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Strange But True: The Weirdest Engines In Automotive History

The combustion engine is arguably the single most important part of the modern automobile. Without it, cars simply wouldn’t function. There have been hundreds of different engine designs throughout the modern automobile era. Some have been much weirder than others. Several automotive companies have tried to reinvent the wheel time and time again. Cars like the Oldsmobile Jetfire and the Chrysler Turbine car were proof of that and contained some of the weirdest engines ever made as a result.

But the basic design of engines like the GM 350 Small Block has undergone minimal changes over the years. We took a look at the weirdest engines ever installed in a car. These engines were a mix of conceptual designs. The interesting history of these engines is worth noting and something that every automotive enthusiast can enjoy. Check out the weirdest engines ever installed right here.

Photo Credit: Auto Wp

Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire

The F-85 Jetfire engine was a special kind of engine used in some cars in the 1960s. It was different from other engines because it used a special kind of fuel called “turbo-rocket” fuel. This fuel made the engine more powerful and faster than other engines. The Jetfire was a performance engine with a lot of pep in its step. Its engine displacement was a crucial part of its performance (via Hot Stuff Works).

Photo Credit: Barn Finds

The F-85 Jetfire was also one of the first engines to use a turbocharger. That helped the engine run better at high altitudes. The Jetfire engine was a popular choice for people who wanted a faster car in the ’60s. It put Oldsmobile on the map with consumers. Oldsmobile was once a pioneering force in the automotive world long before Tesla and the other automakers we see today.

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Electric Revolution: The Most Anticipated Electric Cars of the Next Five Years

Most automotive analysts agree that the first part of the EV revolution is over. Electric vehicles have become part of everyday life instead of just expensive gimmicks. They are readily available, produced in significant numbers over different segments, and cover almost all types of vehicles. Of course, electric cars still aren’t perfect. They’re still pushed by government grants and initiatives, not just by direct sales, but the industry is getting there.

The next chapter will be highly interesting. This is when electric cars should start being better and faster with longer ranges and driving dynamics to attract car enthusiasts. Due to the enormous amounts of money invested in technology, we can expect that electric cars of the future will be more desirable and true competitors to gas-powered vehicles. So we compiled a list of new electric vehicles that should appear in the next five years. These are electric cars that will push the envelope further and expand our understanding of EVs and their real possibilities.

Photo Credit: GM

Cadillac Celestiq

The car world was puzzled when Cadillac recently announced its $300,000 super-luxury sedan. Once, the “Standard of the World,” they haven’t had much luck in recent years or even decades. But the Celestiq is hopefully here to change all that. Not only is it a stunner, but it’s also already sold out, even at its exorbitant price (via Cadillac).

Photo Credit: GM

That’s right. Although the Celestiq is a 2024 model and future vehicle, GM has already sold two years of production of these hand-built electric cars. With over 600 HP provided by a big battery pack and four electric motors, it will compete with future electric Bentley and Rolls Royce models. Drivers can expect a sublime interior, excellent performance, and a return to American luxury in a big way with this. There’s no doubt it’s one of the most anticipated cars coming soon.

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Back To The Future: Timeless 1980s Muscle Cars Drivers Should Actually Buy

The 1980s were a transition period for the muscle car segment. Domestic automakers were having to adjust to new emissions standards. Gone were the days of the open-throttle 454 V8s and other large engines that dominated previous years. Instead, there were cars like the third-generation Camaro with all kinds of emissions control parts strapped to the engine. These ‘enhancements’ did nothing positive for performance. There were some workarounds that automakers managed to find such as Ford did with the Mustang SVO.

For the most part, the ’80s muscle cars should mostly be avoided at all costs due to their lack of performance. But there are a few worth considering nevertheless. We looked at some of the best and worst that came out during this transitional period. The 1980s were known for big hairstyles, loud music, and of course the T-Tops. The ’80s will forever be remembered for their unique place in the history books as a result of many strange aspects. However, they won’t necessarily be remembered because of their muscle cars outside of a few rare models. Check out the few best and some of the worst the unique era offered right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The 1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is a classic American muscle car that was produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. It was part of the third generation of Camaros produced from 1982 to 1992. The Z/28 was a high-performance version of the Camaro designed to compete with other muscle cars of the time like the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

The 1982 model year was the first year that the Z/28 was available with a fuel-injected engine, which was a significant improvement over the carbureted engines of previous years as a result. The Z/28 also had a sport-tuned suspension and a special body kit that made it stand out from other Camaros. Therefore, the IROC-Z had potential, but the car had limited appeal due to its style and the emissions standards of the day.

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Smart Buys: Affordable Cars That Somehow Never Go Down In Price

Some cars were once very expensive but are now affordable bargains. But when they’ve reached a certain point in time, they won’t depreciate anymore. They can actually become affordable cars like the 1998 Porsche Boxster and the Acura Integra, cars that fundamentally changed the game. These cars were everything that drivers wanted for the right price.

The Integra, in particular, defined the era of tuner cars and culture in the early 2000s. But many other cars made a great impression as well. The Toyota Land Cruiser, for example, is a versatile vehicle that holds its value no matter which generation you pick. We looked at several affordable cars that will never go down in price no matter how the automotive market fluctuates. Check out these incredibly smart buys below.

Porsche 911 Carrera RS
Photo Credit: Silodrone

1978-89 Porsche 911

The 1978-1989 Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has become an icon in the automotive world. With its sleek and timeless design, the Porsche 911 is instantly recognizable on the road. The rear-mounted engine and classic silhouette give it a unique driving experience (via Drive).

Porsche 911 Carrera RS
Photo Credit: STV ID

The interior of the car is also noteworthy, with a driver-focused cockpit and high-quality materials. The 1978-1989 Porsche 911 is a true classic and an icon in the automotive world, with a timeless design that continues to turn heads today.

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These Cars Made Pontiac The Biggest Muscle Car Force Back In The Day

Many car fans agree that one of the greatest modern tragedies in car history was the demise of Pontiac. The legendary company was established in 1926 and closed down in 2010 after its memorable 85-year-old stint in the automotive world. During that period, Pontiac went from being an ordinary economy brand to one of the hottest brands of the muscle car era. Under the supervision of the legendary John Z. DeLorean, Pontiac created the muscle car era as we know it by introducing the 1964 Tempest GTO.

However, that’s not all. In the late ’50s, Pontiacs started drawing attention with cool styling and powerful engines. For decades, “We Build Excitement” was an appropriate marketing slogan for this brand but then. Eventually, that excitement started to fade. But there was once a time when Pontiac ruled the muscle car scene with several powerful models. Let’s remember the muscle cars that made the brand great as it defined the muscle car era here.

Photo Credit: Hollywood Wheels

Pontiac Bonneville

New for 1958, Bonneville was available only as a two-door hard top or convertible emphasizing its performance appeal. Under the hood was a 370 CID V8 engine with 255 HP in its base form. For those who wanted more power, there was the Tri-Power option with 300 HP and the top-of-the-line fuel-injected version with 310 HP. With this engine, the 1958 Bonneville was one of the most powerful GM cars of the day (via Hemmings).

Photo Credit: Barett Jackson

The Bonneville had moderate success on the market, and Pontiac managed to sell over 12,000 copies. Today, this car is highly sought-after by knowledgeable enthusiasts but has yet to be known by the general automotive public. The performance reputation of the early Bonneville was only the announcement of what was going to happen with the GTO and muscle models.

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Next-Gen: These Future Cars Will Revolutionize Driving From 2023-2025

The automotive industry changes each year as cars and trucks evolve in design and technology. These future cars are at the forefront of the market due to evolving EV trends. With gasoline engines going the way of the dinosaur, there’s never been a time to be more excited. EV cars are fun to drive and offer an exhilarating amount of performance for the price. Electric powertrains are naturally more powerful than gasoline vehicles and more efficient.

Gasoline engines are going to be phased out of the industry but it will be a slow and gradual phase out. There are still going to be a few new gasoline-powered vehicles that are worth noting. For example, the Toyota Stout is going to offer a comparable alternative to the Ford Maverick. However, the majority of the market is leaning toward electric vehicles. So we looked at the future cars that are going to shape the next three years or more of driving. These vehicles will singlehandedly change the way that we drive, so check them out here.

Photo Credit: Mini USA

2023 Mini Hatchback

In 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the release of the Mini Hatchback. This stylish vehicle boasts a compact size that makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets. Additionally, the Mini Hatchback features a fuel-efficient engine, which is great for those who prioritize eco-friendliness. The Mini has always been a different type of car and the 2023 Hatchback promises to continue building on that legacy (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Mini USA

Not only that, but the car also comes equipped with a host of advanced safety features to ensure that drivers and passengers stay safe on the road. Plus, its sleek design is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Overall, the 2023 Mini Hatchback is a top choice for drivers who want a vehicle that’s both practical and stylish.

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Holy Grails: Classic Muscle Cars With Single-Digit Production Numbers

It’s no secret that car fans are mesmerized by limited-edition supercars that were produced in low numbers. Yes, those multi-million-dollar machines are fantastic, but they’re not the only cars with single-digit production numbers. Back in the heyday of the muscle car culture, Detroit made numerous rare muscle cars with lower production numbers than the supercars of today.

As you’ll see on this list, most of the cars on our lists are Hemi-powered models because that option was rare and expensive back then. It was available in a range of Plymouth and Dodge models. Some of these scarce models were rarer than others. But we’re not only talking about Mopar cars exclusively. True, Hemis are definitely known for their exclusivity, but they’re not the only ones. You’ll also find some rare muscle cars from Ford and Chevy as well, so enjoy the rarest muscle cars right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible – 9 Made

Even though Plymouth had the Barracuda, their first pony car model was introduced two weeks before the Ford Mustang. The Chrysler-owned stablemate Dodge didn’t enter the segment until 1970. The Challenger was immediately presented with the full firepower of Mopar engines. Buyers could get a powerful 383 V8, a big 440, and the famous 426 Hemi (via Sports Car Market).

Photo Credit: Mecum

Since the Challenger was an actual muscle car, the majority of examples sold were coupes. But a convertible was also available. In 1970, Dodge produced only nine convertible Challengers. The Hemi made this model one of the rarest as well as the most powerful muscle car convertible built during this golden era.

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Bigger Isn’t Better: Massive Engines That Somehow Have Low Power

Most car fans know that bigger engines are more capable of producing higher power. They have bigger bores, strokes, and high flow intakes that can feed the engine with more fuel and air. However, modern times have brought the auto world downsizing. These fuel-efficient engines can match a larger V8’s power with the help of turbocharging and modern technology. Yet displacement is still king. If you want a lot of power, the best way to do so is with a lot of cylinders and significant displacement.

However, in the car industry, some huge engines were downright disappointing. They were massive, but somehow pathetic in their power output; even bordering on disgraceful. Today, we’ll discuss those rare kinds of engines that were massive machines with ridiculously low power. Most of them were the victims of tightening emission regulations and low compression approaches. But some of them were simply products of poor engineering. Either way, these engines taught today’s car world a thing or two about not what to do wrong. Check these engines out right here.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Cadillac 500 CID

The Cadillac 500 CID is a typical example of a massive engine with enormous potential ruined by environmental standards. This mighty power plant was introduced in 1970 in the Eldorado and remained the top engine choice for almost a decade. In 1970, this engine produced a healthy 400 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque, which made it one of the most powerful engines ever put in a production vehicle. Unfortunately, this lasted only for a year before it began to decline (via Driving Line).

By the second half of the 1970s, Cadillac’s mighty 500 V8 lost all of its power. The engine was installed in other models like Fleetwood. As time progressed and US manufacturers introduced low-compression engines, this mighty unit delivered only 190 to 210 HP and almost 200 lb.-ft of torque less than the 1970 model. Of course, its performance was pathetic as well.

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The 10 Most Expensive Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever Sold

Harley-Davidson is perhaps the most well-known and world-renowned motorcycle brand in the world. There have been hundreds of different Harleys on the road. The modern-day Harley-Davidson brand has defined the motorcycle world as we know it. The price of a new Harley Davidson is as expensive as a brand-new car and sometimes even more.

But some Harleys reach insanely high sales prices that other motorcycles can only dream of. We looked at Harley-Davidsons that broke records for high price tags. There were rare models such as the original Harley race bike and others that are just valuable in the motorcycle community. These Harley-Davidsons are far outside the price range of the average rider, and you won’t see them sitting in front of your local Starbucks. Check out the most expensive Harleys ever right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1912 Harley-Davidson 8A Twin – $236,500

This motorcycle features a V-twin engine with a capacity of 61 cubic inches and a top speed of 60 mph. The 8A Twin had the design and functionality of a classic motor from the period coupled with twin-engined performance. The comfortable seat and functionality of the trunk are notable features of the bike, as are the fat tires (via Hot Cars).

Photo Credit: Mecum

The 8A Twin took the V-Twin engine style to the next level. The side-mounted shift lever is the groundbreaking feature that set the bike apart. The bike was in excellent condition, with all original parts and a beautiful vintage aesthetic. Back in 1912, motorcycles were still a new thing but Harley Davidson changed the game with the 8A Twin. Although motorcycle design changed from the early days of the 8A Twin, the unique design was unlike anything else. To this day, the V-Twin motor is the defining characteristic of any Harley Davidson motorcycle.

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Back To The Future: Why ’80s Muscle Cars Are Gaining Huge Popularity

The car collecting world is certainly a crazy place as evidenced by the recent surge in value for ’80s muscle cars. Some cars turn into extremely sought-after objects overnight, commanding high prices and becoming out of reach for most enthusiasts. But many other vehicles never achieve worldwide acclaim despite being rare and old. It seems that the classic car community has no rules. However, by now we can safely predict what cars have good chances of being the next big thing and which vehicles will never achieve classic car status.

Interestingly, in some cases, a car’s specifications, technology, or design, have nothing to do with its popularity. That often has to do with the moments in history or people’s recollections of specific cars or classes. That’s why ’80s muscle cars have gained so much popularity in recent years. Today, we’re going to break down all the major reasons why the classic car world has recently seen this shift.

Foto Credit: Auto WP

Availability

Many collectors know that 1960s muscle cars are rare, which is a big reason why they’re so valuable. But ’80s models are more common and still around despite being 30 to 40 years old. The ’80s models are also built better than their 1960s counterparts, so they survived the years in better condition. Also, some thoughtful owners paid more attention to keeping these cars in top condition. So collectors now have 1980s models with few miles and in perfect shape for sale. It is almost impossible to find a 1967 Camaro RS with 3000 miles on the clock.

Photo Credit: GM

Yet there are 1987 Camaro IROC with similar mileage for sale at auctions every once in a while (via Automobile Catalog). If we look at the production figures for ’80s muscle cars, we can see that most of them were bought in vast numbers, like the Fox-body Mustang. This famous Ford sold 2.6 million copies in 14 years on the market. Of course, a lot of them were crushed, rusted, or discarded over the years, but such a high number suggests that there are still a lot of similar models around the market.

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