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Costly Mistakes: Failed Supercars That Drained Drivers’ Wallets

Supercars are among the strangest of all segments of the automotive industry. These unique cars are made to look outrageous, go insanely fast, and be notoriously difficult to live with. Either way, if a driver has one (or more), they are usually the pinnacle of car collections. Supercar owners are proud of these cars that serve primarily as conversation starters for bragging. However, there are several failed supercars that wasted their owners’ money rather than starting a conversation for them.

So not all supercars are sought-after by their owners or well-publicized by the media. There are some models that, despite being fast and extremely good-looking, couldn’t justify the prices and are left forgotten. Today, we’ll look back at the supercars that wasted their owner’s money. If you have the cash for a car at this level, these models should be avoided. Find out which failed supercars are best left in the garage below.

Photo Credit: Supercars

Cizeta-Moroder V16T

In 1988, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T had the potential to become the next big thing in the world of supercars. It was made by a group of ex-Lamborghini engineers led by Claudio Zampoli. He partnered with famous music composer and supercar fan Giorgio Moroder. The car had celebrity endorsement, an Italian background, an exotic name, and technology. The main feature of this obscure beast was its monstrous V16 engine. It was basically two flat-plane crank V8 units. All supercars have engines installed longitudinally. But Cizeta-Moroder chose a different route, resulting in a very wide rear track and complicated assembly of its five-speed manual gearbox (via Goodwood).

Photo Credit: Supercars

The V16 engine had six liters of displacement and delivered 560 HP. This was a fantastic number for the late ’80s. The performance was equally impressive, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph. Even today, those numbers will draw attention from the supercar crowd. The base list price was close to $300,000. Production stopped after only 20 examples which is why they are a scarce sight today. It was simply too expensive and weird for most supercar owners.

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Strange Cars That Defined The ‘Space Age’ Era of The 1960s

The 1960s were a decade of technological advancement and renewed fascination with space exploration. This led to the creation of a new genre of futuristic automobiles called “space-age cars.” These cars had sleek and aerodynamic designs and many unconventional features such as bubble tops and gull-wing doors. Some of the most iconic space-age cars of the ’60s include the Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Corvair, and Chrysler Turbine.

Space-age cars of the 1960s weren’t just about looks. They were also packed with advanced technology that was cutting-edge at the time. These cars featured advanced safety features, such as seat belts and padded dashboards, as well as innovative features, such as automatic transmissions and power steering. Many space-age cars were also equipped with engines that could deliver speed and acceleration. Space-age cars of the 1960s represented a bold era of car design and technology that still inspires enthusiasts to this day. We took a look at the strange vehicles that defined the space age era right here.

Photo Credit: Chrysler

1960 Plymouth Valiant

The Valiant, a compact car, was designed by the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation in 1960. It was designed to appeal to a wide range of people as a fuel-efficient, practical car. It had a functional design that made it easy to maintain and repair. The Valiant was equipped with a reliable engine capable of up to 101 horsepower. This made it a practical, fuel-efficient car for its time (via Valient).

Photo Credit: Jack Baruth

The 1960 Valiant had a functional and comfortable interior. It featured a comfortable bench seat and a large trunk. The Valiant was compact and easy to park in the city. The 1960 Plymouth Valiant was a reliable and practical car for daily use. It was a simple and functional car that still holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate classic practical vehicles.

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Famous American Cars That Desperately Need A Remake

Reviving old nameplates and designs is nothing new in the car industry. For decades, carmakers have looked to the past for inspiration and direction. Most of the cars that received a remake have been very successful in cashing in on people’s nostalgia and memories. Just look at the current Charger and Challenger models, Chevrolet Camaro, and new Jeep Wagoneer.

The trick is to present something recognizable but in a modern package and with modern tech, like the brand-new Hummer EV. The new Hummer has nothing in common with the old one except for its size, but people have recognized it and demand has suppressed the supply. However, the American car industry has dozens of legendary models, advanced concepts, and great ideas. Even though Detroit resurrected quite a few models, much more is still possible. Here is our take on the best American vehicles that desperately need a modern remake.

Photo Credit: Mecum

AMC Eagle

It’s interesting to see how some automobile manufacturers were ahead of their time. One of those manufacturers is the American Motors Company (AMC). Always flirting with bankruptcy, AMC needed to explore the limits of conventional car classes and present new concepts to stay profitable. One of their experiments was the Eagle, a passenger car lineup with Jeep-derived all-wheel drive. It also had excellent off-road capabilities in a sedan, wagon, or coupe form. AMC conceived it in the late ’70s as their answer to the rising popularity of AWD vehicles and SUVs. They decided to combine their compact sedan and wagon lineup with the tough, proven Jeep AWD system. The result was a surprisingly capable vehicle with the comfort and luxury of a sedan (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Mecum

The Eagle was one of the first crossover models in the world. Only today can car fans see how important and influential this car was. As expected, the Eagle was a relatively popular car, especially in areas with harsh climates and long winters. The Chrysler Corporation is the owner of the AMC name, so hopefully, some executive will decide to reintroduce the Eagle to the world. AMC could use the same sedan body as the Jeep all-wheel-drive system to achieve better success than the original model. Today, 30 years after they discontinued the Eagle, people can see how influential it was. The crossover class the Eagle kickstarted way back when is one of the most popular global market segments. The creators of the original AMC Eagle should be proud.

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Save Your Money: 1980s Muscle Cars That Aren’t Worth Scrap Metal

The 1980s were a defining time for the muscle car business as the industry shifted away from the big block V8-powered cars of the 1960s and early 1970s. Cars were more economical and new emissions laws were putting a damper on what automakers got away with. Nevertheless, there were quite a few exciting muscle cars that came out in the 1980s. These cars were more advanced than anything that came before them, and although there was less power, the cars were still impressive.

Ford was instrumental in the 1980s muscle car scene with its Fox Body Mustang, one of the most iconic cars ever built. The 1980s are often frowned upon when it comes to reliability and performance, but in some ways, this was also the pinnacle of the new age of automotive design. But there were also a lot of lemons during this era. So we looked back at the muscle cars that should be avoided. Many of these vehicles became instant rust buckets that you don’t even see on the road anymore.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1980 Ford Mustang

The 1980 Mustang launched the car that we know today as the “Fox Body” Mustang. The major flaw with the 1980 Mustang was the lackluster four-cylinder engine. There was nothing “Muscular” about this pony car. The new generation of the Mustang was the smallest model ever to carry the Mustang badge. The original Mustang GT that came long before the 5.0 had the 4.9-liter Windsor V8 under the hood (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Ford

The 5.0 was introduced a short while later, but the first year was crucial in introducing the fox body to the public. The original models had shoddy build quality compared to other vehicles at the time. It’s not uncommon to see an early fox-body Mustang in the junkyard, which is why enthusiasts try to skip these models. Although a fox-body Mustang is still a fox-body Mustang, you’ll want to steer clear of this one.

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Diamonds In The Rough: The Most Underrated Cars Of The 1960s

In the classic car world, numerous cars are landmark models that lots of auto fans covet. Cars like classic Ferraris, luxury Mercedes, and sporty Porsches are all over social media as they achieve high prices on the marketplace. However, what about the forgotten, underrated cars from that era that can provide you with the same levels of performance for far less money?

So today we’re going to look at a selection of classic 1960s cars that flew under the radar of many enthusiasts. These cars may not be as well-known as the true classics from this Golden Era of cars, but they have enough power and features to warrant a look for any car collector. Find out which models made the grade right here.

Photo Credit: GM

Pontiac Tempest

In the early ’60s, all major US carmakers introduced compact models. Chevrolet had the Corvair, Ford had the Falcon, and Pontiac presented the Tempest. The new Tempest had independent suspension at a time when all cars used live rear axles. Then it featured an economical four-cylinder engine which was a cut-down V8 when all competitors had six cylinders. The third thing is the most interesting and Tempest used a rear-mounted gearbox, the transaxle design, which was unheard of at the time. Today, only the most expensive Gran Turismo Coupes like Aston Martin or Ferrari use this system. In the ’60s, Pontiac was the only production model with this solution (via Hemmings).

Photo Credit: GM

The Tempest didn’t have a conventional drive shaft connecting the engine in the front with the transmission in the back. Instead, it used a torque tube with a cable inside. This layout gave the Tempest perfect handling and enough room for six passengers since there wasn’t any transmission tunnel in the cabin. Compared to the rest of the compact car field, the 1962 and 1963 Pontiac Tempest was from another planet. During its lifespan, Pontiac sold over 200,000, making this model a solid success. But in 1964, the company introduced the bigger and much more conventional Tempest. Despite its revolutionary mechanics, perfect driving dynamics, and even some motorsport success, the first-generation Tempest was soon forgotten. Today it is only remembered by diehard Pontiac fans. The Tempest is rare at car shows and the parts are scarce.

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Dark Days In Detroit: The Worst Cadillac Models Of All Time

Once known as the standard of the auto world, Cadillac is a long-respected car company. Established in 1902, the company has been on the market for 120 years. That alone is a great success. During this period, Cadillac produced several well-built luxury cars, defining the segment in the American market. For most of the 20th century, Cadillac was the no. 1 luxury car brand in the world. But recently, its luck has changed.

Imported luxury brands, recessions, and customer tastes all forced Cadillac to change its approach and philosophy. We’ve already chronicled the best Cadillacs ever made, and indeed there are many. So we had to look at the other side of the coin with the worst cars Cadillac has ever made. Some were good but failed to sell. But most were below this brand’s standards and customers’ expectations. Check them out right here.

Photo Credit: GM

Cadillac BLS

The first car on the list is an example of this approach. The idea behind the Cadillac BLS was sound. It was a compact, luxury sedan in the mold of the Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3-Series. The BLS was built in SAAB’s factory in Sweden and sold in Europe. Presenting Cadillac in a new light, it was a good plan on paper, but its realization was tragic (via The Autopian).

Photo Credit: GM

In order to cut costs, GM used SAAB 93 underpinnings. They weren’t the best parts, but they were cheap. They also saved on interior materials and unique drivetrain or engine options. The result was a dull vehicle that had the same driving characteristics as the SAAB 93 or Opel Vectra. The market’s reaction could have been much more favorable. The BLS spent only a few years on the market and the last examples left the factory in 2009.

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Revolutionary Rides: The Most Important Cars Of The Last 30 Years

In the auto world, there are the average, ordinary cars you don’t bat an eye at. And then there are the cars that changed the industry. Cars like the Tesla Roadster and Toyota Prius completely revolutionized the way we drive today. There are other cars like the Jeep Cherokee that started an entirely new segment. Today, we take certain cars and SUV models for granted because we’ve forgotten how far they’ve come over the past 30 years.

Other vehicles like the Lincoln Navigator are also overlooked when it comes to their impact on the industry. The Navigator sparked the full-size luxury SUV segment we have today. So these defining cars definitely deserve their due. We looked back at the most important cars from the last 30 years and the impact they had on the auto industry right here.

Photo Credit: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Released to the market as a 1993 model, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the first modern luxury SUV. It’s said the only reason Chrysler Corporation purchased American Motors was for the design of the Grand Cherokee. Without a doubt, the Grand Cherokee was one of the most influential SUV models of the last 30 years (via KBB).

Photo Credit: Jeep

It was everything that consumers wanted and didn’t realize they needed. The Grand Cherokee was simultaneously comfortable, rugged, and practical. Without the success of the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep brand wouldn’t be what it is today. Not to mention the fact that the Grand Cherokee sparked a wave of midsize luxury SUV offerings throughout the car industry.

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Mopar Muscle: Legendary Dodge Cars That Defined The Game

The Pontiac GTO might have started the muscle car revolution in 1964, but Dodge and Plymouth soon followed. Since Chrysler never imposed displacement limits and a racing ban like did GM, Dodge and its Mopar muscle cars soon became very active both at drag strips and NASCAR ovals, winning numerous drag races.

The R/T badge on the fenders stood for “Road and Track” and truly meant it. Chargers, Challengers, Daytonas, and Coronets were equally impressive on the roads as well as on the drag strips and circuits. With mighty 426 Hemi and 440 Magnums under the hoods, Dodge cars were amongst the fastest and most powerful muscle cars of the classic era. To celebrate that, we compiled a list of the best models that truly defined Mopar muscle car performance. Check them out right here.

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

Dodge D-Series High-Performance Package

Back in the early ’60s, Dodge had a lineup of trucks that fell behind Ford and Chevrolet. Their competitors had newer models, more options, and more engine choices. But Dodge didn’t give up. They introduced an attractive special edition from 1964 to 1966 that took the pickup world by storm. They called it the High-Performance Package. It featured a lot of go-faster goodies from Mopar. First, there was the mighty 426 Wedge V8 engine with 375 HP. At the time, it was the biggest, most powerful engine ever in a pickup truck.

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

There were bucket seats in the interior and a 6,000 RPM tachometer. It also came with wild racing stripes and a performance transmission (via Motor Trend). Dodge even revised the suspension to withstand its big power and torque. The finished product looked cool and performed well, but its high price sealed its fate. They only made 50 Dodge D Series High-Performance Package models and only 31 exist today. As a result, they are rare, valuable vehicles that are increasingly hard to find.

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Affordable Dreams: Exotic Cars That Won’t Break the Bank

In this crazy world of collector’s cars, prices are going through the roof with records broken seemingly every auction. The well-known models are highly sought-after and demand overwhelms the supply. Many exotic and/or muscle cars command extreme prices. For example, million-dollar Hemi Cudas are no exception; they are the new standard of the industry. So, what do drivers do if they have an irresistible urge for an exotic machine but they don’t have the required million-dollar budget?

If that sounds like you, we have a wide selection of exciting machinery just for you. These range from well-known brands to complete obscurities and from brand-new cars to forgotten classics. Here you’ll find exotic cars that can fit any budget and any taste. The best thing about this eclectic mix of vehicles is that all of them are great conversation starters. Some are fast and some are not, but all are rare, cool, and unusual exotic cars.

Photo Credit: Ferrari

Ferrari 456 GT

If you’re looking for the most car for your money or you want a Ferrari for a reasonable price, then the 456 GT is for you. Introduced in 1992 in Europe and in 1995 in America, the 456 GT combines classic proportions, a V12 engine, and full comfort for four adults. Thanks to a 5.5-liter V12 engine with 442 HP on tap, the 456 GT is still a fast machine and can outrun some younger cars. Ferrari offered the option of an automatic gearbox for buyers who don’t want to shift gears. Those examples are more affordable than the six-speed manuals (via Ferrari).

Photo Credit: Ferrari

The 456 GT stayed in production until 2003. Ferrari made over 3200 examples of this wonderful and understated GT cruiser. Despite costing almost $300,000 in the mid-’90s, a decent 456 GT is around $80,000 today with the best examples going for just over $90,000. Of course, this is a decent sum for any car enthusiast, but considering the features, power, and design of this elegant cruiser, it’s well worth it.

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Driving Dangers: The Most Unsafe Cars On The Road At Any Speed

Cars and trucks are some of the deadliest things humans use on a daily basis, and most drivers don’t even realize that. But automotive design and safety have come a long way in the past few decades. However, there have been extremely unsafe cars, even with modern safety enhancements. During the 1990s, SUVs were a hot-button issue and the Isuzu Trooper was at the forefront of the discussion as the worst.

The Ford Explorer was also the subject of intense controversy in the early 2000s due to explosions and rollover incidents. Looking back a few decades, the Chevrolet Corvair was so bad that a congressman named Ralph Nader penned a book about it titled “Unsafe At Any Speed”. We looked back through the decades and found some of the most unsafe cars on the road. You’ll want to avoid these rides, so find out just which model they are right here.

Chevrolet Vega GT
Photo Credit: GM

Chevrolet Vega

The Vega was known for “literally” being a rust bucket as it started rusting as soon as the driver left the dealership. But the Vega was also a very unsafe car with a poor crash test rating and build quality. The engine design was the poorest ever made out of GM, with everything from piston scuffing to head gasket failure (via Motor Trend).

Chevrolet Vega GT
Photo Credit: Cars and Bids

There’s no denying the Vega was rushed onto the market. The real question was how did GM get away with it for so long? There was an onslaught of new compact cars that hit the market during this period, and the Vega was one of them. But between poor build quality and limited reliability, the Vega was an awful car.

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