European automakers are known for precision engineering, elegant styling, and refined performance. But sometimes, they turn to the brute force of American V8s to add raw power and reliability to their creations. The result? A perfect blend of European sophistication and American muscle. Here are 12 epic European cars that packed the heart of a U.S. built V8.
AC Cobra
The AC Cobra is one of the most legendary Anglo-American hybrids ever built. British manufacturer AC Cars supplied the lightweight chassis, while Carroll Shelby stuffed in a Ford V8 first a 260 cubic-inch unit, then the monstrous 427. The result was a brutally fast, tire-shredding roadster that dominated both the streets and the track.
De Tomaso Pantera
The De Tomaso Pantera blended sleek Italian design with a 5.8 liter Ford Cleveland V8, making it one of the most exotic muscle cars ever built. Unlike many Italian supercars of its era, the Pantera was relatively affordable and easy to maintain thanks to its American powerplant. Even Elvis Presley owned one, after famously shooting it when it wouldn’t start.
Iso Grifo
This grand tourer combined elegant Italian styling with the heart of a Corvette. Early models featured a 5.4 liter Chevrolet V8, while later versions packed the monstrous 7.0 liter big-block from the Corvette 427. The result? A luxurious yet blisteringly fast GT that could cruise effortlessly at high speeds with ease.
Jensen Interceptor
The Jensen Interceptor was a British GT car with an aggressive American twist. Powered by Chrysler’s legendary 383 and 440 cubic-inch V8s, it delivered effortless speed and a deep, rumbling exhaust note. It may have looked refined on the outside, but under the hood, it was all muscle and pure unfiltered power.
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Facel Vega HK500
France isn’t known for muscle cars, but the Facel Vega HK500 came close. This elegant coupe packed a 6.3 liter Chrysler V8, making it one of the fastest GT cars of the late 1950s. It was a favorite among celebrities and aristocrats, proving that brute power, luxury, and style could go hand in hand.
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Monteverdi Hai 450 SS
Swiss automaker Monteverdi took the exotic car world by storm with the Hai 450 SS, a mid-engine supercar powered by Chrysler’s 7.0 liter Hemi V8. With 450 horsepower and a top speed of 174 mph, it had the performance to match its striking looks. Sadly, only a handful were ever built, making it incredibly rare.
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Bizzarrini 5300 GT
Giotto Bizzarrini, the mastermind behind the Ferrari 250 GTO, created this stunning Italian GT with an American heart. The 5300 GT used a 5.4 liter Chevrolet small block V8, offering both reliability and serious performance. It was a race car for the road, blending Italian craftsmanship, power, and undeniable beauty seamlessly.
Bristol Fighter
This British supercar was a rare blend of luxury and performance, featuring an 8.0 liter V10 from the Dodge Viper in its later versions. But before that, Bristol used Chrysler’s 5.9 liter and 6.4 liter V8s to power its elegant grand tourers. The result was a refined but brutally fast machine, engineered for true performance.
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Bitter CD
This German GT coupe took inspiration from Ferrari and Maserati but relied on American muscle for its power. Under the hood sat a 5.4 liter Chevrolet V8, providing effortless performance and reliability. Though relatively unknown, the Bitter CD was a stylish alternative to more expensive European exotics.
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Opel Diplomat V8 Coupé
Opel is best known for sensible cars, but the Diplomat V8 Coupé was anything but ordinary. This German luxury coupe featured a Corvette sourced V8, making it one of the most powerful and prestigious cars Opel ever built. With its smooth ride, muscular performance, and refined styling, it stood out effortlessly.
TVR Griffith 500
TVR was known for its wild, lightweight sports cars, and the Griffith 500 was no exception. While TVR usually used European engines, this model packed a Ford 289 V8, making it a true Anglo-American hybrid with thrilling performance. Its raw, unfiltered driving experience made it an adrenaline fueled masterpiece.
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AC 428 Frua
A lesser-known sibling of the AC Cobra, the AC 428 Frua combined British engineering, Italian styling by Pietro Frua, and an American Ford big-block V8. The result was a stunning, high-performance GT car that blended the best of three worlds. Sleek, powerful, and rare, it remains a hidden automotive treasure.
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From sleek grand tourers to fire breathing supercars, these European machines proved that American V8s could inject serious power, reliability, and character into the most elegant designs. Whether you prefer refined luxury or raw muscle, these hybrids offered the best of both worlds. Which one stands out as your ultimate favorite?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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