15 Most Impressive Handmade Cars in History
Did you know some handmade vehicles can take over 4,000 hours to build? These marvels occupy the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship unopposed. With prices ranging between $1 million and tens of millions, they are exquisite works of art. Let’s look at 15 of them, including their history, specifications, and other interesting facts.
Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Only four of the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic were produced between 1936 and 1938, making it one of the world’s rarest and most valuable cars. It was equipped with a supercharged 3.3-liter inline-8 engine that produced about 200 horsepower, allowing it to reach speeds of 120 mph. Its advanced engineering included an independent front suspension—a head-turner for its era.
Ferrari 250 GTO
There were only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs produced, and the car’s 3.0-liter V12 engine generates 300 horsepower. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and Sergio Scaglietti, the 250 GTO featured a five-speed manual transmission, a lightweight tubular frame, and an aluminum body. It dominated racing in the early 1960s, winning numerous titles, including the FIA World Championship for GT Manufacturers from 1962 to 1964.
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Produced between 1960 and 1963, the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato resulted from a collaboration between Aston Martin and the Italian design house Zagato. This high-performance vehicle featured a 3.7-liter, 314-horsepower straight-six engine. Despite its limited numbers, the Zagato achieved impressive success in races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Shelby Cobra 427
The Shelby Cobra 427 gained fame for its racing success and has become a sought-after collector’s item, with only about 300 pieces made. In addition to its larger Ford 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine, the car was a significant evolution of the AC Cobra. This upgrade gave the Cobra an impressive output of 425 to 485 horsepower, allowing it to achieve 0-60 mph in under four seconds.
Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
Released in limited numbers, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI initially had a 6.2-liter V8 engine, later upgraded to a 6.75-liter V8. A four-speed automatic transmission and sophisticated suspension system made this power source an exceptionally smooth ride. Rolls-Royce’s classic and timeless aesthetic is evident in the Phantom IV’s build. Notably, it was the last Rolls-Royce built on a separate chassis.
Pagani Zonda
Horacio Pagani, an Argentine-Italian engineer, is credited with creating the Pagani Zonda. Until 2019, a variety of models and special editions were produced using carbon-titanium fiber developed by Pagani for unsurpassed strength and lightness. The Zonda was powered by different Mercedes-AMG V12 engines, with power outputs ranging from 394 to over 750 horsepower. Each piece was meticulously built to ensure no two cars were identical.
Koenigsegg CC8S
This Swedish masterpiece was crafted by hand in just a handful of units. Its 4.7-liter V8 engine generated around 655 horsepower, and the car could accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Some of the CC8S’ features included a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, dihedral synchro-helix doors for easy access, and aerodynamically efficient bodywork.
Morgan 4/4
The Morgan 4/4 is the world’s longest continuously produced vehicle of its type. Introduced in 1936, this British sports car has maintained its classic design ethos while incorporating modern engineering advancements. It was the first four-wheeled model manufactured by the Morgan Motor Company and blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary performance. Initially powered by a 1.1-liter engine, it was later upgraded to other options.
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
A limited-production sports car, the Competizione is a revival of Alfa Romeo’s 8C series. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a 4.7-liter V8 engine sourced from Ferrari and capable of 450 horsepower. This powerplant and a six-speed automated manual gearbox enable the 8C Competizione to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The vehicle’s carbon fiber body panels enhance structural rigidity and reduce weight.
Singer Porsche 911
All Singer vehicles released since 2009 are masterfully handcrafted to blend vintage beauty with modern engineering. The Porsche 911 is known for its careful attention to detail and improved output and features a lightweight carbon fiber body. It is propelled by air-cooled flat-six engines obtained from Porsche and re-engineered by Williams Advanced Engineering for improved reliability. Note that each 911 is custom-built according to the owner’s preferences.
Spyker C8
One unique specification of the Spyker C8 is its aviation-inspired design cues. This characteristic is evident in the exposed gear lever resembling an airplane throttle and the interior, which often features aluminum, stainless steel, and fine leather. The C8 models are powered by engines sourced from famous manufacturers like Audi. Its exclusivity, structure, and role in revitalizing the once-dormant Spyker brand made it famous.
Lamborghini Miura
Manufactured from 1966 to 1973, the Lamborghini Miura was one of the first mid-engine road cars and showcased a revolutionary design by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. A V12 engine, positioned transversely behind the driver, set a new standard for delivery and handling in contemporary sports cars. The Miura produced around 350 horsepower, which propelled it to over 170 mph.
Bristol Fighter
Built at Bristol Cars, the Bristol Fighter featured a sleek, aerodynamic body and luxurious interior. With an 8.0-liter V10 engine sourced from Dodge, the car could exceed 210 mph and sprint from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds, becoming one of the fastest production cars of that time. Despite its rarity and high price tag, it garnered attention for its blend of classic craftsmanship and modern capabilities.
Eagle Speedster
TV presenter and famous car enthusiast Jeremy Clarkson famously declared the Eagle Speedster “the most beautiful thing” he had ever seen. As a modern reinterpretation of the classic Jaguar E-Type, the Eagle Speedster marries the iconic structure of the 1960s with advanced engineering and luxury. Its 4.7-liter straight-six engine, producing around 330 horsepower, takes the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds.
W Motors Lykan HyperSport
In 2013, W Motors released seven units of the Lykan HyperSport, each featuring a 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine with a capacity for 780 horsepower and 708 lb-ft of torque. It is the first supercar produced in the Middle East, and its manufacturers included diamonds in the LED headlights and a holographic display system. Designed by Anthony Jannarelly, the Lykan gained attention after appearing in the 2015 film “Furious 7.”