Burkard Bovensiepen, the founder of Alpina in 1965, has sadly passed away. He was a respected figure in the BMW community and made significant contributions to the brand. Bovensiepen’s involvement with BMW began in 1962 when he developed a Weber dual carburetor for the 1500, which caught the attention of BMW’s sales boss at the time. This showcased Bovensiepen’s expertise and dedication to the automotive industry.
Alpina initially started as a tuning company but was officially recognized as a full-fledged automaker by the German Federal Ministry of Transport in 1983. One notable distinction of Alpina vehicles is the Alpina-specific vehicle identification number that supersedes the original BMW VIN. Alpina’s philosophy is to create modified cars that strike a balance between comfort and luxury, distinguishing them from BMW M models, which are more focused on sportiness.
The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, has been an integral part of the U.S. Army for more than four decades. The company, founded by Igor Sikorsky, a pioneer in helicopter technology, introduced the Black Hawk as a response to the Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System contest initiated by the military. The goal of the contest was to introduce a new helicopter to the force.
During the contest, the military specified that the aircraft should be able to travel at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour while carrying 3150 kilograms of cargo. Sikorsky presented its plan for the Black Hawk in 1972, and it entered service in 1979, becoming a world-renowned helicopter.
Helicopters had already proven their value during the Vietnam War, where they were able to transport infantry to and from the battlefield in challenging terrains that traditional planes couldn’t navigate. They played a crucial role in reaching troops in inaccessible areas, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reach of the fighting forces.
With the introduction of the Black Hawk, the capacities of helicopters expanded even further. The early versions of the Black Hawk were equipped with M60 machine guns, indicating that the helicopter was not just a passive transporter. Its versatility was demonstrated during the non-combat evacuation of Operation Urgent Fury in 1983 by the 158th Aviation Battalion.
Gojek, founded in 2010 by Nadiem Makarim, Kevin Aluwi, and Michaelangelo Moran, started as a call center for courier delivery and ride-hailing services. Since then, it has transformed into a super app with a wide range of offerings.
One of Gojek’s flagship services is GoRide, a ride-hailing service that revolutionized transportation in Indonesia. It also includes GoCar, which provides users with private and comfortable rides. For those looking for an eco-friendly commute, Gojek offers GoGreen, which provides electric vehicle options. Additionally, GoSend allows users to quickly and efficiently send packages through on-demand courier delivery.
GoFood is Gojek’s food delivery service, while GoShop allows users to order groceries and essential items. GoPay, Gojek’s digital payment system, enables cashless transactions and has become a financial hub. Users can also make online and offline payments at various merchants using GoPay. Furthermore, GoInvestasi offers investment options, GoBills helps users manage their finances, and GoSure provides insurance solutions.
GoLife takes care of users’ daily tasks and errands, offering services like house cleaning, beauty treatments, and massages, all available with the touch of a button. For entertainment purposes, GoTix allows users to book movie tickets, event passes, and more. Lastly, GoMed addresses healthcare needs by providing online consultations and prescription deliveries, which is particularly relevant in the current global climate.
Lamborghini, founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, is known for creating automobiles that rival the best in the industry. The company has a history of producing iconic models that have captivated car enthusiasts around the world. Lamborghini pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of speed, design, and technology.
Lamborghini’s commitment to challenging the status quo has made them a significant player in the automotive industry. Their cars are renowned for their aggressive aesthetics, roaring engines, and the sheer thrill of driving one. Lamborghini represents the epitome of automotive craftsmanship.
FAQ
In this article, we will explore the fastest Lamborghinis in the world. These cars are not only impressive in terms of top speed but also masterpieces that showcase the perfect balance of power, design, and aerodynamics. Each car on this list has a unique story and represents a chapter in Lamborghini’s impressive history.
Join us as we celebrate the fastest Lamborghinis, a tribute to a brand that continues to redefine the essence of supercars. From engines that generate unprecedented horsepower to designs that are both elegant and aggressive, these cars are a testament to Lamborghini’s unwavering pursuit of perfection.
Every car on this list is all-wheel drive (AWD) and equipped with an automatic transmission. The earlier models used a single-clutch automatic known as e-gear, while the latest models feature a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic.
0-60 MPH
The Murcielago was one of the first supercars to feature launch control, aptly named “Thrust Mode.” However, it’s important to note that 0-60 times are influenced by various factors such as tire pressure, temperature, and weather conditions.
2021 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae: 2.8 Seconds
The Aventador Ultimae is a celebration of the iconic V12 super sports car. It concentrates the purest features of all Aventador editions into a perfect finale. It boasts impressive performance and speed.
2021 Lamborghini Countach LPi 800-4: 2.8 Seconds
The new Countach houses a hybrid V12 powertrain, making it a powerful and fast car. It combines a 6.5-liter V12 engine with a supercapacitor-powered 48-volt emotor to deliver an exhilarating experience.
2017 Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4: 2.7 Seconds
The Centenario, created to celebrate the 100th birthday of Lamborghini’s founder, features a highly revised Aventador V12 engine. With 770 horsepower and lightweight bodywork, it excels in both speed and performance.
2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: 2.7 Seconds
The Aventador LP700-4 was a significant model for Lamborghini. It featured a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a powerful V12 engine, making it a standout performer in terms of speed and acceleration.
2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4: 2.6 Seconds
The Huracán offers a V10 engine and a lightweight aluminum space-frame. It delivers 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. The Huracán is available in both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive configurations.
The Aventador SV LP750-4 is equipped with the most powerful V12 engine offered by Lamborghini. It combines power and aerodynamics to deliver impressive acceleration and speed.
2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ: 2.5 Seconds
The Aventador SVJ, which stands for Super Veloce Jota, offers remarkable speed and performance. It utilizes advanced aerodynamics and technology to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
2018 Lamborghini Huracán Performante: 2.4 Seconds
The Huracán Performante is known for its lightweight construction and aerodynamic enhancements. It features an active aerodynamic system and offers exceptional acceleration and handling.
2024 Lamborghini Revuelto: 2.4 Seconds
The Revuelto is the latest model from Lamborghini. With its hybrid powertrain and lightweight construction, it offers impressive speed and acceleration.
1/4 Mile Time
Drag racing performance is influenced by various factors such as weather conditions, track elevation, and wind. All-wheel drive (AWD) cars like Lamborghinis typically have better traction, but other variables can affect their performance.
The Huracán LP 610-4 offers impressive acceleration and quarter-mile performance, thanks to its lightweight construction and magnetic active suspension system.
2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO: 10.4 sec @ 135 mph
The Huracan EVO, known for its consistent performance, offers impressive acceleration and speed. It features advanced technologies and delivers a thrilling driving experience.
The Aventador SV Roadster LP750-4 delivers exceptional quarter-mile performance, thanks to its powerful engine and lightweight construction. It offers a thrilling driving experience with its convertible top.
The Aventador SV LP750-4 excels in quarter-mile performance, offering exceptional speed and acceleration. It combines power, aerodynamics, and advanced technology to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
The Huracán Performante offers impressive quarter-mile performance, thanks to its lightweight construction, powerful engine, and active aerodynamic system. It delivers exhilarating acceleration and speed.
Top Speed
A car’s top speed can be influenced by various factors such as weather conditions, altitude, and wind. Lamborghinis are known for their outstanding top speeds, which are achieved through powerful engines and aerodynamic designs.
2016 Lamborghini Aventador S: >217 mph
The Aventador S, an improved version of the original Aventador, offers a top speed of over 217 mph. It combines performance and comfort to deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
2017 Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4: >217 mph
The Centenario, created to celebrate Lamborghini’s founder, offers a top speed of over 217 mph. It combines extraordinary power and unique styling to create a truly exceptional supercar.
2017 Lamborghini Sian FKP 37: >217 mph
The Sian FKP 37 is a remarkable hybrid supercar that combines a traditional V12 engine with supercapacitors. It offers a top speed of over 217 mph and represents the pinnacle of Lamborghini’s innovation.
2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV LP750-4: >217 mph
The Aventador SV LP750-4 is capable of reaching a top speed of over 217 mph. It offers breathtaking acceleration and performance, making it a true powerhouse on the road.
2021 Lamborghini Countach LPi 800-4: 221 mph
The Countach LPi 800-4 offers an incredible top speed of 221 mph. It combines lightweight materials, advanced technology, and extraordinary power to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.
2020 Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae: 221 mph
The Aventador Ultimae, with its powerful performance and aerodynamic design, offers a top speed of 221 mph. It’s a perfect culmination of the Aventador series, delivering exceptional speed and exhilaration.
2024 Lamborghini Revuelto: >217 mph
The Revuelto, Lamborghini’s latest model, offers a top speed of over 217 mph. With its hybrid powertrain and lightweight construction, it delivers impressive speed and performance.
Lamborghini continues to redefine the boundaries of speed and performance in the automotive industry. Their cars are a testament to their dedication to engineering excellence and their pursuit of creating the ultimate driving machines.
Lotus and AMG may not be considered kindred spirits, but thanks to Chinese car-maker Geely, their paths have crossed and led to the creation of an interesting and potentially excellent little sports car.
To understand how we got here, let’s backtrack a bit. In 2010, Geely acquired Volvo from Ford. Seven years later, Geely took a major stake in Malaysia’s Proton, which included control of Lotus. Geely has since transformed Lotus into an EV-only brand, with the Eletre SUV being its first venture. However, the Emira, built in Hethel, marks the end of Lotus’s combustion-engine era. It comes with the familiar Toyota V6 engine, as well as one of the most powerful four-cylinder units currently in production.
This is where Geely’s behind-the-scenes work becomes evident. In 2018, Geely acquired a roughly 10% stake in Mercedes-Benz, primarily due to its interest in the German company’s electromobility vision. Around the same time, AMG was developing the M139 engine, which surpassed even the renowned V8s in performance. When Lotus needed an engine for the Emira range, CEO Matt Windle turned to AMG and struck a deal. With Geely’s support, crates stamped ‘AMG’ now arrive in Norfolk.
The BRABUS Crawler is a unique adventure vehicle that combines supercar-inspired power with elegance. It is the first supercar from BRABUS to have its own independent chassis. BRABUS is excited to offer this BRABUS Crawler for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery, joining their impressive lineup of vehicles. This trailblazing vehicle features a resilient tube frame and an open, four-seat body made of high-quality carbon. It has a rugged design with no doors or windows on the front, sides, and rear.
The BRABUS Crawler is designed to withstand extreme off-road adventures. It is equipped with 20-inch BRABUS Monoblock HD forged wheels, sturdy aluminum struts developed specifically for this model, and adjustable shock absorbers. With over 20 inches of ground clearance, it can tackle any terrain with ease. The interior of the Crawler features bespoke carbon racing seats upholstered with vibrant red TechFX fabric, which adds to its unique look.
The BRABUS Crawler comes with advanced features such as a GPS navigation system for precision navigation in uncharted territories. The interior also features red anodized elements, including pedals, footrests, and aluminum GPS unit mounts, which add a touch of style. For seamless communication, the Crawler includes a sophisticated 2-way communication system that can be used with the integrated intercoms in the four carbon helmets provided.
At the heart of the BRABUS Crawler is the BRABUS Rocket 900, a powerful 4.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine. The specially developed turbochargers produce an astonishing 900 horsepower, delivering unmatched performance. The Crawler can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, thanks to its upgraded Mercedes-AMG engine. This limited-edition BRABUS Crawler is currently available for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery.
UM Motorcycles, a global manufacturer founded by Octavio Villegas Llano in Miami in the early 2000s, has established itself as a major player in the motorcycle industry. With operations in 35 countries, UM Motorcycles has successfully captured the interest and trust of motorcycle enthusiasts from different cultures and nations.
One of the key factors contributing to UM Motorcycles’ popularity is its unwavering commitment to design and innovation, resulting in motorcycles that combine aesthetic appeal and functionality. The brand’s emphasis on providing the highest level of safety and comfort to consumers has led to the development of an impressive lineup of bikes. Taking advantage of its expertise, UM Motorcycles has recently entered the Italian market to further expand its global reach.
UM Motorcycles’ Range in Italy
In Italy, UM Motorcycles has introduced an exciting selection of cruisers and retro-inspired motorcycles. These models have been carefully designed to cater to the various preferences and tastes of riders, offering a wide range of options. What makes these models even more appealing is their budget-friendly pricing, targeting the cost-conscious segment of the market.
UM Motorcycles exclusively offers small-displacement bikes in the Italian market, ranging from 125cc to 300cc. These motorcycles are specifically designed for beginners, providing them with stylish alternatives that match the appearance and feel of their larger counterparts. By focusing on this market segment, UM Motorcycles ensures that novice riders can confidently enter the world of motorcycling with vehicles that not only have an attractive design but also deliver a familiar riding experience, making it easier for them to upgrade to larger bikes in the future.
The Renegade Lineup
The Renegade lineup of cruisers is the highlight of UM Motorcycles’ product range in Italy. Consisting of six different variations, these bikes cater to a diverse range of rider preferences. The Classic and Classic Deluxe models offer a premium retro cruiser look with white-wall tires, a windscreen, and luggage. On the other hand, the Renegade Vegas, Sports, and Freedom models exude a sleek and sporty vibe, reminiscent of the Harley-Davidson Sportster range. For those seeking a military-style aesthetic, the Renegade Commando is the ideal choice, featuring an army green finish, blacked-out wheels, and a star emblem on the fuel tank.
Modern-Style Motorcycles
In addition to the cruisers, UM Motorcycles has also introduced two modern-style motorcycles in the Italian market: the Xtreet RS and the DSR SM. These models are only available in 125cc trim levels and cater to riders looking for sporty and beginner-friendly options. The Xtreet RS is a sporty naked sportbike with angular styling, while the DSR SM offers a supermoto experience for novice riders.
United Parcel Service (UPS), one of the world’s largest shipping companies, has announced that it will provide air conditioning in its delivery trucks. This decision comes after discussions with team leaders to address the needs of workers on the road.
However, not all UPS delivery trucks will have air conditioning. The agreement with the Teamsters, the labor union representing UPS employees, states that all newly purchased small package delivery vehicles in the United States will come with air conditioning starting from January 1st of next year. These new vehicles will be allocated to the hottest regions of the country where it is feasible.
For the remaining vehicles without air conditioning, UPS plans to install cabin fans within 30 days of contract ratification, and an additional fan by June 1st of next year. In addition, the company will also install exhaust heat shields to minimize heat conduction from the engine into the floor of the vehicle, which is expected to lower the cabin temperature by up to 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another measure agreed upon by UPS and the Teamsters is the addition of a forced-air induction system to bring fresh air from the front of the vehicle into the cargo area. This feature will be included in the production of new delivery vehicles and retrofitted to existing vehicles within 18 months of contract ratification.
UPS expressed their commitment to employee safety and comfort, stating, “We have always remained open to solutions that keep our employees safe on hot days…the new solutions we’ve agreed to will improve airflow, temperature, and comfort for our employees.”
G-Heat, a French company known for its heated clothing, has expanded its range to include “refreshing clothes” designed for hot days. The company’s latest addition is the EV05-GRE cooling vest, which shows promise despite not being specifically targeted at riders.
The EV05-GRE is a sleeveless garment made from a blend of polyester and Polycool polymer fiber. It resembles the thicker, quilted vests worn by employees at stores like Home Depot or road crews in high-visibility vests. To use the vest, the wearer simply soaks it in cold water for about a minute, wrings it out, and then dries it. As the water held inside the Polycool fibers evaporates, it draws heat from the body, keeping the wearer’s torso cool.
One potential downside for riders is that the EV05-GRE, like other evaporative cooling products, requires exposure to fresh air to function properly. This makes it suitable for activities like walking around a hot swap meet or music festival, but it may not work effectively under a heavy leather jacket or riding suit. However, it could be a good option when worn under a well-ventilated armored textile jacket.
The EV05-GRE cooling vest is available in one color, gray, and comes in sizes ranging from small to 3XL. It is priced at €59.99 (approximately $65) and can be found on G-Heat’s website along with other products in their lineup.
Most people believe that Henry Ford founded the first American car manufacturer because of his assembly line innovations and the enduring legacy of his namesake vehicles. In reality, brothers Charles and Frank of Springfield, Massachusetts started the Duryea Motor Wagon Company in 1893, becoming the first American company to build and sell internal combustion engine vehicles to the public. A one-cylinder four-horsepower Duryea Motor Wagon didn’t have a steering wheel, suspension, or breaks, but by process of elimination, it was the best available and sold 10 vehicles in its first year.
Since that time, hundreds, if not thousands of car companies have been formed in the U.S. and around the world, disappearing as fast as they sprung up. Except for the Tucker Torpedo, which was shut down by dirty politics, most of these flash-in-the-pan automakers died off because they made unappealing garbage cars. Probably only Jay Leno knows or cares what a 1909 De Shaum Seven Little Buffaloes is, and there are hundreds more just as obscure.
On the other hand there have been some really great car companies that lasted decades, which built great rides. Many of these automakers existed until just recently with people both remembering and still driving their cars. It’s tempting to include the DeLoreon Motor Company in this group because of the Back to the Future movie fame of the DMC-12, but honestly, that wasn’t a very good set of wheels. Instead, here are some of the best cars made by companies that no longer exist.
Front and side view of a 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Created by Edsel Ford in 1939, Mercury was a division of the Ford Motor Company. It served as the mid-priced brand between the high-end Lincolns and the affordable Fords. Finding its groove in the 1950s, a Mercury Monterey, Turnpike Cruiser, or Colony Park harkens as much nostalgia for the decade as a Chevrolet Bel Air. With declining sales, Mercury tried one last-ditch effort to attract female buyers, but that failed and Ford finally shut the division down in 2011.
The Mercury Cougar was based on the Ford Mustang, but intended to be a more luxurious pony car. It was a little more expensive, but better equipped and won the Motortrend Car of the Year award in 1967. One the coolest examples was the 1970 Cougar Eliminator, with its muscular styling and a standard 290 horsepower Boss 302 V-8. What really put this car over the top was the optional 428 Cobra Jet, cranking out 335 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque.
92008 Saab 9 7X Aero
3/4 front view 2008 Saab 9 7X Aero
Saab Automobile was a Swedish automaker, founded in 1945 to manufacture weird-looking but reliable vehicles. As one of the most innovative companies ever, they developed many safety and performance features we take for granted like standard seat belts, asbestos-free brake pads, and heated seats. GM bought up the company in 1989, ran it into the ground, and then sold it where it died off. Saab briefly became an EV under the company NEVS, but finally ceased to exist in 2016.
Over the years, Saab had made some pretty quick four-cylinder turbo cars, but again, they were kind of odd looking. Toward the end of their run they finally made an attractive model in the luxury SUV, 9 7X, and discovered the joys of V-8 power. In 2008 they created the 9 7X Aero trim, which came with a 6.0-liter SL2 V-8 that generated 390 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. At the time, Car and Driver announced, “The Swedes go all American on us” and proclaimed the 9 7X Aero better than the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS.
81968 International Harvester Scout 800A
3/4 front view red 1968 International Harvester Scout 800
Known mostly for building farm equipment and tractors, The International Harvester Company had actually been producing road vehicles since its founding in 1902. Their line of pickup trucks and SUVs were successful from the ’50s to the 80s, but somehow the company was always in financial trouble. After selling off much of their assets, including their name, IH became Navistar in 1985, still making commercial trucks, but discontinuing their consumer vehicles.
IH made some crazy rides like the explanation-defying Jungle Yacht, but mostly they built rugged, reliable off-roaders such as the first-of-its-kind 1953 Travelell four-wheel-drive “recreational” vehicle. The best however was the International Harvester Scout, produced from 1961-1980, and the top of that class was the 1968 Scout 800A. Equipped with an optional 302ci V-8, this 4×4 is still sought after today, with Florida company, Velocity Modern Classics producing high-end resto-mods of the classic vehicle.
Founded in 1921 by Brothers Alan and Richard Jensen, Jensen Motors Limited was a British maker of sports cars and commercial vehicles. They hit the big time in 1934 when actor Clark Gable commissioned a car from them, which led to a joint venture with Ford and international renown. The company ran into some financial issues and ceased operations in 1976. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to revive the brand, it was finally dissolved in 2011.
Easily the coolest thing Jensen ever made was the Interceptor, which they produced from 1966-1976. Made for speed and long-distance driving, the 1971 Jensen Interceptor MkII came optional with a Chrysler 440ci V-8 Six-Pack, that was slightly detuned but still produced 350 horsepower. With a 6.0 second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 144 mph, it’s the closest think to a muscle car ever built in Europe.
61968 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 4-4-2
Side view of 1968 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 4-4-2
The Olds Motor Vehicle Company was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897 and was for a time the top-selling American car brand. By 1908, General Motors bought up the company, which became their mid-level Oldsmobile division. Known in later years for making “grandpa cars,” it was actually a hot brand in the 60s and 70s. As much as GM tried to shake the fuddy duddy image, sales continued on a steady decline, and it was axed in 2004.
During that period when it truly wasn’t “your father’s Oldsmobile” they managed to make one of the most ferocious muscle cars of the classic era. Introduced as an option package for the Cutlass in 1964, the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 became its own model in 1968. Also in 1968, a special performance package, known as the Hurst/Olds came with a beefed up 455ci V-8 that cranked out 390 horsepower. For those curious as to why it was called a 4-4-2, it’s because it came with a four-barrel carb, four-speed manual transmission, and had a dual (two) exhaust system.
51972 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350
3/4 front view of 1972 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350
Holden started out in 1905 as a car upholstery repair business and eventually grew into GM’s presence in Australia and New Zealand. Though many of their models were Aussie copies of GM cars, they also made their own market-specific vehicles. Despite selling over seven million sets of wheels in their storied history, GM announced it would no longer be in the business of making right-hand drive vehicles and shuttered Holden in 2020.
The Holden HQ was a series of Aussie exclusive vehicles made from 1971 to 1974 that ranged from four-door sedans to pannel vans. Within that range were some pretty awesome two-coupes like the 1972 HQ Monaro GTS 350. With a big-block Chevy 350ci V-8 and an optional four-speed transmission, it was one of the fastest muscle cars ever produced Down Under. It was such a cool and memorable ride that it got some love by being included in the Forza Horizon 3 video game.
Front and partial side view of a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
In 1907, Edward Murphy founded The Oakland Motor Car Company in Pontiac, Michigan and a couple years later it was bought by GM. The division’s most popular car was the Pontiac Series 6-27 and by 1931, Oakland was canceled and replaced by Pontiac. For most of its run, Pontiac was GM’s second-tier brand, above Chevrolet, but below Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac. The great recession of 2008 hit all the American automakers hard and with GM, caused them to shed several divisions, including Pontiac in 2010.
That was certainly a sad end to a company with so much rich history, including inventing the muscle car. In 1964, then-head of Pontiac, John DeLoreon, had the genius idea of shoe-horning a 400ci V-8 into a La Mans. It was such a smashing success that by 1966, the GTO became its own model, instead of an option package. The most powerful of the bunch came in the second generation, and the 1969 GTO Judge is a perfect example. With the optional Ram Air IV 400ci V-8, it made 370 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, making it the G.O.A.T. GTO.
31973 De Tomaso Pantera L
A front 3/4 view of a red 1972 De Tamaso Pantera
If French automaker Renault is the elevator music of vehicles, and it is, then Italian sports car manufacturer De Tomaso is hard-driving heavy metal. In fact, Texas groove-metallers, Pantera named themselves after the vaunted model, and it’s what Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil crashed in his infamous DUI arrest. De Tomaso Automobili ltd. was founded by Alejandro de Tomaso in 1959, became part of Ford in 1971, and then effectively ended with the founder’s death in 2003. The company has been bought several times since then with hopes of jump-starting it, but so far nothing substantial has happened.
During its time under Ford, De Tomaso introduced the Pantera in 1971, most of which were sold in America through Lincoln-Mercury dealers. The 1972 Pantera L (for luxury) came with a front bumper and integrated airfoil, but more importantly, a 5.8-liter V-8 that generated 330 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. The Pantera continued to be manufactured until 1992 with only 7,260 ever produced. Though later models had bigger engines and were much faster, those first Panteras were iconically cool.
21970 AMC Rebel Machine
Front three-quarters shot of a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine
The founding of the American Motors Corporation (AMC) is complicated, involving mergers between Nash, Kaiser Motors, Packard, Studebaker, Willys–Overland Motors and U.S. Senator Mitt Romney’s dad. Their demise is equally complex, involving a Renault buyout, the assassination of Renault chairman Georges Besse by leftist extremists, and an ultimate buyout by Chrysler, who only wanted the Jeep brand and let everything else fade away. What is easy, is the fact that AMC was the last great American car company to rival the Big Three, who made some pretty cool rides.
Yes, AMC gave the world the Pacer and the Gremlin, two of the ugliest vehicles ever made, but they also cranked out some sharp-looking muscle in the classic era like the Javelin and the AMX. Nothing however was cooler than the 1970 Rebel known as “The Machine.” This patriotic red, white, and blue muscle car had a 390ci V-8 under the hood that produced 340 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. With a 6.3 second 0-60 time and a 14.8 second quarter-mile, it was bit slower than it’s muscle car contemporaries, but man did it turn some heads.
Walter P. Chrysler took over the troubled Maxwell-Chalmers car company in the early 1920s and eventually turned it into the Plymouth division of the Chrysler Corporation. Initially intended to be the budget Pentastar brand, it would go on to produce some of the greatest and most prestigious models under the Chrysler umbrella.
After some kick-ass decades in the 60s and 70s, by the new millennium, Plymouth was back to being an entry-level brand making cheap underpowered stuff the American public didn’t want. Even the Chip Foose-inspired Plymouth Prowler couldn’t save the division and in 2001, Chrysler pulled the plug.
Plymouth’s time in the spotlight came in the classic muscle car era when they made some of the baddest rides available, like the GTX, the Duster, the Road Runner, and of course the Super Bird. Nothing however compares to the sheer awesomeness of the Barracuda. Introduced in 1964 as an A-body fastback coupe pony car, it would become a muscular track menace by the second generation.
Before it became basically a Dodge Challenger in 1970, the 1969 Barracuda came optional with a 440ci Super Commando V-8 that blasted 390 horsepower, 490 pound-feet of torque, and was the fastest Plymouth of the time. Not only is the ’69 ‘Cuda one of the best muscle cars ever, it’s the single best car made by a defunct auto manufacturer.
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