Section
The history of how engines got here, and the cars and races that made them famous. Contains carburetors.
Nils Bohlin got the three-point belt right at Volvo in 1959. Volvo let every carmaker use it, and estimates it has saved more than a million lives.
Photo: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (public domain dedication)
In 1965 NASCAR barred engines you could not buy. In 1966 you could buy a 426 HEMI in a Belvedere, Coronet or Charger.
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
One sliding door for a dozen model years, a flat floor from front-wheel drive, and a Michigan family’s softball shuttle.
Photo: lostplanetcomics1 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
A British roadster, an American V8, one car repainted again and again so the world would think production was already rolling.
Photo: Sicnag via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
What 350 means, why the Camaro got it before the Corvette, and why GM just brought it back for 2027 pickups.
Photo: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0
A former Chevy boss, a former Corvette designer, a 5.0-liter rulebook and a red Coca-Cola race car that won 101 of 151 starts.
Photo: sv1ambo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Engine No. 1 at The Henry Ford: 221 cubic inches, 65 hp, cast as one piece, and cheap enough to start under $500.
Photo: Stephen Foskett (sfoskett) via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
A pointed nose, a very tall wing, a 426 Hemi and 200.447 mph. The Charger Daytona’s record lap, March 24, 1970.
Photo: BWard 1997 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Four rotors, 700 hp, 362 laps and a rule change that made 1991 the final exam. Still the only rotary to win Le Mans.
Photo: Aos.1905 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0