Here are some unique and rare vintage cars that will surely catch your attention. These vehicles have often been overlooked throughout automotive history, but we want to showcase their extraordinary features. Let’s start with the extraordinary:
Mercury Cyclone
The Mercury Cyclone was a performance vehicle manufactured by Mercury between 1964 and 1971. Initially, it was introduced as a high-performance variant of the 1964 Mercury Comet and called the Mercury Comet Cyclone until 1967.
In the 1968 model year, the name was shortened to Mercury Cyclone, and various options such as GT, Spoiler, and Cobra Jet were introduced and later discontinued.
In 1971, the Cyclone was integrated into the Montego lineup as their performance model.
1948 Norman Timbs Special
Norman Timbs, a renowned engineer and designer, showcased his distinctive style in the iconic 1948 Normam Timbs Special. This vehicle epitomized the custom and sleek designs prevalent during that era.
The creation of the Norman Timbs Special was a labor of love, taking more than three years to complete.
Notably, Norman Timbs had previously collaborated with Preston Tucker on the Tucker Automobiles, further highlighting his expertise in the automotive industry.
1962 Covington Tiburon
It’s interesting to note that “Tiburon” is the Spanish word for “shark.” Surprisingly, the word “shark” is actually written on the hood of the car, making it quite obvious.
Here’s a fun fact: the Covington Tiburon is a roadster with a fiberglass body that incorporates the powertrain from a 1971 Renault R10.
It has earned the reputation of being “the most streamlined car in the world.”
1967 OSI Silver Fox Prototype
OSI, which stands for Officine Stampaggi Industriali, is an Italian organization. One of their notable creations is the legendary “Silver Fox,” a Catamaran sports car with a truly unique double trunk design.
This car was primarily designed with speed in mind and had the potential to be used as a race car.
To match its performance-oriented design, it was fitted with a powerful 1000 cc, four-cylinder Alpine engine positioned behind the seats on the left side.
The Silver Fox offered an exhilarating and unconventional driving experience.
ThunderCat Hellcat
The No. 5 car from the animated series “Speed Racer” is an undeniable speed demon with its distinctive tri-point front end design. In the real-life version, this peculiar muscle car was converted from a Corvette.
Can you imagine driving this car in public?
Its aggressive appearance would likely attract many challengers eager to race against such an imposing vehicle.
1955 Chrysler GHIA Streamline
The 1955 Chrysler GHIA made a surprise entrance at the prestigious Turin Auto Show, leaving everyone astounded. This remarkable model has been preserved both at the Ford Museum and in the hands of private owners.
Even today, it remains fully operational and continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts.
Its influential design has made a lasting impact on automotive history since its debut, earning it a prominent place as a featured car in various top-tier automotive exhibits worldwide.
Just imagine the sensation this wild-looking vehicle caused when it first appeared in the 1950s!
Super Custom 1963 Ford Thunderbird
This captivating photograph showcases a custom-built car spotted on a highway near Las Vegas. It exudes an aura of power and speed, with a futuristic appearance that sets it apart from its contemporaries.
While many details about this vehicle remain unknown, its allure and unique design have piqued curiosity. If anyone can assist in identifying this extraordinary ride, it would be greatly appreciated.
Such an exceptional find is simply too irresistible to overlook!
1968 C3 Corvette Station Wagon
This vintage Corvette station wagon is a true gem. While its existence was relatively short-lived, it left a lasting impression.
This unique creation stands out as an unconventional muscle car, making it quite an oddity.
For those who dream of camping but hesitate due to owning a two-door muscle car, this Corvette wagon is the perfect solution.
It combines the power and style of a classic muscle car with the practicality of a spacious station wagon, offering the best of both worlds.
1963 Czech Republic Fire Truck
Take a look at this remarkable antique fire truck, showcasing what fire response vehicles used to resemble.
This awe-inspiring glass-roofed station wagon style fire truck exemplifies the brave individuals who ran towards fires instead of away from them.
The Czech Republic had its unique standards, and this fire truck exemplifies that distinctiveness. It not only offers a visually striking window into the operations of the firefighters but also features classic elements such as old-school hoses and ladders on top.
It’s a perfect representation of the era’s firefighting equipment and serves as a testament to the heroic work carried out by firefighters.
The Flatmobile
Impressively standing at just 19 inches tall, the Flatmobile is a marvel of modern engineering, although its ground clearance is a mere two inches. This ultra-low profile makes it susceptible to potential hazards, even a small pebble could disrupt its progress, not to mention driveways or speed bumps.
One of its notable features is a jet engine that generates a striking 20-foot flame at the rear, making it quite a spectacle in the streets of London.
In terms of its origins, the Flatmobile is based on a 1963 Hillman Imp and retains its stock 875cc engine, providing a top speed of 70 mph.
Mayan Magnum
The Mayan Magnum, a creation of Dean Charles Ing, was the brainchild of a talented individual who wore multiple hats as an Air Force Veteran, aero engineer, and sci-fi author.
Ing aimed to develop a street-legal vehicle that boasted exceptional aerodynamics. The project initially started as a design exercise in the 1950s and materialized into the Mayan Magnum.
Ing utilized components from Porsche, including the engine, suspension, brakes, and transmission, in the initial build. However, in a subsequent iteration, he replaced the Porsche engine with a 2.4-liter flat-six sourced from the Chevrolet Corvair.
The vehicle featured a Volkswagen-sourced metal subframe and a fiberglass body.
In 2021, the Ing family put the car up for auction, marking a new chapter in the Mayan Magnum’s journey.
1980 BMW M1 Mod
The modification of the classic 1980 BMW M1 with the addition of a body plate extending beyond the car’s original frame is undoubtedly a unique and eye-catching alteration.
By creating the illusion of invisible tires, the owner from Massachusetts has given the vehicle a distinct and futuristic appearance. The resulting aesthetic resembles something out of the 1980s TV show “The Jetsons,” capturing the imagination with its unconventional design.
While opinions on such modifications may vary, it’s undeniable that this customized BMW M1 stands out from the crowd, evoking a sense of nostalgia mixed with a touch of futuristic flair.
1958 Ford Edsel Pacer Snowplow
The Ford Edsel Pacer 2-door sedan had a short-lived presence in the automotive world, only lasting for a year. However, a snow plow version of this car, currently seen on the streets of northern New Mexico, has left an indelible mark in our memories.
We can’t help but adore this unique adaptation of the Edsel Pacer. Its transformation into a snow plow vehicle has given it a distinctive character that resonates with us.
Despite the Edsel Pacer’s limited time in Americana, this particular snow plow version stands out and continues to captivate our attention.
1951 Studebaker Manta Ray
The Manta Ray, a unique custom build, was a product of the creative minds of Glen Hire and Vernon Antoine, both employed at the North American Aviation Company.
Drawing inspiration from Harley Earl’s 1951 XP-8 Le Sabre, the front of the Manta Ray was influenced by the jet intake of the classic F-86 Sabre. As for the rear design, we can speculate that it took cues from its namesake, the graceful Manta Ray.
This one-of-a-kind vehicle showcases the imaginative vision of its creators, combining elements from both aviation and marine aesthetics to create a distinctive and captivating automobile.
Donald Ducks 313 Real Life Version
The 1934 Belchfire Runabout, also known as the fictional 313, is a car attributed to the character Donald Duck.
According to the lore, Donald supposedly built this vehicle single-handedly by combining a 1920 Mixwell engine, a 1922 Dodge body, 1923 Packard axles, and lawnmower wheels.
Although the Belchfire Runabout exists solely in comic form, the real-life rendition of this whimsical creation appears to be incredibly enjoyable for driving around town.
While fictional, the car’s design exudes a sense of fun and adventure, making it a delightful concept even in reality.
1966 Custom Crafted Pontiac GTO
The unique Pontiac GTO you’re referring to showcases a multitude of custom modifications. While the rear portion of the car remains factory-made, the front end is a homemade project.
Notably, the extended hood slides out over two axles, and the front of the vehicle doubles as both trunk space and engine housing.
Although steering this modified GTO might pose some challenges, there’s no denying that it offers an exhilarating and unconventional driving experience.
This one-of-a-kind ride is a testament to the owner’s creativity and passion for customization.
1947 Alamagny Rhomboid
The Alamagny Rhomboid, designed by French engineer Marcel Alamagny in 1947, stands out for its distinctive features. Notably, the car features a diamond-pattern arrangement of its four wheels, with a single front wheel for steering and a trailing rear wheel that pivots.
The design aimed to achieve a tight turning radius, making it easier for urban driving and parking in cities. The vehicle is powered by a small Simca four-cylinder 569 cc engine and transmission, which are situated in the center.
Additionally, the Rhomboid sports an aluminum body. As an interesting quirk, the rear passenger seat faces backward, providing a unique and unconventional seating arrangement.
1956 Buick Centurion
The Buick Centurion was a concept car that served as a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology. One of its notable features was a powerful V8 engine capable of generating 325 horsepower.
The Centurion aimed to showcase advanced features and capabilities that were anticipated to become commonplace in future vehicles.
1966 Rolls Royce FAB 1
The Rolls Royce ‘FAB1’ is a notable vehicle that gained popularity as a model before a full-sized replica was created in 1966.
This replica, based on a “Chinese Six” design (four wheels in the front and two in the back, similar to the vehicle in the original Italian Job film), holds historical significance.
However, it is important to note that this car is a replica and not an official production vehicle from Rolls Royce. The replica has a distinct feature: it is wider than the original coach it was based on.
The axles were widened to accommodate the body’s width. The body itself is a steel-covered framework molded with filler to emulate the angles and appearance of the vehicle as seen in the TV series and films.
1954 Desoto Adventurer II Concept Coúpe
The Desoto Adventurer II was an ahead-of-its-time concept car that showcased innovative features. One of its standout elements was the retractable roof, a feature commonly seen in modern convertibles, which slid into the trunk seamlessly.
Built on a Chrysler Imperial chassis, this rare vehicle derived its power from a robust 271 V-8 Hemi engine. The talented designers at Ghia collaborated to bring this memorable concept to life.
Even today, the Desoto Adventurer II is recognized as one of the top 10 concept cars of all time, owing to its groundbreaking design and forward-thinking features.
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