The best classic muscle cars from Europe: they are no worse than American ones (46 photos)

European brands have never been behind in the race to create iconic models in the muscle car class. Well-known manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo and lesser-known manufacturers such as Gordon, Ghia and Iso have joined this race.





In the American and European muscle car competition, many interesting models were produced on both sides. However, here are a few European muscle cars that are worth checking out.

Jensen Interceptor



Introduced in 1966 by Jensen Motors, the Interceptor was aimed at competing with other well-equipped cars such as the Jaguar E-Type and Ferrari of the time. Using a 6.3-liter V8 engine producing 325 hp. from Chrysler, the Interceptor performed well, accelerating to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds.





3-speed automatic transmission also from Chrysler. The Interceptor has come in various versions over the years. Several iterations, such as the Interceptor FF, which always came with all-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes, helped cement this British car into the annals of history.









Aston Martin V8



Among the finest European collectible cars from the muscle car and supercar era is the Aston Martin V8.



Distinctive features of its appearance were a large “scoop” on the hood and a full-width grille. Featuring a 5.3-liter engine and mechanical fuel injection developed by Bosch, this AM V8 produces 320 hp. Available transmission options included a ZF 5-speed manual transmission and a Chrysler Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission. Weighing almost two tons, this car, which accelerates to 257 km/h, has attracted a huge number of fans. The company built more than 2,800 examples in 1975 alone. Currently, the price averages $130,000.







Gordon-Keeble GT



This car is not one of those that everyone knows. In fact, its creator was an unusual British brand that existed from 1964 to 1967. Ironically, they chose the turtle as the most prominent symbol of their logo, despite the fact that they built cars with a powerful 5.4-liter Chevrolet V8 engine that accelerated the car to 225 km/h.



Thanks to the design talent of the young Giorgetto Giugiaro and the elegant fiberglass body, this car clearly stood out from the crowd. But be that as it may, Gordon-Keeble ceased to exist after releasing 99 copies due to difficult financial situations.







Bizzarrini GT 5300



In the four years from 1964 to 1968, the small Italian manufacturer Bizzarrini SPA produced around 200 unconventional cars, the most successful of which was the Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada. Giotto Bizzarrini, the former Ferrari engineer who helped bring the famous Ferrari 250 GT to life, has given us an outstanding car worth celebrating.



The Giotto Bizzarrini GT 5300 Strada used a 5.4-liter Chevrolet engine producing 365 hp. The ultra-low-slung car featured a mid-mounted engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Most of his cars have a body made of aluminum. Today it is truly an Italian collector's car.









Ghia 450 SS Boxer



Another creation of the great Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. This 1960s creative gem has a long history, stemming from Hollywood producer Bert Sugarman's desire to own a unique car. Sugarman encouraged Italian manufacturer Ghia to produce the 450 SS, and it went on sale through his subsidiary Ghia of America for a whopping $11,000. A total of 52 cars were created.



This car used a 4.5-liter Chrysler Commando V8 engine producing 235 hp, which was combined with a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.









Iso Grifo



If someone wanted to own an Iso Grifo today, they would need an average of $487,000. This figure tells you exactly what the Iso Grifo actually is. This grand tourer was produced from 1965 to 1974. This “muscle car” was equipped with a 5.4-liter Chevrolet V8 engine producing 300 hp. and 4-speed manual transmission.



Borrowing American power, this Italian beauty has become coveted by many collectors. It is a very good balance of rare design and elegant style.







AC 428



The AC 428 is too rare, with only eight cars ever produced. Although there are so few of them, it cannot be said that it costs a lot, the average cost is $164,000. However, the most interesting part of its history is the Cobra engine. More precisely, it was equipped with a 7-liter V8 Ford engine producing 345 hp. That's a ton of power, enough to propel it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds.









Facel Vega FVS



The Vega was introduced in 1954 and quickly attracted attention for its appearance. The market happily accepted his unusual design. The Facel was one of the first cars to combine French and American elegance, resulting in a very fashionable car.



The Facel Vega used a 4.5-liter Hemi V8 DeSoto Firedome engine that had 180 hp. It was paired with a two-speed automatic or four-speed manual transmission. The interior was extremely luxurious and of high quality.