12 Of The Oldest Engines Still In Production Today
Some engines just don’t know when to quit. While the world chases electric dreams and turbocharged trends, a few mechanical legends keep chugging along with the same heart they’ve had for decades.
These powerplants have seen fads come and go, outlasting redesigns, rebrands, and retirements.
Whether tucked inside trucks, motorcycles, or machines built for work, they prove that when something is built right, it doesn’t need constant reinvention.
Just a key turn and a little respect for the past.
1. Chevrolet Small-Block V8
Born in 1955, this legendary V8 is automotive royalty with over 100 million units produced.
The original 265 cubic inch displacement has evolved dramatically, but the core architecture remains recognizable.
General Motors still manufactures modern variants that trace their DNA directly to the first Small-Block.
Car enthusiasts revere these engines for their simplicity, reliability, and endless modification potential.
2. Ford Windsor V8
Named after the Ontario factory where it was built, Ford’s Windsor V8 debuted in 1962 and refuses to retire.
The blue oval’s workhorse powered everything from Mustangs to F-Series trucks, becoming synonymous with American muscle.
Though technically out of factory production, crate engine versions continue to sell briskly to hot-rodders and restorers.
Ford’s replacement engines still maintain key Windsor design elements, keeping the legacy alive.
3. Toyota 1HZ Inline-6
Reliability incarnate! Toyota’s naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter diesel first appeared in 1990 Land Cruisers and continues service in developing markets.
No computers, no turbochargers—just a mechanical fuel injection system that works flawlessly in the harshest conditions.
Adventure enthusiasts treasure these engines for their million-mile potential and ability to run on questionable fuel.
While emissions regulations have pushed it out of many markets, the 1HZ soldiers on where durability trumps all other concerns.
4. Cummins B Series (5.9L/6.7L)
Farmers whisper its name with reverence. The Cummins B Series first rumbled into Ram trucks in 1989, creating an instant cult following.
Its tractor-like torque and anvil reliability transformed diesel pickups from work-only tools to desirable daily drivers.
Modern 6.7L versions barely resemble their ancestors in output—producing triple the horsepower—yet maintain the same basic architecture.
These engines routinely clock 500,000+ miles while hauling massive loads, earning their “million-mile motor” nickname.
5. Volkswagen EA827
VW’s engineering masterpiece from 1972 might be the most versatile engine ever created.
From humble Rabbits to fire-breathing Audi Quattros, this four-cylinder powered practically everything in the Volkswagen empire for decades.
Incredibly, derivatives still serve in developing markets today. The EA827’s adaptability saw it configured as naturally aspirated, turbocharged, supercharged, and even diesel variants.
Its influence extends beyond production—modern VW engines still incorporate design elements from this revolutionary powerplant.
6. Nissan TB48DE Inline-6
Middle Eastern desert dwellers praise Allah for the TB48DE! Introduced in 1999, this naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter straight-six found a devoted following in Nissan Patrol SUVs throughout the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Sand dune enthusiasts discovered its overbuilt internals could handle massive turbocharger upgrades, creating legendary 1000+ horsepower monsters.
While discontinued elsewhere, Nissan continues producing this bulletproof engine specifically for Middle Eastern markets, where its reputation for handling extreme heat is unmatched.
7. Honda K-Series
VTEC just kicked in, yo! Honda’s K-Series engines burst onto the scene in 2001, setting new standards for high-revving performance from relatively small displacement.
These mechanical marvels employ variable valve timing and lift to deliver Jekyll-and-Hyde personality—docile fuel-sippers below 5,500 RPM, screaming banshees above it.
The tuner community embraced these engines immediately, discovering they could handle tremendous power increases.
Modern variants continue production today, powering everything from Civics to Acura’s performance models.
8. GM LS V8 Series
Engine swappers’ holy grail! General Motors’ LS engines debuted in 1997, revolutionizing the performance world with their compact dimensions, lightweight aluminum construction, and ridiculous power potential.
These engines fit where no V8 should reasonably go—from Miatas to mail trucks. Their affordability and abundance (thanks to countless donor vehicles) created a massive aftermarket.
Currently manufactured in various displacements from 4.8 to 7.0 liters, the LS platform powers everything from humble work trucks to the fire-breathing Corvette Z06.
9. Toyota 1GR-FE V6
Apocalypse-proof! Toyota’s 4.0-liter V6 hit the market in 2002 and quickly earned a reputation that would make Methuselah jealous.
Found under the hoods of 4Runners, Tacomas, and FJ Cruisers, this engine shrugs off abuse that would destroy lesser powerplants.
Its timing chain (rather than belt) design eliminates a major maintenance headache. Off-road enthusiasts particularly treasure the 1GR-FE for its low-end torque and unfailing reliability when miles from civilization.
Current production versions feature improved efficiency while maintaining the bombproof construction.
10. Mercedes-Benz OM617 Diesel
Cockroaches and OM617 diesels will survive nuclear war! Mercedes’ legendary five-cylinder oil-burner first appeared in 1974 and immediately rewrote reliability standards.
These engines routinely accumulate over 500,000 miles without internal repairs.
Though officially ended in 1991, production continues through licensed manufacturing in South Korea, where SsangYong vehicles still utilize variants of this indestructible powerplant.
Enthusiasts treasure these engines for their mechanical simplicity, which allows repairs anywhere with basic tools.
11. Toyota 2UZ-FE V8
Million-mile club president! Toyota’s 4.7-liter V8 debuted in 1998 and quickly became the standard for bulletproof reliability in luxury SUVs.
Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470 owners report these engines running perfectly with minimal maintenance even after astronomical mileage.
The cast-iron block provides exceptional durability while the aluminum heads save weight. Though officially replaced by the 3UR series, remanufactured 2UZ engines continue production for replacement purposes.
Its overbuilt nature makes it popular for overlanding vehicles that venture far from repair shops.
12. Harley-Davidson Evolution V-Twin
Potato-potato-potato! That distinctive Harley rumble comes courtesy of the Evolution V-Twin, first unleashed in 1984 when the motorcycle manufacturer desperately needed a reliable powerplant.
The “Evo” saved Harley-Davidson from bankruptcy by eliminating the oil leaks and reliability issues of previous engines.
Though technically replaced by the Twin Cam and later the Milwaukee-Eight in most models, Sportster motorcycles continued using Evolution engines until very recently.
The aftermarket remains massive, with complete new Evolution engines still manufactured for custom builders and restorations.