In a constantly evolving automotive universe, where new models emerge every moment, it’s easy to lose sight of true gems from the past. This article dives into the intriguing world of forgotten cars, those models that, despite their innovations, revolutionary design, or exceptional performance, did not receive the commercial recognition they deserved. Get ready for a journey across five continents as we uncover the stories of vehicles that, between 1960 and 2020, quietly yet indelibly marked automotive history.
Europe: The Paradox of Unrecognized Innovation
Europe, the cradle of some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, also witnessed the birth of models that were paradoxically underestimated in their time. In a continent where innovation is often celebrated, some visionary vehicles ended up relegated to the background, victims of various factors ranging from high prices to market perception.
Porsche 959 (1986-1993): The Supercar Ahead of Its Time
The Porsche 959, produced between 1986 and 1993, embodies technological cutting-edge in the form of a car. Considered by many to be the first modern hypercar, the 959 boasted an arsenal of innovative technologies for its time. Its variable all-wheel drive, which intelligently distributed engine power between the front and rear axles (ranging from 40:60 to 20:80), ensured unprecedented grip and stability. The active pneumatic suspension, capable of adjusting the vehicle’s height and shock absorber firmness in real-time, provided surprising comfort for a high-performance sports car. The structure, combining aluminum and Kevlar—lightweight and durable materials—contributed to the vehicle’s agility and safety.
Under the hood, the 2.8-liter twin-turbo boxer engine officially delivered 450 hp, an impressive figure for the 1980s. However, independent tests revealed that the actual power exceeded 500 hp. With this power, the 959 could reach a top speed of 319 km/h, surpassing even the iconic Ferrari F40, its main rival at the time. Despite all these qualities, its limited production of only 337 units and the prohibitive cost—equivalent to about 1 million euros today—condemned the 959 to a status of historical curiosity, a misunderstood genius in its time. Today, the Porsche 959 is revered as an icon of automotive engineering, with units being auctioned for astronomical values, proving that innovation, even when initially underestimated, always finds its due recognition.
Audi TT RS (2014-2023): The Sports Car That Challenged the Establishment
The Audi TT RS, produced between 2014 and 2023, represented a bold attempt by Audi to challenge the established dominance of traditional sports cars. Equipped with the award-winning 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine, capable of generating 400 hp and 48.9 kgfm of torque, the TT RS offered explosive performance. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in just 3.7 seconds, a figure that rivaled much more expensive and glamorous sports cars like the Porsche 911. However, despite its dynamic and technological qualities, the TT RS often remained in the shadow of its more famous cousin, the 911.
The MLB Evo multi-material chassis, with 41% aluminum in its composition, ensured a torsional rigidity of 26,000 Nm/degree, an exceptional figure that contributed to the car’s precision and agility in curves. The Virtual Cockpit system, a fully digital and configurable instrument panel, anticipated trends that would become common in the automotive industry years later. Despite all these innovations and impressive performance, the perception that the TT RS was “just a compact Audi” limited its global sales to about 12,000 units over 9 years of production. Therefore, the TT RS can be regarded as an underrated sports car, a vehicle that offered a cutting-edge performance and technology package but did not receive the commercial recognition that its technical merit suggested.
Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017): The Visionary of Spacious Compacts
The Citroën C3 Picasso, produced between 2009 and 2017, embodied a visionary approach in the compact segment. With a height of 1.62 meters and a generous 1.13-meter hatchback, the C3 Picasso stood out for its habitability and practicality. The trunk, with a capacity of 500 liters, surpassed many rivals, including the Ford B-Max, known for its versatility. The 1.6 HDi engine with 110 hp not only offered adequate performance for the car’s proposal but also excelled in efficiency, combining a consumption of 23.8 km/l with low CO2 emissions (109 g/km).
However, the aesthetics considered controversial by some and the explosion of subcompact SUVs starting in 2015 contributed to the decline of the C3 Picasso. The market, increasingly seduced by the adventurous image and higher driving position of SUVs, seemed to ignore the attributes of space, practicality, and efficiency of Citroën’s compact minivan. The C3 Picasso, a true visionary of spacious compacts, ultimately fell victim to market trends and aesthetics that did not please everyone, ending its production in 2017 without achieving the commercial success that its intrinsic qualities suggested.
Japan: The Era of Secret Agreements and Hidden Power
Japan, known for its precise and innovative engineering, also had its share of forgotten cars, many of which were victims of secret industrial agreements and the practice of underestimating the real power of their engines. In an era of gentlemen and veiled regulations, some Japanese sports cars had their potential deliberately limited, while others, true Japanese Rolls-Royces, remained restricted to the domestic market, unknown to the general public.
Honda NSX Type S (1997-2005): The Self-Censored Supercar
The Honda NSX Type S, produced between 1997 and 2005, personifies the self-censored Japanese supercar. Victim of the infamous “gentlemen’s agreement” among Japanese automakers, which limited the power of sports cars to 280 hp, the NSX concealed a much greater potential under its hood. Its 3.2-liter V6 VTEC engine actually delivered 305 real hp, an underestimated power in the name of an industrial pact. The aluminum chassis, weighing only 1,370 kg, provided a power-to-weight ratio of 4.49 kg/hp, superior to that of the Ferrari 348 TB of the time, one of its main competitors.
In addition to its exceptional performance, the NSX Type S stood out for being the first mass-produced car to utilize electronic variable valve timing (VTEC), an innovative technology that optimized engine operation at different RPM regimes. Despite all these qualities, global sales of the NSX did not exceed 18,000 units in 15 years of production. The “gentlemen’s agreement” and perhaps a certain lack of boldness in Honda’s marketing may have contributed to the NSX Type S not achieving the commercial recognition that its technical merit and innovations deserved. Today, the NSX is remembered as a landmark of Japanese engineering, a supercar that, even when self-censored, demonstrated Japan’s potential in the global automotive scene.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (1999-2002): The Uncrowned King
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, produced between 1999 and 2002, is an icon of Japanese automotive culture, revered by enthusiasts worldwide. Under the hood, the legendary RB26DETT engine, a 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo, was officially declared with 280 hp, following the “gentlemen’s agreement.” However, the truth is that the RB26DETT delivered around 330 real hp, a generous and underestimated power. The ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel drive system, capable of distributing torque between the front and rear axles in just 1/100 of a second, ensured impressive grip and stability, even in adverse conditions.
The precise and robust 6-speed manual transmission allowed the GT-R R34 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, an exceptional performance for its time. Forbidden from being sold officially in the United States due to homologation issues, the GT-R R34 became a myth, accessible only through the gray market. This aura of exclusivity and prohibition, combined with its exceptional performance and aggressive design, contributed to the GT-R R34 becoming one of the most desired and cult Japanese cars of all time, even without achieving the global commercial recognition that more “compliant” models in the American market received. The GT-R R34, the uncrowned king, remains a symbol of rebellion and uncompromising Japanese engineering.
Toyota Century G50 (1997-2017): The Japanese Rolls-Royce
The Toyota Century G50, produced between 1997 and 2017, represents the pinnacle of Japanese luxury and sophistication. Equipped with a 5.0-liter V12 1GZ-FE engine, a jewel of Japanese engineering, the Century delivered 305 hp (officially declared as 280 hp, following Japanese tradition). The elegant and understated design, crafted by Shozo Jingu, ensured a drag coefficient of only 0.27 Cd, a remarkable figure for a sedan of its size. The interior, a sanctuary of comfort and refinement, was upholstered in sheep wool and cypress root wood, noble and natural materials. Motorized curtains, a Nakamichi sound system with 20 speakers, and other technological luxuries elevated the onboard experience to a superior level.
Produced in a handcrafted manner, with only 3 units coming off the assembly line per day, the Century G50 was an exclusive and rare car. In 20 years of production, only 100 units were exported, keeping the Century as a well-kept secret of the Japanese market. Frequently compared to Rolls-Royce, the Toyota Century G50 is an example of understated luxury and impeccable engineering, a car that, due to its exclusivity and focus on the domestic market, remained unknown to most Western automotive enthusiasts. The Japanese Rolls-Royce, a symbol of discretion and Japanese excellence.
North America: Muscle Cars and the Secrets of Underestimated Power
North America, the land of muscle cars and the culture of raw power, also had its forgotten cars, many of which fell victim to the secrets of underestimated power. In an era of increasingly stringent regulations and insurance, American manufacturers adopted the practice of declaring powers lower than the actual figures, a strategy to circumvent restrictions and keep their muscle cars competitive and affordable.
Chevrolet Corvette L88 (1967): The Masked Monster
The Chevrolet Corvette L88, model year 1967, is a masked monster under the skin of a classic sports car. Under the hood of the Sting Ray, the iconic body of the Corvette of that time, rested a breathtaking 7.0-liter V8 engine. Officially, General Motors (GM) declared 436 hp for the L88, already an impressive number. However, the truth is that the L88’s 7.0-liter V8 delivered around 568 real hp, a brutal power underestimated by over 100 hp to avoid restrictions imposed by insurers.
With a compression ratio of 12.5:1 and a Holley Quadrijet four-barrel carburetor, the Corvette L88 was an extreme performance machine. Capable of reaching a top speed of 290 km/h, the L88 demonstrated its potential on the tracks, winning the 1968 Daytona 24 Hours. Despite its exceptional performance and aura of a race car for the streets, only 20 units of the Corvette L88 were produced, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Corvettes in history. Today, an example of the Corvette L88 can be valued at over 3 million dollars, proving that the masked monster, even underestimated in its time, became a revered legend.
Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 428 (1969): The Factory Dragster
The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 428, model year 1969, was developed with a clear purpose: to dominate the drag strip. Equipped with a 7.0-liter V8 engine, the Cobra Jet 428 was a brute force machine. Officially, Ford declared 335 hp, a modest number for such a large engine. However, independent tests revealed that the 7.0-liter V8 Cobra Jet 428 delivered around 416 real hp, a significantly higher power due to a 306° camshaft and a Cross-Boss intake manifold.
Capable of covering a quarter-mile in just 12.8 seconds, the Mustang Cobra Jet 428 was a true factory dragster. To optimize performance on the drag strip and reduce weight, 95% of the 1,299 units produced were sold without radios or air conditioning. The performance of the Cobra Jet 428 was so impressive that it was banned from competing by the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) in 1970, for being too competitive. The Mustang Cobra Jet 428, the banned factory dragster, remains an icon of muscle car culture and an example of underestimated raw power.
Cadillac SRX First Gen (2004-2009): The Transatlantic Fiasco
The first-generation Cadillac SRX, produced between 2004 and 2009, represented an attempt by Cadillac to conquer the European premium SUV market. Equipped with a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine delivering 320 hp and a 5-speed 5L50-E automatic transmission, the SRX offered adequate performance and an interesting tech package. However, the SRX First Gen did not achieve the expected success in Europe, being deemed a transatlantic fiasco.
The high fuel consumption, averaging 6.5 km/l in mixed conditions, and the price being 40% higher than that of the BMW X5, one of its main competitors, were decisive factors in the SRX’s failure in Europe. Even the Magnetic Ride Control system, groundbreaking for an SUV at the time, and the 1.5-meter panoramic sunroof could not reverse the situation. Sales in the UK, for example, were mediocre, totaling only 2,100 units. The Cadillac SRX First Gen, a premium SUV with innovative technology but unsuitable for the European market, ended up being forgotten amid the growing popularity of luxury SUVs.
Korea and Emerging Markets: Technological Trailblazers
South Korea and other emerging markets also contributed to the story of forgotten cars, with models that, despite their technological innovations and boldness, faced consumer skepticism and the strength of traditional brands. These technological trailblazers, often pioneers in their segments, paved the way for the future success of Asian brands in the global market.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 (2008-2016): The Sports Car That Dared to Challenge
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, produced between 2008 and 2016, represented Hyundai’s boldness in challenging the dominance of Japanese and European brands in the sports segment. Equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 Lambda II engine delivering 306 hp and 36.3 kgfm of torque, the Genesis Coupe offered respectable performance. It was the first Korean coupe to feature a Torsen limited-slip differential and an 8-speed manual transmission, technologies that elevated the vehicle’s dynamic level.
The Genesis Coupe’s chassis was developed in partnership with Lotus, the renowned British sports car manufacturer, ensuring refined dynamic behavior. Despite all these qualities, global sales of the Genesis Coupe (about 23,000 units) fell short of the Nissan 370Z, one of its main competitors. Skepticism towards Asian engineering and Hyundai’s lack of tradition in the sports segment may have contributed to the Genesis Coupe not achieving the commercial success its technical merit suggested. The Genesis Coupe 3.8, a Korean sports car that dared to challenge, opened the door for Hyundai’s future success in the high-performance vehicle segment.
Kia Stinger GT (2017-2023): The Sedan That Could Have Been an M5
The Kia Stinger GT, produced between 2017 and 2023, embodied Kia’s ambition to create a sports sedan capable of rivaling premium German models. Equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivering 370 hp and rear-wheel drive, the Stinger GT offered thrilling performance. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was achieved in just 4.9 seconds, a figure that put it on par with the BMW 540i, one of its direct competitors, all at a price about 60% lower.
The active exhaust system, which allowed for modulating the engine’s growl, and the electronic LSD differential, which optimized torque distribution among the rear wheels, were technologies that highlighted Kia’s commitment to providing a complete sports driving experience. Despite all these qualities and the competitive price, global sales of the Stinger GT were modest, totaling only 140,000 units over 6 years of production. The growing demand for SUVs and the perception that Kia was still not an established premium brand may have contributed to the end of Stinger GT production in 2023. The Stinger GT, the sedan that could have been an M5, remains an example of an underestimated car, a vehicle that offered top-notch performance and technology at an affordable price but failed to find its place in the market.
Pioneering Hybrids and Electrics: Visionaries Without Glory
The segment of hybrid and electric vehicles also had its forgotten pioneers, models that, in a time when electrification was not a priority, dared to forge innovative paths but ultimately did not receive the commercial recognition they deserved. These visionaries without glory paved the way for the electric revolution we see today.
Toyota Prius 1st Generation (1997-2003): The Rejected Revolutionary
The first-generation Toyota Prius, produced between 1997 and 2003, was a true revolutionary, the first mass-produced hybrid car. Combining a 1.5-liter Atkinson engine producing 58 hp with a 40 hp electric motor, the Prius achieved a fuel consumption of 21.3 km/l, an impressive figure for the time, in a world where efficiency was not a priority. The Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) battery pack, consisting of 276 cells, weighed 57 kg, a considerable weight that impacted trunk space, limited to 279 liters.
To popularize the Prius and demonstrate its commitment to hybrid technology, Toyota sold the car below production cost. The retail price in the United States was $19,995, while the production cost was estimated at $32,000. Despite the attractive price and technological innovation, only 123,000 units of the first-generation Prius initially found buyers. The Prius, the rejected revolutionary, faced market skepticism and a lack of infrastructure for electric vehicles in its early years. However, it paved the way for the tremendous success of subsequent Prius generations and the popularization of hybrid vehicles worldwide.
Fisker Karma (2012-2014): The Tesla That Didn’t Flourish
The Fisker Karma, produced between 2012 and 2014, was a luxury hybrid sedan that dared to challenge Tesla in its early days. With design by Henrik Fisker, the renowned automotive designer, and Q-Drive powertrain (a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine combined with two electric motors), the Karma delivered a combined power of 403 hp and a fuel equivalent of 130 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent in electricity). The 20 kWh battery allowed for a range of 51 km in fully electric mode, a technology that inspired BMW in the development of the i8.
However, the Fisker Karma faced battery overheating issues and had production limited to only 3,000 units. Fisker Automotive, responsible for the Karma, declared bankruptcy in 2013. The Karma, the Tesla that didn’t flourish, succumbed to production and financial problems, but its innovative technology and design left a legacy. Today, the Karma Revero, an evolution of the original model, is being relaunched, seeking to reclaim the legacy of innovation and luxury of the Fisker Karma.
Rediscovering the Parallel History of the Automobile
The global analysis of forgotten cars reveals an intriguing pattern: innovation and technical merit do not always translate into immediate commercial success. Factors such as restrictive regulations (like the “280 hp agreement” in Japan), market timing (such as the rise of SUVs impacting the Citroën C3 Picasso), and cultural biases (against emerging brands like Hyundai in the sports segment) created a true “graveyard of visionary machines.” Paradoxically, models like the Porsche 959 and Honda NSX, initially underestimated, now fetch auction values 30 times higher than the originals, proving that, in the long run, engineering and innovation triumph over fleeting trends and passing fads.
For contemporary automakers, the challenge remains: how to balance technological pioneering with market acceptance in a landscape of accelerated energy transition and constant changes in consumer preferences? The story of forgotten cars teaches us that innovation is vital, but understanding the market and the ability to adapt to its demands are equally crucial for long-term success. Rediscovering these forgotten cars is, therefore, a way to learn from the past and design a more balanced and innovative automotive future.