13 Forgotten V8 Engines That Deserve a Second Look
Growing up, my dad had this old Buick that could wake the entire neighborhood with its throaty rumble.
Years later, I learned that sound came from one of America’s most overlooked powerplants.
While everyone talks about legendary engines like the small-block Chevy or the Hemi, dozens of incredible V8s have been forgotten by history.
These mechanical marvels deserve recognition for their innovation, power, and unique character that made driving an adventure.
1. Buick 455 V8
Big-block power with surprising smoothness made this engine a sleeper hit. The 455 delivered massive torque without the harsh vibrations typical of its era.
Performance enthusiasts often overlook this gem because it wasn’t marketed as aggressively as competitor engines. However, its reliability and refinement made it perfect for both daily driving and weekend racing.
Many examples still run strong today, proving that Buick’s engineering was ahead of its time.
2. AMC 401 V8
Forgotten doesn’t mean inferior, and AMC’s 401 proves this perfectly. This powerhouse produced impressive horsepower numbers while maintaining excellent durability.
Independent automakers like AMC had to try harder, resulting in innovative designs that outperformed larger manufacturers.
The 401’s unique combustion chamber design maximized efficiency without sacrificing power.
Racing teams discovered its potential, using modified versions in drag strips across America with remarkable success.
3. Ford 390 FE V8
Before the Windsor and Cleveland families dominated Ford’s lineup, the FE series ruled the streets. The 390 offered serious performance in a surprisingly compact package.
Police departments loved these engines for their reliability under extreme conditions. Many patrol cars equipped with 390s could outrun anything else on the road during the late 1960s.
Enthusiasts today appreciate the 390’s unique sound and character, different from Ford’s later designs.
4. Oldsmobile Rocket 350
Rocket power wasn’t just marketing hype when Oldsmobile created this engineering masterpiece. Advanced metallurgy and precision manufacturing made the Rocket 350 incredibly durable.
Unlike other manufacturers who focused purely on horsepower, Oldsmobile emphasized smooth power delivery and long-term reliability.
This philosophy created engines that lasted hundreds of thousands of miles.
Collectors now seek out Rocket-powered cars, recognizing their superior engineering and distinctive performance characteristics.
5. Pontiac 301 Turbo V8
Turbocharging in the late 1970s was revolutionary, and Pontiac’s 301 Turbo led the charge. This combination delivered V8 power with surprising fuel efficiency.
Engineers overcame significant technical challenges to make forced induction work reliably. The result was an engine that could compete with larger displacement motors while meeting strict emissions requirements.
Few examples survive today, making the 301 Turbo one of the rarest and most interesting engines from the malaise era.
6. Chevrolet 267 V8
Small displacement doesn’t always mean small performance, as the 267 demonstrated perfectly. This compact V8 delivered respectable power while achieving excellent fuel economy.
Chevrolet designed the 267 specifically for the changing automotive landscape of the early 1980s. Strict emissions regulations and fuel economy standards demanded innovative solutions.
Modern engine builders appreciate the 267’s lightweight construction and potential for modification, creating surprisingly powerful street machines.
7. Chrysler 413 Max Wedge
Maximum wedge meant maximum performance when Chrysler unleashed this racing-bred monster. The 413’s unique combustion chamber design maximized airflow and power output.
Drag racers immediately recognized the Max Wedge’s potential, dominating quarter-mile strips across America. Factory support included special parts and tuning guides for serious competitors.
Today’s collectors pay premium prices for authentic Max Wedge engines, understanding their historical significance and incredible performance potential.
8. Lincoln 430 MEL V8
Luxury and performance merged perfectly in Lincoln’s massive 430 MEL engine. This powerhouse moved heavy Continental sedans with surprising grace and authority.
Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln (MEL) engines featured advanced engineering typically reserved for racing applications.
Precision manufacturing and premium materials ensured smooth, reliable operation for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Restoration enthusiasts prize MEL engines for their distinctive sound and effortless power delivery in classic luxury automobiles.
9. Cadillac 472 V8
Bigger was definitely better when Cadillac created the massive 472 cubic inch V8. This engine moved luxury barges with authority while maintaining whisper-quiet operation.
Advanced engineering included sophisticated valve train designs and precision balancing that eliminated vibrations. Cadillac owners expected perfection, and the 472 delivered exactly that experience.
Hot rodders now appreciate the 472’s massive torque potential, building incredible street machines from these forgotten luxury powerplants.
10. Ford 335-series (Cleveland) 351 V8
Cleveland’s canted valve design revolutionized airflow and power production in Ford’s lineup. This innovative approach created one of the most efficient V8 engines ever built.
Racing teams quickly discovered the Cleveland’s potential, dominating various motorsports categories throughout the 1970s. Professional engine builders still consider it among the best small-block designs.
Enthusiasts today pay premium prices for original Cleveland engines, recognizing their superior engineering and incredible modification potential.
11. GMC 305 V6-derived V8
Unconventional engineering created GMC’s unique 305 V8, derived from their successful V6 truck engines. This approach resulted in excellent reliability and fuel economy.
Commercial truck operators appreciated the 305’s durability under extreme working conditions.
Fleet managers reported exceptional service life and minimal maintenance requirements compared to competitor engines.
Classic truck enthusiasts now seek out 305-powered GMCs, appreciating their unique character and proven reliability in work applications.
12. Mercury Super Marauder 430 V8
Super Marauder wasn’t just a name; it perfectly described this high-performance 430’s incredible capabilities. Mercury engineers created a true muscle car powerhouse.
Limited production numbers make authentic Super Marauder engines extremely rare today. Collectors understand that finding one represents discovering a genuine piece of automotive history.
Performance testing revealed impressive quarter-mile times that competed directly with more famous muscle car engines from the same era.
13. Dodge 273 LA V8
Small but mighty describes Dodge’s 273 LA perfectly, proving that cubic inches don’t always determine performance. This compact V8 delivered surprising power in lightweight packages.
Early Barracudas and Darts equipped with 273s could embarrass much larger engines at traffic lights. The combination of light weight and responsive power created excellent performance.
Restoration specialists now recognize the 273’s value, building incredible street machines that surprise unsuspecting competitors with their capabilities.