand-drive configuration only and sold in selected markets in Asia and Europe, the Cappuccino is quite a rare car with a total production of around 28,000 examples. The prices are not high, but they will gain value when US enthusiasts buy them.

8. Honda S660

Some enthusiasts call the Honda S660 “shrunken NSX,” and the similarities are more than just design. Like the NSX, the tiny S660 has a mid-mounted engine with just three cylinders, 660 cc, and a turbocharger. The result is 63 HP and practically ideal handling.

The car is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed CVT automatic, and despite its lack of power, a Japanese journalist declared it one of the best-driving Kei Cars currently on sale. 

9. Daihatsu Copen

Daihatsu is one of the prime manufacturers of Kei Cars, with its entire range dedicated to small vehicles. Their most interesting model is definitely the Copen, a tiny roadster. If you want to visualize what Copen is like, try a Miata, but half the size. 

The Copen was introduced in the early 2000s and is in its second generation. As expected, the 660 cc engine is under the hood, and power is below the 70 HP mark. However, the turbocharged engine is highly tunable, and this compact roadster can deliver some pretty lively performance. 

10. Toyota Sports 800

This was the first of Toyota’s sports cars, introduced in 1962. At the time, Toyota was a small and totally unknown company, so it is not strange that sales were limited to Asian markets only.

It had a diminutive 800 cc engine with 45 HP, but despite its extremely modest displacement and power, the Sports 800 had some performance credentials since it was extremely light and agile. Production stopped in 1969 after over 3,100 examples were built.

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For decades, the British car industry was one of the most active in the world and one of the biggest exporters of cars. This means that British models are amongst those who motorized the world. But despite being so influential, cars from the UK weren’t always big sellers in America. However, some of them were, and here are the best 10 cars that were successful in America but were made in the United Kingdom.  

1. Jensen Interceptor

Jensen Interceptor was not exactly a muscle car but more of a Gran Turismo. With its Italian styling by Vignale, massive size, superb comfort, and powerful Chrysler 383 or 440 V8 engine in the front, this four-seater coupe was one of the fastest and most comfortable cars for crossing continents in the late ’60s and early ’70s. This cool-looking coupe had the style of a muscle car and Detroit power, even though it was above the reach of an average car enthusiast. 

All Interceptors featured Chrysler engines, the 383 and 440 V8 being the most common choices. However, regular interceptors in coupe and convertible form were much more successful, and over 6400 were made by 1976, many of which sold in America. This exciting car combines Italian styling, British luxury, and American muscle car provenance. 

2. MG B GT V8

One of the most popular and typical British roadsters from the ’60s is definitely the MG B. Introduced in 1962, B was the successor to the MG A, which helped establish the roadster class in the US. For the standards of the day, the MG B was a fairly modern car with unibody construction, a roomy interior, and decent suspension and steering. 

Today, we will tell you about its coupe version, the GT, equipped with a V8 engine. This small two-seater open top turned into a proper V8-powered muscle car. Introduced in 1973, the MG B GT V8 was powered by a 3.5-liter engine with 175 HP, a good figure for early ’70s standards. American buyers loved the GT V8 since it offered compact dimensions, improved practicality, and much more power and performance, which was a winning combination in anyone’s book. 

3. Jaguar Mk 2

Jaguars were always powerful and fast machines, covered in beautiful bodies and equipped with luxury interiors. They were car enthusiasts’ dream cars, combining aesthetics with smooth six-cylinder engines and luxury trim. Over the years, Jaguar earned its performance credentials with numerous racing wins and beautiful sports cars. Still, in the ’60s, it presented a proper muscle car disguised as a performance sedan in the form of the Jaguar Mk 2.

This car earned the nickname “Bank Robbers’ Express” because of its speed and handling, which helped bank robbers quickly escape the scene. That is why the British Police also started using them in the ’60s. With a top-of-the-line 3.8-liter engine sourced from the E-Type and 220 HP, the Mk 2 was a very capable and elegant sedan with a 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds flat.

4. Jaguar XJ6

It was introduced in 1968, and back then, there was nothing similar on the market. The XJ6 was a low, sleek, and elegant sedan, equipped with powerful straight-six engines and even a 5.3-liter V12 for the most demanding customers. This was the first car that perfectly blended luxury with sport appeal and a signature shape that lasted through eight different generations up to 2009. 

In all of its iterations, the Jaguar XJ6 was a popular luxury car in America, which means there are plenty of those around. Some of the early models are cheap, and this is the perfect starter classic if you are into legendary British motors. 

5. Range Rover

If the Land Rover Defender was the definitive off-road vehicle, the Range Rover, introduced in 1970, took the concept and improved it far beyond anybody could have guessed. Most car historians agree that Range Rover started the modern SUV class with a unique blend of off-road capabilities, elegant design, and luxury appointments. After this model, more and more manufacturers decided to try to sell comfortable off-road vehicles, and that is how the SUV craze swept through the industry.

Range Rover was simply an answer to customers who needed a capable car but not a Spartan off-roader like the Defender. The company didn’t expect much in 1970, but very soon, sales were encouraging, so Range Rover invested in the concept. During the ’80s and early ’90s, the original Range Rover became the bestselling vehicle in its class and an industry legend.

6. Jaguar E-Type

Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type was a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite Jaguar’s long-lasting tradition of building fine sports cars, the E-Type was years ahead with superb design, four-wheel disc brakes, independent rear suspension, and powerful straight-six engines. It was derived from the Le Mans-winning C and D Type racers and was as fast as any Ferrari or Maserati at the time. But the best thing was the price; the E-Type had the looks, power, and performance of high-priced Italian exotics, but it cost just a fraction of the price. 

It stayed in production for 15 years until 1976 and sold over 74,000 copies, most of them here in the USA. Today, Jaguar has the F-Type sports coupe, which is clearly a modern interpretation of the classic E Type design form, but it is still a modern car that captures the essence of this legendary model.

7. Triumph Spitfire

The Spitfire was the second definitive British roadster from the ’60s and, in our opinion, much cooler than the MG B. Despite having similar mechanics, modest power, and performance, the Spitfire got its name from a World War II fighter plane. It boasted a much more aggressive and sportier design with lower sides and a sharper front end. 

This legendary roadster was introduced in 1962 and powered by a pretty diminutive 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine with 63 HP. Over the years, the power grew to a 1.5-liter engine with 71 HP and more torque, which improved the driving dynamics. As with all other British roadsters, the biggest market was the US, and of the 314,000 made, most ended up here. 

8. Triumph TR6

If the Spitfire was Triumph’s roadster for the masses, the TR6 was a car for a profound lover of open-air driving and speed. The Spitfire could be considered underpowered despite its weighing only 1500 lbs, but the TR6 had decent power and convincing performance straight out of the box.

The TR6 was a successor to the TR5 and the US-market-only TR250, which all shared basic construction, dimensions, and design. Introduced in 1968, the TR6 featured disc brakes all around, independent suspension, and a 2.5-liter straight-six engine with 145 HP. Thanks to its weight of just under 2200 lbs, the TR6 was pretty agile and was amongst the fastest power roadsters on the market in the late ’60s. 

9. Ford Capri/Mercury Capri

The Mustang’s success was very influential and inspired most American brands to offer a pony car model of their own. Even in Europe, the Mustang was popular and familiar. Still, Ford wanted to explore the market further with a smaller, European version that would be cheaper and more suited to the needs of European buyers. This is how the Ford Capri came to be in 1969.

Designed in the UK, Capri was a European Mustang in every way. Using the “long hood-short deck” formula and semi-fastback styling, the Capri looked great and had a fantastic stance. Despite being based on the standard Cortina floor pan and using the same engines, Capri looked like a thoroughbred sports or muscle car, and it was often confused for a US-built Ford. This affordable coupe proved successful, almost as successful as the Mustang, and sold in millions through its 16-year lifespan. It was also imported into the USA as Mercury Capri in the mid ’70s.

10. Jaguar XJS

Introduced in the mid-70s, the XJS was a big step for the company. Under the long hood, it had a well-known 3.6-liter six-cylinder and a 5.3-liter V12 engine, which was a better choice if you wanted a full GT experience. 

The XJS was an extremely popular choice, especially in America, where Jaguar sold the majority of the 115,000 cars made. Due to elegance, power, and speed, the XJS remained in production for an incredible 21 years and is still a respectable car. The prices are not high for perfectly preserved examples, and we recommend you find later models with the V12 engine.

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The Chevrolet Corvette, a favorite American sports car, was a winner in the showrooms and on the racing tracks. Engineered for performance and with world-class power figures, the Corvette was always a logical choice for racing, but Chevrolet wasn’t always keen on letting it run. However, the Corvette was successful both as a works team and as a private entry, and here are the best racing Vettes ever made. 

1. Corvette Stingray XP-87

The story of the 1959 Stingray Concept is fascinating since this car was much more than just another styling exercise. It presented the ’63 Corvette design based on the 1957 Corvette SS experimental race car, which even won the 1960 SCCA championship. 

Chevrolet’s engineers managed to keep the weight down to only 2,200 pounds using a lightweight plastic body, race chassis, and aluminum. With a fuel-injected 283 V8 engine and 315 HP, the Stingray Concept had a fantastic performance, which helped it become successful at racing. The car was even featured in Elvis Presley’s movie “Clambake,” but painted red. 

2. 1960 Corvette Le Mans

In those days, most racing Corvettes were part of private teams, and Chevrolet itself didn’t have a factory racing project until 1960 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. 1960 was important for the Corvette since the factory backed the famous American racing impresario Biggs Cunningham and his Le Mans effort. Biggs Cunningham was one of the biggest names on the international racing scene in those days, and he tried to win Le Mans several times in his creations but never managed to do so despite good results and lots of effort. 

So, on June 26, 1960, a highly modified Chevrolet Corvette became the first American car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. With John Finch and Bob Grossman at the wheel, the Corvette won the GT class in front of numerous Jaguars, Ferraris, and Porsches. The success made Corvette the talk of the global sports car community and transformed it into a respectable force on the racing scene. 

3. Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

In the early ’60s, Chevrolet was successful in motorsports. With Zora Arkus Duntov and Ed Cole as head engineers for Corvette, the racing version of the Corvette Stingray was a logical next step in its development. The Corvette has already proven itself on the market, and now it is time to establish itself on the race track. Back then, Ford sponsored the Shelby Cobra, which was dominant at the race tracks. And the Corvette team wanted to beat it.. The Grand Sport Corvette had over 550 hp and was capable of brutal performance. The Corvette team had big plans and entered the Grand Sport Corvettes in several races.

It got promising results until General Motors decided to stop all racing activities in early 1963. For some reason, GM decided to stop investing in all forms of racing. This killed the fantastic Grand Sport program before it could prove its worth, making the Corvette Grand Sport one of the racing world’s greatest “what if” stories. All five cars survived and are accounted for today.

4. 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6-R

In the late ’90s, Chevrolet decided to enter the GT racing scene with a specially designed and built race car, the Corvette C5 R. The C5 R proved highly successful and opened the way for the C6 R, the next generation, which featured an improved engine and better technology and became one of the most successful American racing cars of all time.

The C6 R debuted in 2005 and stayed in racing use until 2013, which is quite a long time for a high-tech racing machine. The car was built on a Corvette Z06 basis, featuring several V8 engines with displacement varying from 5.5 to 7.0 liters. The Corvette C5 R proved extremely dependable and fast and was well-received by racing teams worldwide. In 2006, this yellow beast managed to repeat history and win the class victory at Le Mans, a success that has since been repeated a few times. 

5. Chevrolet Corvette C1 “SS” 

The Corvette SS prototype was GM’s first serious stab at sports car racing. Built on a lightweight magnesium alloy chassis and powered by a fuel-injected 283-cubic-inch V8, the SS debuted in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring. While plagued by mechanical issues, it was clear that Chevrolet intended to bring the fight to Europe. 

The car was advanced for its time and laid the foundation for future racing Corvettes. Despite limited success on the track, the SS proved that the Corvette platform had serious racing potential, sparking a movement that would define Corvette’s future.

6. Chevrolet Corvette “Spirit of ’76” 

The “Spirit of ’76” Corvette was one of the most patriotic and ambitious racing projects of its time. Built to commemorate America’s bicentennial, this red, white, and blue C3 Corvette was entered in the 1976 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed by John Greenwood, it featured massive fender flares, a longtail aero kit, and a roaring 7.0-liter V8. 

Though it struggled with reliability and didn’t finish the race, its sheer presence and bold livery made it unforgettable. Today, it symbolizes Corvette’s growing international ambitions and remains a favorite among collectors and vintage racing fans.

7. Chevrolet Corvette C5-R (1999-2004)

Arguably, the Corvette that launched the modern era of success, the C5-R, was a dominant force in GT racing. Developed by Pratt & Miller for Corvette Racing, the C5-R was powered by a thunderous 7.0-liter V8 and debuted in 1999. 

It claimed three class wins at Le Mans, multiple victories at Sebring, and numerous ALMS championships. With a balanced chassis, brutal straight-line speed, and bulletproof reliability, the C5-R proved that Corvette could hang with—and often beat—the best from Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. It was the car that made Corvette Racing a global name.

9. Chevrolet Corvette C7.R (2014-2019)

With high-tech engineering and a relentless pace, the C7.R carried Corvette Racing into the next generation. Based on the C7 Z06, it was powered by a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 and built for GTLM competition.

It earned its place among racing royalty by winning class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring—all in the same year (2015), completing the coveted endurance racing “Triple Crown.” The C7.R was admired for its balance, durability, and ability to push the limits of production-based racing. It closed out an era with pride and power.

10. Chevrolet Corvette C8.R (2020-Present)

The C8.R represents the most advanced Corvette race car yet, and the first mid-engine Corvette to hit the track. Powered by a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane crank V8, the C8.R competes in IMSA and FIA WEC in the GTD Pro and GTE classes. 

Its mid-engine layout gives it exceptional handling balance and aerodynamics, and its precision engineering has already brought class wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and strong showings at Le Mans. The C8.R is not just a new chapter—it’s the future of Corvette Racing, proving that the mid-engine transition was the right move for keeping America competitive on the world stage.

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Although Plymouth has disappeared from the list of Detroit’s brands, the brand is still highly respected by collectors. Established as an economy manufacturer offering cheap and dependable mechanics, the company flourished in the 1950s and 1960s with a lineup of exciting yet affordable muscle cars. Today, we will remember this once-famous car company by looking at its best models. 

1. Plymouth Fury (1958)

Before the Fury was a separate model, it was an option on Belvedere, and for 1958, this model benefited from Chrysler’s new Golden Commando engine. The mighty Hemi was gone, but Chrysler didn’t abandon the performance market. The Golden Commando had 350 CID displacement, hotter equipment, and 305 HP.

Plymouth even experimented with a fuel injection setup, but the system proved very problematic, so the factory compensated the owners and gave them a conventional four-barrel setup. If the fuel injection worked as it should, it should produce up to 315 HP.

2. Plymouth Savoy Super Stock 413 (1962)

Mechanically almost identical to the Dodge Dart 413 Max Wedge, the Savoy Super Stock was Plymouth’s version of a drag strip unique. It featured a different design, but the platform was the same, and the engine, the mighty 413 Wedge, had 420 hp in top trim. 

The interesting fact was that the automatic transmission, the favorite option, was even better for launching off the line than the standard 3-speed manual. In those early days, Chrysler didn’t offer a four-speed manual, and the automatic was a better choice. The Savoy Super Stock 413 was the first car to break the 12-second quarter-mile time record for stock cars.

3. Plymouth Barracuda (1964)

Introduced in April 1964, just two weeks before the Mustang, the Barracuda was the first Pony car ever made. It was based on the standard Valiant platform, and since the automotive world was anticipating the Mustang due to reports from Ford, Chrysler decided to introduce a car in the same segment. 

The Barracuda had modest underpinnings, with three engines available: two straight sixes and one V8, so designers had to develop an exciting design to attract buyers. The 1964 Barracuda had a big panoramic rear glass and a sleek fastback body line, which was pretty advanced for the period. 

4. Plymouth GTX (1967 to 1971)

Introduced in 1967 as a luxury option in the Belvedere lineup, this model was based on the same platform as the Coronet. Still, it was much more luxurious and had a 375 horsepower 440 V8 as standard. Plymouth wanted the GTX to compete with luxury cars of the period, so it installed almost all possible creature comforts and some unique trim on the outside to distinguish the GTX from the rest of the model lineup. 

The GTX was a gentleman’s hot rod with all the options, lovely interior and exterior details, and only one optional engine choice—the mighty 426 Hemi. The 440 Magnum was the standard engine, but if you wanted the ultimate Plymouth muscle luxury, you had to go for the Hemi. Because it was significantly more expensive than the rest of the Mopar muscle car lineup, the GTX was never that popular, and it is pretty rare today. 

5. Plymouth Roadrunner (1968 to 1974)

When it first appeared in 1968, the Plymouth Roadrunner proved to be a very influential and essential muscle car. Not only did it introduce the new trend of inexpensive and fun vehicles, but it was also a strong seller, which affected the whole segment. The entire idea behind the Roadrunner was simple. Present a low-priced but powerful model and attract people with a limited budget but a strong need for performance. 

The Roadrunner had a bench seat, no luxury options, and manual steering, but it came with the powerful 383 V8 as the base engine, and buyers could also opt for the 440 or the mythical Hemi 426. In 1969, the Roadrunner got a convertible option for those buyers who wanted an open-air driving feel, but most Roadrunners produced were two-door hard tops. For just above $3,000, you could be the proud owner of a Roadrunner in 1970. However, if you wanted a few options and the Hemi engine, the price would quickly rise to over $4,000.

6. Plymouth Superbird (1970)

As one of the craziest muscle cars ever produced, Plymouth has one of the most recognizable graphics packages ever presented to the general public. The Superbird attempted to win the famous Aero Wars in the late ’60s to early ’70s NASCAR championship. Plymouth built just under 2000 road-going Superbirds to homologate the car for racing and sold them all over America.

The car was based on the Roadrunner, and it came with a 440 V8 as standard and a 426 Hemi as the only engine option. However, Plymouth installed a nose cone, hideaway headlights, and an enormous spoiler on the back to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible. Also, it transformed the rear glass from the standard concave-shaped one to a regular one, which proved more slippery in wind tunnel testing. 

7. Plymouth AAR Cuda (1970)

The 1970 model year was undeniably the pinnacle year for classic muscle cars. Never before or since have there been so many muscle cars and memorable and sought-after machines on offer. The Pony car wars were in full swing with the brand new Firebird and Camaro, the Dodge Challenger, and the latest and much improved Plymouth Barracuda. One of the most interesting 1970 Barracudas was the rare AAR ‘Cuda.

The AAR Cuda was a limited production model to commemorate Dan Gurney’s All-American Racing team, which used ‘Cudas in the Trans Am championship. It came with a 340 V8 small block, a unique plastic hood in matte black paint with a hood scoop, a rear spoiler, and exciting side graphics, which included a big AAR logo. This version was more expensive than the regular 340 ‘Cuda, so only 2724 were made. 

8. Plymouth Barracuda Hemi (1970/71)

Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. Throughout the ’60s, those industry icons didn’t mix, at least not in street-legal cars. In 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made. 

The mighty Hemi engine was an expensive top-of-the-line option for 1970 and 1971, available in coupe or convertible form. It cost around $900 more than the standard Barracuda, and it was installed in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during a two-year production period. The power was rated at 425 hp, but everybody knew the orange monster delivered more than 500 hp straight from the box. 

9. Plymouth Duster 340 (1970)

As an economy brand, Plymouth was very active and successful at the lower end of the market since the early ’60s and the Valiant model. By the late ’60s and early ’70s, the compact market had grown, and Plymouth introduced the Duster 340. This model was a junior muscle car since it looked like bigger competitors, but it had a more petite 340 hp engine rated at 275 hp. 

Plymouth never anticipated the success that Duster 340 had achieved, and production doubled in just a few months. Despite being a compact model, the 340 was a very good muscle car since 275 hp moved the light body to respectable 0 to 60 mph times in just over 6 seconds. The vehicle may have been half the size of some of the heavy hitters of the era, but it was almost as fast. Also, it costs just under $3000, which is highly affordable. 

10. Plymouth Prowler (1997)

The Hot Rod culture is one of the critical ingredients of the American automotive landscape. However, no company dared present a factory-built Hot Rod until 1997, when Plymouth presented the Prowler—a retro-futuristic roadster with a V6 engine and fantastic looks. 

Imagined as the follow-up to the Viper, the Prowler was a hit on the show circuit, and Chrysler wanted to capitalize on that. Despite its initial success, the car proved to have slow sales.

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