Ford’s engineering influence extends far beyond its own lineup. Over the years, many unexpected cars, from exotic supercars to everyday sedans, have borrowed Ford’s powerplants for performance, reliability, or cost-effectiveness. Here are 13 surprising vehicles that packed Ford engines under their hoods.
De Tomaso Pantera
This Italian-American supercar combined sleek Italian styling with a thunderous 5.8L Ford Cleveland V8. The Pantera delivered exotic looks with American muscle car power, making it a unique blend of style and brute force. Ford even sold these mid-engine beasts through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the U.S.
Aston Martin DB7
Despite its British luxury appeal, the DB7 initially used a supercharged 3.2L inline-six derived from Ford’s architecture. Even its later 6.0L V12 had Ford connections, as it was developed from two Ford Duratec V6 engines fused together. This partnership helped Aston Martin modernize without losing its signature performance.
Lotus Cortina
The legendary Lotus Cortina was a lightweight, high-performance sedan powered by a tuned version of Ford’s 1.6L Kent engine. Developed in collaboration with Lotus, this car became a motorsport icon, winning races thanks to its nimble handling and rev-happy Ford powerplant.
TVR Tasmin (280i)
The early 1980s TVR Tasmin (also called the 280i) sourced its 2.8L Cologne V6 engine directly from Ford’s European division. While TVR later moved on to bigger and more powerful engines, this Ford-powered coupe helped the brand establish itself in the competitive sports car world. It delivered impressive performance for its size.
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AC Cobra
Before Shelby’s famous 427 Cobra took the world by storm, the original AC Cobra started with a 260 cubic-inch Ford V8. Carroll Shelby convinced AC to use Ford’s small block engine, and the rest is history, creating one of the most iconic American performance cars ever built. Its legendary status remains untouchable today.
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Volvo 260 Series
Though known for their Swedish engineering, certain Volvo 260 models used a 2.7L or 2.8L Ford Cologne V6 powerplant. This was part of a joint effort between Volvo, Peugeot, and Renault, proving that even the famously independent Volvo once relied on Ford for power. Its durability made it a practical choice.
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Morgan Aero 8
The quirky yet elegant Morgan Aero 8 originally used a 4.4L V8 supplied by BMW before switching to Ford’s 4.8L variant. This change gave the lightweight, retro-styled roadster more power and reliability while retaining its classic, old-school driving feel. Morgan’s unique craftsmanship blended well with Ford’s engineering excellence.
Marcos Mantula
The Marcos Mantula was a hand-built British sports car that used Ford’s trusty 3.5L and later 3.9L V8 powerplants for performance. These engines helped keep the Mantula lightweight, powerful, and competitive against more mainstream sports cars of its era. It remains a rare yet desirable collector’s item.
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Nissan Quest (First Generation)
In a surprising partnership, the first-generation Nissan Quest minivan used a 3.0L Ford Vulcan V6 engine under its hood. This unusual pairing was a result of Nissan’s collaboration with Ford to create a minivan for the U.S. market, sharing components with the Mercury Villager. A unique fusion of two automakers.
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TVR Griffith 500
Another Ford-powered TVR, the Griffith 500, was a lightweight British sports car with a Ford-derived 5.0L V8 under its hood. This engine gave it blistering acceleration, raw power, and a reputation for being one of TVR’s wildest creations. Its aggressive styling and performance thrilled drivers everywhere.
Gilbern Invader
A rare Welsh sports car, the Gilbern Invader, was powered by a Ford Essex V6 engine for solid performance. With its lightweight design and strong engine, the Invader delivered surprising performance while remaining one of Britain’s more obscure classic automobiles. It remains a fascinating and underrated sports car.
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Bristol Blenheim
Bristol, a small British luxury automaker, used Chrysler V8s for decades before briefly switching to Ford’s 5.0L V8 engine option. This powerful yet refined engine gave the Blenheim strong performance while maintaining its old-world grand touring charm. A luxurious blend of classic elegance and modern muscle.
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Noble M400
The Noble M400 was a lightweight, high-performance British supercar powered by a twin-turbo Ford Duratec V6 powerplant. With razor sharp handling and brutal acceleration, it became a track day favorite, proving that Ford’s engines could power true exotics. Noble’s use of Ford engines showcased their incredible potential.
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Ford’s engines have powered everything from European exotics to practical minivans, showing their versatility and global influence across industries. Whether in high-performance supercars or quirky niche vehicles, these powerplants helped shape automotive history in fascinating ways. Did any of these surprise you? Let us know which Ford powered car you’d love to drive first!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
15 Fords That Sparked Outrage And You Won’t Believe Why
Ford has built some of the most iconic cars in automotive history, but not every model was met with applause. Some sparked controversy over design choices, performance failures, or shocking marketing decisions that left fans fuming. From questionable engineering to bizarre styling, these 15 Fords caused outrage and the reasons will blow your mind!
Read it here: 15 Fords That Sparked Outrage And You Won’t Believe Why
13 Monster Engines That Push The Limits Of What’s Even Possible
Some engines redefine performance, pushing the boundaries of power, speed, and engineering brilliance. These powerplants deliver mind blowing horsepower, cutting edge technology, and durability that defies logic. Here are 13 monster engines that prove there are no limits to what’s possible.
Read it here: 13 Monster Engines That Push The Limits Of What’s Even Possible
Affordable EVs That Actually Go the Distance – 13 Best Picks
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just a luxury, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer impressive range without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter, a road trip companion, or just a solid entry into the world of EVs, you don’t have to sacrifice distance for affordability. These 13 electric cars deliver the best balance of price, efficiency, and practicality, ensuring you get the most miles for your money. Here are the top picks that prove you can go electric without spending a fortune.
Read it here: Affordable EVs That Actually Go the Distance – 13 Best Picks
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