Rear-mounted engines are gradually becoming a rarity in the automotive realm, except for the enduring Porsche 911. There existed an era when this unique configuration served as a solution for various challenges innovative manufacturers face. It wasn’t solely about enhancing cabin room in economical vehicles such as the Volkswagen Beetle; it also boosted rear traction for rally-ready machines like the Alpine A110. This distinctive rear-engine design birthed a collection of timeless and thrilling classic cars, and we’re here to showcase the top 19 contenders.
Porsche 356
Establishing operations in a repurposed sawmill in Gmund, Austria, in 1948, Ferry Porsche initiated the development of the 356. Despite earlier endeavors like crafting three Type 64s for the shelved Berlin-to-Rome race, it was the 356 that marked Porsche’s inaugural foray into mass production. With components borrowed from the Beetle, such as the engine case and suspension, the 356 introduced a novel chassis and a streamlined, aluminum-bodied coupe. Initially crafted in Austria, production shifted to Zuffenhausen in 1950, witnessing a gradual reduction in reliance on Volkswagen parts and a shift to steel bodies. By 1965, a commendable 67,000 356s had rolled off the assembly line, showcasing coveted models like the aerodynamic Speedsters and potent four-cam Carreras.
Chevrolet Corvair
The rear-engined layout, uncommon in the US, reappeared in the late 1950s with Chevrolet’s Corvair for the 1960 model year. Designed by Ed Cole, known for the small-block Chevy V-8, it challenged norms in a market favoring front-engined cars. The Corvair, the sole American-designed, mass-produced passenger car with a rear-mounted air-cooled engine, aimed to rival the Ford Falcon, Plymouth Valiant, Studebaker Lark, and Rambler American. Available in various body styles, it marked a groundbreaking departure in the American automotive landscape.
Volkswagen Beetle
The rear-engine configuration traces its roots back to the early days of motoring, finding its genesis in the groundbreaking Benz Patent Motorwagen. However, the Volkswagen company based in Wolfsburg catapulted this idea into the mainstream with the iconic Beetle. As per insights from a detailed Euronews article, the inaugural generation of the Beetle witnessed a staggering sales figure, crossing the 21 million mark between 1938 and 2003, truly making it a revolutionary vehicle for the masses.
Hillman Imp
Rear-engined marvels weren’t confined to Continental European manufacturers in the early 1960s. In the UK, Chrysler Europe propelled the Hillman Imp into existence, a compact rear-engined sedan engineered to rival the formidable Mini. Beyond its captivating design, the Imp boasted avant-garde features, positioning it ahead of time. Its 875cc ‘four,’ derived from a Coventry Climax fire pump engine, marked the first British car with an all-aluminum engine. The full-synchro aluminum transaxle enhanced performance. This layout facilitated a spacious cabin, complemented by a convenient rear window hatch, simplifying shopping trips. Similar to the Mini, the Hillman Imp swiftly excelled in competition. Rosemary Smith’s triumph in the Tulip Rally 1965 thrust the car into the spotlight. Bill McGovern’s dominance in the British Saloon Car Championship from 1970 to 1972 underscored the Imp’s prowess.
Hino Contessa Sprint
Shortly after, the Japanese company focused on a domestically conceived model, unveiling the alluring Contessa in 1961—a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive sedan utilizing the 4CV drivetrain. Although the four-door variant possessed undeniable charm, the true standout emerged a year later. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, the 900 Sprint Coupe remarkably resembles Scaglione’s Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale—though one seemingly reduced in size. Weighing approximately 100kg less than its practical counterparts, the 900 Sprint proved not only lighter but also more spirited, courtesy of Nardi enhancements to its 893cc ‘four,’ featuring Weber carburetors that elevated its power to 45HP—sufficient for a commendable 87mph.
Tatra 603
Tatra, akin to Škoda, has a rich history of producing rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive cars and streamlined designs. Despite inter-war upheavals, Tatra stayed true to its principles, unveiling the 603 in 1956. This unique sedan, designed for the Communist Party elite, also made its mark in 1960s rallies; with its distinctive features like a lightweight, air-cooled 2545cc Hemi V8, rear swing axles, and MacPherson struts, the 603 earned praise for its strength and comfort. According to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, approximately 20,000 units were produced between 1956 and 1978, excelling on Eastern Europe’s challenging roads.
Škoda 110R
Embracing the rear-engined concept fervently, Automobilové závody, národní podnik – Škoda, set itself apart. Despite becoming the subject of numerous jests in the UK and North America, the Czechoslovakian manufacturer’s rear-engined models, though plagued by jokes about reliability and communism, excelled in international rally competitions. Initially, these models were conventional sedans with an unconventional layout. However, the game changed with the 110, a sleek two-door coupe derived from the Škoda 1000MB replacement, the Škoda 100. The standout from Kvasiny’s production line was the 110R, boasting attractive styling reminiscent of the Porsche 911. Although the 110R’s 63HP didn’t promise victory in drag races, its predictable handling and exceptional traction positioned it as a formidable contender off-road.
Amphicar Model 770
Amphicar’s Model 770 stands out as one of the most captivating rear-engined vehicles ever constructed, uniquely serving as both a car and a boat. Despite its dual functionality, it didn’t excel in either domain. Propelled by an 1147cc straight-four borrowed from the Triumph Herald, the Model 770 boasted 38HP, enabling it to reach 7 knots in water and 70mph on land, hence the 770 designation. On land, navigating the Amphicar demanded careful attention due to its high center of gravity and short wheelbase. Steering in the water mirrored the on-land mechanism, requiring forward motion for any semblance of control.
Renault 4CV
Like the Volkswagen Beetle, the Renault 4CV emerged from the wartime milieu. In a departure from state sponsorship, Renault engineers clandestinely crafted this rear-engined vehicle when occupying forces mandated a focus on military and commercial endeavors. Operating covertly, the team ingeniously devised a runabout to aid Renault and the French populace in post-war recovery. Unveiled in 1947, the design boasted four doors, a discreetly positioned 760cc inline ‘four,’ and a feather-light curb weight of merely 620kg. Over time, power increased to 21HP, propelling the 4CV to a 60mph speed in approximately 38 seconds. Notably, early models demanded a mere two-and-a-quarter turns lock-to-lock.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Prepare for some excitement because the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is more than just a pocket-friendly showstopper compared to other classics; it’s our pick for one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars from the 20th century. The cherry on top? A rear-mounted flat-four, ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 liters. While speed isn’t the primary focus, the Karmann Ghia invites enthusiasts to revel in a cruiser experience, captivating onlookers with a seamless blend of man and machine bravado. Though the original Beetle was fantastic, this takes the allure to a new level. If you’re a nostalgic gearhead, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia should undoubtedly be on your radar.
Denzel 1300
Every list needs a dash of quirkiness, right? The Denzel 1300 perfectly fits that bill, an automotive gem often overlooked. Crafted by the ingenious engineer Wolfgang Denzel, it emerged as an early rival to the Porsche 356, with a mere 65 ever in existence. Today, fewer than 30 still roam the roads. A 1955 WD Denzel 1300 commanded over $300,000 at RM Sotheby’s in 2019. Deriving power from the early Volkswagen Beetles’ 1100cc engine, Denzel’s design prioritized weight reduction, incorporating lightweight aluminum. Enhanced components, including upgraded con rods, cylinder heads, and pistons, enabled the 1300 to deliver over 100 horsepower, an impressive feat in its era.
Suzuki Whizzkid
Despite its unassuming stance and petite dimensions, the diminutive Suzuki SC100, affectionately known as the ‘Whizzkid,’ delivers spirited performance and nimble, gnat-like handling. Its agility on back roads has even caught more potent cars off guard. Introduced in 1978, the Whizzkid featured a rear-mounted 970cc four-cylinder engine, an upgrade from the three-pot two-stroke used in the domestic market. Generating 47HP, the 655kg Whizzkid achieves a top speed of 89mph and a 0-60mph time of 16.5 seconds. However, these figures only narrate part of its compelling tale. With its compact track, the Whizzkid navigates through spaces other drivers can only envision, establishing it as the ideal classic city car.
Tucker 48
Across Europe, rear-engined cars were notably more prevalent than in the United States, except for the distinctive Tucker 48, a torpedo-esque sedan envisioned by Preston Tucker in 1948. This rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive marvel was ahead of its time, boasting four-wheel independent suspension, a central ‘cyclops’ headlamp synchronized with front-wheel movements, and a perimeter-frame chassis featuring a discreet roll bar in the roof. Although plans included a captivating 589cu in flat-six with innovative features like hemispherical combustion chambers and fuel injection, only the factory prototype sported such an engine. Unfortunately, its unique characteristics, marked by excessive noise and the need for an external power source, played a pivotal role in the 48’s downfall, receiving unfavorable reviews from the press.
BMW 700
Debuting in 1959, the BMW 700, while not known for speed or aesthetics, played a pivotal role in rescuing the German brand from financial woes. Housing a 697cc flat-twin engine at the rear, the 700 provided ample space for four adults and a generous trunk beneath the front hood. Unveiled at the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show, it garnered a staggering 25,000 orders, thwarting a merger proposal into Daimler-Benz. Available as both coupe and sedan, nearly 190,000 units were manufactured until 1965, marking the 700 as BMW’s final foray into economy cars.
Porsche 911
Since its debut in 1964, the Porsche 911 has undeniably established itself as the preeminent rear-engined vehicle globally, reigning as the paramount rear-engined car and the quintessential sports car. Its pervasive dominance extends from the market to the streets, offering enthusiasts many engine and generation options. Amidst the many choices, the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS stands out, featuring a flat-six engine delivering an exhilarating 518 horsepower. This powertrain exemplifies sheer driving pleasure, making a compelling case for the accolade of the finest rear-mounted engine in history. For the ensuing performance analysis, the statistics of the current eighth-generation Porsche 911 992 base model have been utilized.
DeLorean DMC-12
John DeLorean’s eponymous motor company, founded in 1973, faced a fate akin to Tucker. Despite notable features like a stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, the DMC-12’s custom V-6 engine fell short, generating only 130 horsepower. While producing over 8,500 cars, bankruptcy loomed in 1982 after DeLorean’s arrest on drug charges. Despite the acquittal, the damage was irreversible. The DMC-12’s fame soared post- “Back to the Future.” DMC Texas aimed to revive it in 2007, planning new models and an all-electric version, making it the sole survivor.
Abarth 595
A comprehensive compilation of rear-engined classics would be remiss without the Fiat 500—Italy’s response to the people’s car. This diminutive two-cylinder marvel perfectly navigated the country’s narrow, winding streets, captivating millions with its affordability and endearing aesthetics on a global scale. Despite mobilizing an entire population, the 500 wasn’t synonymous with speed. Here enters Carlo Abarth, whose Austro-Italian firm, after early collaborations with Cisitalia, transitioned to enhancing popular Fiats in subsequent decades. The unassuming 500 received the Abarth touch in 1963, featuring scorpion badging. Initially producing 18HP from its 499cc engine, Abarth’s modifications, including a hotter camshaft, new exhaust, Solex carburetor, alloy sump, and a capacity increase to 594cc, catapulted the model to an impressive 27HP, slashing a scarcely believable 20 seconds from its 0-60mph time.
Ginetta G15
While the Hillman Imp found triumph in motorsport, the boxy monocoque posed limitations to ultimate performance. The Ginetta G15 was introduced in 1968, providing British buyers with a lighter and sportier alternative to the Climax-powered runabout. Unveiled at the 1967 London Motor Show, the G15 initially came as a kit featuring a robust tubular chassis wrapped in sleek fiberglass body panels. Equipped with the 875cc or 998cc inline ‘four’ and transaxle from the Hillman Imp, complemented by Triumph Herald suspension, the G15, weighing just over 500kg, excelled in agility and speed, outpacing the standard Imp. Achieving a top speed of approximately 108mph and completing a quarter-mile in slightly over 18 seconds, the G15 garnered distinction. About 800 cars, both kit-assembled and factory-produced, were manufactured until production concluded in 1974.
Alpine A110
Recognizing the potential in transforming an unremarkable rear-engined sedan into a formidable competitor, Jean Rédélé diverged from the Beetle, focusing on the Renault 4CV. His early creations combined 4CV and Dauphine components with lightweight fiberglass bodies. Perfecting this blend by 1961, Rédélé unveiled the A110, a departure from its predecessors, using the Renault R8 as its base with a robust 956cc Cléon-Fonte engine. Evolving into the A110 1600S and its fuel-injected variant, the model thrilled on the roads and dominated the 1973 World Rally Championship. According to Secret Classic reports, 7,489 Alpine A110s rolled out of Dieppe. Interestingly, the final car deviated from the typical blue to a distinctive green, a departure from the traditional French racing color.
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