You May Have Never Seen
Over 150 years, countless cars have been made, so knowing them all is impossible. With so many models rolling off production lines, some amazing ones inevitably slip under the radar.
Audi Front
The Audi Front was created through business mergers and featured front-wheel drive. It was influenced by DKW, which acquired Audi in 1928. The Audi Front UW debuted in 1933 with a 2.0L straight-six from Wanderer, later upgraded to a 2.3L in 1935. It remained Audi’s only model until 1938.
Auto Avio Costruzioni 815
This misleading title conceals the identity of the first car fully designed and built under Enzo Ferrari’s (1898–1988) direction, though he couldn’t use his name for legal reasons. The vehicle was based on the Fiat 508C platform, using its chassis and mechanical components, and featured a 1.5-liter straight-eight engine.
Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 (Cont.)
Only two units were produced, both competing in the 1940 Gran Premio di Brescia, a wartime-modified Mille Miglia event. Despite their impressive speed, mechanical issues prevented them from finishing. Ferrari said the project, which began with promise, ultimately failed due to being rushed.
Roberto Ferrari from Campogalliano (Modena), Italy, Wikimedia Commons
Alpine A106
The Alpine A110 is well known today, along with its 1960s version, which dominated rally racing in 1973. The first Alpine, the A106, debuted in 1955 and was designed by Jean Redele using the Renault 4CV’s chassis and engine. It paved the way for the modern Alpine brand and Formula 1 team.
Benz Velo
While the Benz Patent Motorwagen is often called the first car, the Benz Velo deserves more recognition. With four wheels and larger production, it evolved over time, gaining more power and pneumatic tires in 1896. Built from 1894 to 1901, it was one of the earliest mass-produced cars.
Marquette
The Marquette brand, a companion to Buick, was short-lived, lasting only for the 1930 model year. Despite producing around 40,000 units, it was discontinued after just one season due to internal concerns at GMC.
Vaughan Leiberum, Wikimedia Commons
BMW 700
In the 1950s, BMW was almost out of business, but it was rescued by the Isetta bubble car. The BMW 700 came along in 1959 at just the right time. It took off quickly, particularly in racing, and BMW produced nearly 190,000 units by 1965, which kept the company afloat.
Cadillac Series 72
The Series 72, introduced in 1940 alongside the Buick Series 50 Super, lasted only one model year. It shared the 5.7-liter V8 engine and Fleetwood bodies with the Series 75 but had a shorter chassis and lower cost.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Be-1
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Nissan introduced the "pike cars," a collection of uniquely styled models. The Be-1, debuting in 1987, was the first of these, based on the Micra. Its cute design led to more orders than expected, and Nissan selected buyers through a lottery.
Mi-ta'smetro, Wikimedia Commons
Buick Series 50 Super
The Series 50 Super, based on GMC’s C-body platform with a 4.1-liter Buick Fireball straight-eight engine, was produced only in 1940 and 1941. Despite annual production exceeding 100,000, it became obscure because of its short production run and limited availability.
GPS 56 from New Zealand, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cartercar
Cartercar pioneered a friction-drive system (1905–1915) using a disc-and-wheel mechanism, distinct from modern CVTs, and was praised for its low maintenance costs. In 1909, William Durant, GMC’s founder, was so impressed that he bought the company. However, by 1915, it was shut down after Durant’s absence from GMC.
Doug Fawley, Wikimedia Commons
Chevrolet Yeoman
Motoring fans around the world recognize iconic Chevrolet models like the Camaro and Corvette, but the Yeoman is less well-known. At the time, it was the most affordable and basic of Chevrolet's full-size station wagons.
Josephew at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Chevrolet Yeoman (Cont.)
If you were looking for ample space without any extra luxuries, this was the ideal choice as it fulfilled a practical need. This concept was carried over into later models like the Brookwood, but the Yeoman itself had a short-lived presence, being sold exclusively in the 1958 model year.
1958 Chevrolet Yeoman Gateway Classic Cars St. Louis #9500 by GatewayClassicCars
Chrysler Airstream
The Chrysler Airflow was one of the first mass-produced cars with a streamlined design, but its odd look turned customers away, even after updates. In response, Chrysler introduced the Airstream, a more affordable, less radical option that outsold the Airflow due to its conventional design.
User:gadfium, Wikimedia Commons
Citroen GS
The 2CV and DS are celebrated as key milestones in Citroen’s history. However, the GS, later known as the GSA, deserves equal recognition. This car was introduced in 1970 to bridge the gap between them. Production continued till 1986, but it often goes underappreciated despite its significance.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
Citroen GS (Cont.)
The Citroen GS, which was called a technical masterpiece by journalist Leonard Setright, had a smooth flat-four engine and an aerodynamic shape. Although it was innovative, other companies disregarded its lessons, and the GS, sadly, fell into oblivion.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
De Tomaso Vallelunga
The De Tomaso Vallelunga, introduced in 1964, was the company’s first production car and one of the earliest mid-engined models. Powered by a 1.5-liter Ford Kent engine, it could have led to a series of agile cars. Instead, the Mangusta, with a 4.9-liter V8, marked a shift in direction.
Lancia Ardea
Produced from 1939 to 1953, the Lancia Ardea was a small, high-quality vehicle, mostly as a four-door saloon. With a 903cc V4 engine, it was one of the smallest of its kind. Later models featured a five-speed gearbox, a rare innovation at the time.
Rutger van der Maar, Wikimedia Commons
DKW F2
The DKW F2, introduced in 1932, was the second model with front-wheel drive. DKW pioneered two-stroke engines with loop scavenging, developed by Adolf Schnurle, which improved efficiency and performance. The F2 (1932–1935) benefited from this design, boosting its popularity and contributing to the brand’s success.
Michael Wolf, Wikimedia Commons
GMC Syclone
For over 100 years, GMC has mainly built trucks and SUVs, but the 1991 Syclone was a groundbreaking model. Based on the Sonoma, it featured a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 engine producing 280bhp, powering all four wheels, marking a departure from GMC's usual offerings.
GMC Syclone (Cont.)
Although more a car than a truck, since GMC warned against towing loads over 500 lb, the Syclone was impressive with how it drove. It bested a Ferrari 348ts quarter-mile despite its higher price tag. GMC did a Typhoon follow-up before exiting the pickup dragster niche.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari 208 Turbo
The Ferrari 208 looks almost identical to the 308, but its engine was reduced from 2.9 liters to 1,991 cc, making it slower but cheaper due to Italian tax laws. In 1982, Ferrari introduced the 208 Turbo with a 2.0L turbocharged V8 producing 220 hp and only sold it in Italy.
Louis.attene, Wikimedia Commons
Ford Model 18
In 1932, Ford introduced the Model 18 with the Flathead V8 (3.6L, 65 hp), which made V8 power affordable for the middle class. While V8s existed before, this model expanded access to them and set a trend that dominated American cars for decades.
Fiat 1100
The Fiat 1100 didn’t gain as much global fame as the 500 and 600, but it was an important part of Italian life from 1953 to 1969, available as a saloon, estate, and roadster. It lasted longer in India, where it became the Premier Padmini until the 2000s.
Jean-Pierre Dalbera from Paris, France, Wikimedia Commons
Lamborghini Islero S
Produced between 1968 and 1970, the Islero is one of Lamborghini's more overlooked models. Powered by a 3.9-litre V12, it was more restrained in design compared to the Espada and priced higher than the Aston Martin DBS V8. Despite a better version, the Islero S’s reputation suffered, and only 225 units were made.
Peterolthof, Wikimedia Commons
LaSalle Series 340
LaSalle was one of four "companion brands" associated with established General Motors labels, in this case, Cadillac, but targeted slightly different segments of the market. It was in operation from 1927 to 1940, so its models are relatively unknown to most today, though all of them were quite impressive.
LaSalle Series 340 (Cont.)
Any LaSalle model could be included on this list, but we're highlighting the Series 340, which was available exclusively in the 1930 model year. Though a step down from Cadillac's offerings, it was still very luxurious with a 5.0-liter V8 engine.
Paul Fisher, Wikimedia Commons
Isuzu Piazza Turbo
The Isuzu Piazza was a coupe produced between 1981 and 1992, with the most successful being the first-generation Turbo in the UK. Lotus-modified, the Turbo enhanced handling made it a pleasant driver's car. Other models, on the other hand, were criticized for handling issues.
Rutger van der Maar, Wikimedia Commons
Lincoln Lido
Ford was slower than Chrysler and General Motors to introduce hardtop coupes in the mid-20th century. When it finally did, it launched four models at once, including the Lincoln Lido. Despite its appeal, the Lido struggled against similar models and failed to attract customers, which led to poor sales and its discontinuation.
1951 Lincoln Lido Coupe Walk Around by The Last Detail Inc.
Mercedes 35hp
The Mercedes 35 hp was designed by Wilhelm Maybach for DMG in 1900 at Emil Jellinek’s request. It featured a low center of gravity and a powerful 5.9L engine, which made it a strong competitor. Jellinek named it after his daughter, and the name has remained on Daimler cars since.
MartinHansV, Wikimedia Commons
MG SA
Once famous for its sports cars like the MGB and Midget, MG took a different direction in 1936 with the larger SA saloon. While it lacked thrilling acceleration, it had great looks. The MG SA was an affordable, smooth cruiser and handled well to become the third-best seller before WW2.
NSU Ro80
The Ro80 was one of the few mainstream cars of its era to rival—and arguably surpass—the Citroen GS in terms of innovation. It featured fully independent suspension, all-around disc brakes, a twin-rotor engine, and a semi-automatic transmission with a clutch activated by a microswitch on the gear lever.
NSU Ro80 (Cont.)
These advancements helped it earn the title of Car of the Year in 1968. There was certainly reason to regard it as a masterpiece, but the rotary engine proved to be highly unreliable in the early models.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Opel 24/110
The Opel 24/110 Regent, built in 1928, was Opel's longest car at 5400mm. Powered by a 6.0-litre straight-eight engine, it was offered as a coupe and limousine. According to estimates, fewer than 100 units were made before production ended. This coincides with Opel's takeover by General Motors.
Peugeot 204
Most credit Peugeot's success during the 2020s to the 205. Nevertheless, the 204 is also part of the prestige. Peugeot was late in adopting front-wheel drive but evolved diesel engines first. The 204 came in many body shapes and dominated French sales from 1969 to 1971.
Porsche 912
The Porsche 912, similar to the 911, had a four-cylinder engine rather than the 911 six-cylinder. With less power, it handled better because it was lighter. Thanks to this car, Porsche became more accessible between 1965 and 1969, and the 912E did so again in 1976 for North America.
Lothar Spurzem, Wikimedia Commons
Renault 16
Debuted in 1965, the Renault 16 is often seen as the first modern hatchback, with a two-box design and versatile seating options. It was also the first car to use the Cleon-Alu engine, which later powered models like the Alpine A110 and Lotus Europa.
Rolls-Royce 20hp
The Rolls-Royce 20hp, introduced in 1922, was lighter and more affordable than the Silver Ghost but was met with mixed reviews. The 20 hp became less known over time, despite owners’ appreciation. Production ended in 1929, and it was replaced by the 20/25.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Skoda 422
During the latter half of the 20th century, Skoda struggled with its reputation, mainly due to insufficient funds. However, prior to WW2, the 422 was produced from 1929 to 1932. This was a well-outfitted and comfortable vehicle, and it demonstrated the potential of the brand for high quality.
de:Benutzer:Ralf Roletschek, Wikimedia Commons
Simca 1100
The 1967 Simca 1100 was a front-wheel drive hatchback. Its engine was transversely mounted, a more up-to-date arrangement than the Renault 16. This vehicle was produced in several variants, including van and estate. The 82bhp 1100Ti is sometimes referred to as the first hot hatch, pre-dating the Golf GTi.
Toyota Century
Popular mostly in Japan, the Toyota Century is a luxury flagship that is reserved for the rich and influential, including the royal family. Manufactured in three generations since 1967, it had large V8 engines. The second series had Toyota's first V12 engine, which was specifically designed for the model.
Triumph TR250
Recognition of the Triumph TR series, with its three-digit model numbers, varied by location. In the UK, it was not widely known outside of enthusiasts and experts. However, in the US, it held greater familiarity, which made it more popular.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Triumph TR250 (Cont.)
With a 2.5-liter straight-six powerplant and carburetors replacing fuel injection, the TR250 was almost identical to the TR5. Its power dropped from 150 bhp (UK fuel-injected spec) to 104 bhp (US spec) to meet emissions standards, and this allowed it to be sold in North America.
Vauxhall 10-4
Introduced in 1937, the Vauxhall 10-4 was an innovative car that transformed the 10-horsepower segment with innovations such as hydraulic brakes and torsion bar suspension. The car was highly commended for its fuel efficiency and unibody construction before production was switched to trucks and tanks during the war.
