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Hidden Horses: The Rarest Mustangs Lost in Automotive History

The Ford Mustang is no longer just a car; it’s a cultural icon recognizable worldwide and a symbol of the US car industry. It’s also a symbol of resilience and the only pony car still standing on the market. Millions of Mustang fans worldwide can be proud since their favorite car’s future is secure. Ford’s executives say there will always be a Mustang.

However, while the history of its popular models is well-known, what about forgotten cars? There are many obscure Mustangs that few remember. So let’s look back at some hidden Mustangs that are a lesser-known yet integral part of the legend.

Photo Credit: Motor 1

Mustang I

The Mustang I concept was a big deal when it was introduced in 1962 as a fully functional concept vehicle. This was the first time the name Mustang was officially used. From the start, it was clear that the public loved the name. The connection with the Wild West mythology was a great marketing gimmick (via Henry Ford).

Ford Mustang Roadster Concept Car
Photo Credit: Ford

The Mustang I was a roadster with a rear-mounted V4 engine and a wedge-shaped body made of aluminum. The original idea behind the concept was to develop a small sports car that could compete with European imports like the Triumph TR3. Still, despite the favorable reaction from the enthusiasts, Ford decided to go another way.

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Forgotten Legends: Lesser-Known Corvettes That Will Blow Your Mind

When you think of the Chevrolet Corvette, images of the quintessential American sports car come to mind. Since its debut in 1953, the Corvette has epitomized performance and innovation, becoming a symbol of speed, freedom, and engineering prowess. However, beyond the well-known models lies a treasure trove of Corvettes that have quietly made their mark on automotive history. The Corvette is unlike anything else that’s ever been on the road and it’s cultivated a following of loyal fans who collect and race these beautiful cars year after year.

While models like the Z06 are the most common and well-known examples of the Corvette, the lesser-known models, and prototypes represent technological advancements and designs that have contributed significantly to the Corvette’s legacy. In this article, we’ll explore the forgotten Vettes that will blow your mind. Each gave its own unique story and contribution to the Corvette lineage. From experimental engines to lightweight designs, each added something truly special about the history of the Corvette.

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Photo Credit: silodrome

1953 Corvette EX-122

If the EX-122 model of the Corvette doesn’t sound familiar, it’s because this wasn’t even a production Corvette. The “EX-122” was the concept car that later became the Corvette. It was a first-of-its-kind sports car that birthed an entire segment of automobiles. Before the EX-122, there wasn’t anything fun to drive on the market and GM wanted to sell a dedicated two-seater (via Corvette Story).

1953 Chevrolet Corvette 1536x864
Photo Credit: Silodrome

The EX-122 was notable for its fiberglass body, a novel material choice at the time that allowed for more flexible design options and reduced weight. Most other cars on the roadways were steel bricks, and the Corvette was light and nimble. While there were initial safety concerns about the design of the car, those soon wore off as more people got behind the wheel of it.

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Driving Forces: Classic Cars That Shaped Today’s Auto Landscape

The modern car industry is an exciting place. The most recent and significant change has been the introduction of electric vehicles, which will change the automotive landscape forever. However, even though battery-powered cars will change the mechanical aspect entirely, they still follow the forms and vehicle classes introduced decades ago.

That raises the question of what cars influenced the industry and what cars shaped the automotive world we live in today. Check out the most influential cars and models that helped shape the automobile world as we know it today.

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Photo Credit: Pinterest

Jeep Willys

Off-road vehicles were born out of necessity and the legendary Jeep Willys is the best example. Conceived just before World War II as a light military vehicle capable of going over any terrain, it was durable enough to withstand bullets and explosions and able to survive harsh conditions. It turned out to be one of the weapons that won the biggest war in history. Production on the original Jeep started in 1942 as the US entered the war. It ended in 1946 after more than 600,000 examples were built and exported to all parts of the world. Also called Willys MB or Ford GPW, it was a simple machine yet incredibly tough and dependable (via Jeep).

Willys M38 Jeep 2
Photo Credit: Pinterest

It was powered by a miniature 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 60 hp and used a simple four-wheel drive layout, an innovative concept for the 1940s. Despite being a military vehicle, the Jeep proved its worth after the war as an efficient machine that could be equipped to do numerous things. The unique concept of a rugged, compact, and extremely capable off-road machine evolved into the Jeep brand, the biggest producer of off-road vehicles and SUVs.

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Before The Limelight: The Untold Story of Early Luxury Trucks

Pickup trucks have been a large focal point of the auto industry for the last decade. What was once mainly a farm tool has become commonplace transportation for millions each day. Although some trucks will never have more than a piece of plywood in their bed, they have become increasingly luxurious. A pickup truck can now set you back far more than a top-tier luxury car used to. These oversized land yachts appeal to people who want to feel safer or just more dominant on the road.

Brands like Cadillac and Lincoln innovated the luxury SUV scene and now everyone is in the mix. In this article, we looked at the pickup truck and SUV models that innovated the segment. What started as just a leather-wrapped trim package inspired trucks that now have everything from built-in wireless internet to seat warmers and coolers. So whether you haul a bale of hay or a bunch of friends, these were the luxury trucks that changed things forever.

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Photo Credit: Motor Trend

1976-1983 Jeep J10 Honcho

One of the first luxury pickup trucks ever made is a surprising one. The Jeep J10 Honcho is a special edition truck that has a unique appearance package and a posh interior. Although this truck was an off-road-focused beast, it was also more comfortable than anything that came prior. The Honcho shared a platform with the Wagoneer so this isn’t a surprise. It had a couple of engine options including the AMC inline-6 and V8 engines (via Hot Cars).

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Photo Credit: Motor Trend

The Honcho package was a limited edition offering, making these trucks somewhat rare and sought after by collectors today. The people who owned one of these unique trucks got to enjoy something a lot more comfortable than your average farm truck. These days Jeep is a company that almost exclusively builds expensive luxury-focused SUV models, a far cry from its days of simple off-road ruggedness.

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Alternate Reality: American Concept Cars That Captivated Auto Fans

Concept cars are used to lure visitors to car shows. But nowadays, concept cars have mostly been abandoned by major car companies, just like car shows. Yet for almost 90 years, concept cars were the talk of the industry. They excited crowds, showed off new designs, and influenced the car industry’s future. Most of the show cars never made it to production, but some did.

The American car industry invented concept cars in the late 1930s and developed it into a trend during the ’50s. Some concept cars surprised car fans, showing them how some brands were innovative and advanced in their thinking. As mentioned, most of these vehicles were close to production but were canceled at the last moment. That’s why we decided to look back through Detroit’s alternate history. Check out the concept cars that turned heads despite never hitting the pavement here.

Buick Y Job Concept Car 8
Photo Credit: GM

Buick Y Job

The first concept car in the world was the 1939 Buick Y Job. It was the brainchild of famous GM designer Harley Earl, who designed the car for a show circuit and to show future trends. The Y Job was renowned for its hidden headlights, smooth lines, and elegant appearance. It was built on a regular production chassis with a standard drivetrain but featured a unique interior (via Hemmings).

Buick Y Job Concept Car 5
Photo Credit: GM

Unlike some other concept cars, which are purely for show purposes, the Y Job was a fully functional vehicle. It was even used by Harley Earl for many years. If you look at the design of early ’50s Buick models, you’ll notice a resemblance to the Y Job concept. Today, this vital piece of American car history and culture is a permanent piece of the GM Heritage collection.

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Torque Titans: Revealing the Real Monsters of the Road

One of the most exciting things about driving is the thrill that we get from driving a powerful car. Nothing quite matches the thrill of real horsepower and there’s no replacement for displacement. Automotive design is subjective and not everyone loves the same thing, but we can all agree when horsepower is phenomenal the look of the car doesn’t matter.

So we looked at some of the most powerful rides ever built. These cars were barely street-legal yet still completely changed the game. These cars were simply torque monsters. Buckle up as we looked back at the most powerful cars that ever touched the pavement.

2021 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300
Photo Credit: Motor 1

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+

You probably remember the Chiron. After Bugatti floundered in the ’90s, it became one of the most talked about comeback stories of the 2000s. Many celebrities and rappers wanted to own one. The 300+ was the fastest production car on the planet for a long period thanks to an insane amount of horsepower (via Bugatti).

2020 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300 Top View Carbuzz 705212 1600
Photo Credit: Motor 1

Every inch of the car was hand-built, which is why it created such a stir. Its top speed of 304.773 mph was thoroughly impressive. Not many people will take this car to that kind of a limit. But if you’ve got a couple million to toss in the trash can then you might want to give this car a whirl. There’s something to be said for the pure power and feel of a Bugatti.

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Downsized Dreams: The Untold Downfall of American Compact Cars

One of the most common American automotive stereotypes is that domestic manufacturers always insist bigger is better. However, the recession of the early ’70s and the surge of Japanese and European brands showed that not all customers wanted big sedans or wagons. Some were perfectly happy with small, much more fuel-efficient cars.

During this time, American car brands produced numerous compact models. Some were genius and innovative while some were just badge-engendering and forgettable. All have their place in the history of the American car industry and the hearts of millions of buyers. We looked back at the most interesting classic American compacts. These were cars you loved, hated, and even missed. But they all have one thing in common – they all tell the story of the rise and fall of this once-exciting segment. Let’s get started.

1972 Amc Gremlin X Via Mecum
Photo Credit: Mecum

AMC Gremlin

Introduced in 1970 on April 1st, the AMC Gremlin looked like an April Fool’s joke. Competitors laughed at its compact dimensions, odd rear end, and diminutive engines. But very soon AMC was laughing all the way to the bank. The Gremlin was a sales success and the first American subcompact car. In the late ’60s, American manufacturers offered big, heavy models but sales of compact imports like the Toyota Corolla or VW Beetle started to rise. AMC noticed the trend and began developing a small, subcompact model that would be cheap yet offered lots of room inside and decent driving dynamics (via Motor Trend).

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Photo Credit: Mecum

When the Gremlin was first introduced, it received mixed reviews. But it soon became popular, especially with younger audiences. In fact, in the decade of platform shoes, The Eagles, and shag carpets, Gremlin became one of the symbols of the generation and a very influential model that inspired all American manufacturers to offer small economy cars.

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Bad Boys: Remembering The Best Police Cruisers From Every Decade

Police cars have long been some of the most recognizable cars on the road. The police car is something that we encounter nearly every day of our lives on city streets. The police car is something that is used in high-impact situations such as chases, school functions, and day-to-day patrols. A police car has to be comfortable, perform well, and above all else, be very reliable. The most common police car ever is the Ford Crown Victoria.

The big sedan was once loved by police departments and was among the most reliable cars on the road. Throughout the decades, many other police cars that were more exciting hit the roads as well. So we looked back at the police cruisers from each decade as well as the future models. There’s nothing quite like a classic, high-performance police car, and some of these rides are beyond cool. There are few more noticeable or iconic rides than a police car. Put your hands up and remain silent as we look at the most iconic police cruisers from each decade.

1926 Ford Model T Dr S Coupe
Photo Credit: Barn Finds

Model T Ford Police Truck

The Model T was the car that put America on wheels and is forever a legend in the auto world. So once it became a mainstream vehicle, local police departments began to use it as well. The Model T was a great car with an awesome design. As an early police car, it was quite nimble and versatile. The Model T laid the groundwork for the future of police cars and in a way laid the groundwork for decades of future Ford dominance in the police interceptor segment (via Blue Springs Ford).

062216 Barn Finds 1922 Ford Model T 1
Photo Credit: Barn Finds

By the 1920s, the Model T had become a common sight in police departments across the United States. Because the Model T wasn’t designed to be a police car, most departments around the country customized the car to fit their needs. All in all, the Model T was a trendsetter for the world of police cars and it remains the most iconic automobile of all time.

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Thrills Without Bills: These Fast Muscle Cars Won’t Break The Budget

In the auto world, performance is costly and the fastest cars are nearly always the most expensive. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Indeed, some bargains still exist in the performance car segment. Vehicles that are affordable to obtain but still powerful enough to make you smile. Also, it is cheap to run, which is an essential aspect.

That’s why we compiled a list of inexpensive but still exciting cars that you can maintain yourself, drive until the wheels fall off, and are easy to modify. These genuine 150 mph+ beasts are lifetime deals because they are so reasonable money. They’re also perfect starter cars that will reward you with considerable performance, tuning potential, and tire-burning muscle. Check out our list of affordable muscle cars that are easy to maintain right here.

Photo Credit: Nissan

Infiniti G35 Coupe

The best-looking Infiniti Coupe is the 2003-07 G35 Coupe. It’s a well-composed and engineered two-door model based on the G35 sedan architecture. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood and 280 horsepower on tap, the G35 Coupe was a more mature and more luxurious version of Nissan’s 350Z, which isn’t bad by any means (via Infiniti).

Photo Credit: Top Speed

That means the G35 possessed the exact sharp handling, excellent driving dynamics, and good performance usually available only in a more upscale package. The 0 to 60 mph sprint took just below six seconds and its top speed was close to 160 mph. Decent examples with full-service history and excellent equipment can be found for around $10,000 and maintenance usually remains inexpensive.

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Lost In Time: Revisiting Rare Automotive Legends of the 1960s

The 1960s were a time of peace, love, and above all else, some seriously cool rides that still turn heads. But it wasn’t only about the Mustangs and Camaros of the car world. There are several gems from the ’60s that didn’t find the limelight but are still worth remembering. These unsung heroes of the road had the looks and the quirks but somehow slipped through the cracks of mainstream fame. In this trip down memory lane, we dug into the back catalog of the ’60s to spotlight some cars that you might not remember but definitely shouldn’t forget.

There’s the AMC Marlin, the underdog with a back end you can’t forget and charm that deserved more applause. And let’s not skip over the Dodge Charger 500, a beast built for speed that somehow didn’t zoom into the mainstream consciousness as much as it should have. So buckle up and let’s hit the road with these forgotten but unforgettable rides of the ’60s. It’s going to be a casual ride with plenty of pit stops to admire the cool, quirky, and downright awesome cars that time forgot but we’re bringing back into the spotlight.

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Photo Credit: Mecum

Alfa Romeo TZ2: The Italian Enigma

The TZ2 was developed with a clear focus on racing, specifically for the FIA’s Group 4 category. When you take one look at this car, you’ll instantly recognize its racing pedigree. It’s no surprise as Alfa Romeo is a brand known for excellent handling and performance. The TZ2 had a specific suspension and lowered ride height that was custom-tailored for the race track. This car won numerous racing awards and trophies around the world thanks to its championship design and speed (via Forza).

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Photo Credit: Mecum

The TZ2 wasn’t just made for racing as it was also a production vehicle. In typical Alfa Romeo fashion, the car was very high-end and appealing to a completely different clientele of drivers. People who drove these early Alfa models were auto fans who enjoyed the pleasure of driving. This wasn’t your average day-to-day car. If you were lucky enough to get one that was painted the beautiful red color, you had a showpiece that everyone would have noticed.

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