European cars are known for being among the classiest and sportiest cars on the market. For over a century, European carmakers have released some of most technologically advanced vehicles ever made. As a matter of fact, the very first hybrid vehicle was made by Porsche back in the early 1900s. Needless to say, several European oldies have reached the status of classics over time.
Though it has been argued that classic sports cars should never be modified, the urge to turn a classic vehicle into a modernized one is oftentimes irresistible. Some of these modified classic European sports cars are actually stunning. They look far better than if they had been left in their original condition.
10 Porsche 356 Outlaw
It is quite common that people with a limited interest in wonderful cars believe that Porsche only makes 911s. They could not be any farther away from the truth. During the 1950s, Porsche released its iconic 356, which also happened to be one of James Dean's favorite cars.
This is the sort of Porsche 356 Outlaw gearheads love. Clearly being a kit car, the car was given a very classy treatment, which includes much larger rims and a full aftermarket exhaust system that ends with two double exhaust tips. The racing stripes also add a layer of aggressiveness, while keeping the car's overall classic look.
9 Lamborghini Espada
When Lamborghini started producing its cars back in the early 1960s, it was clear that the company was directly rivaling Ferrari. Though supercar manufacturers are plentiful, there are very few out there that have achieved what Ferrari has. After less than a century on the market, Lamborghini has been recognized as the maker of some of the best supercars on the market.
There are times when tuners get so creative that it becomes almost impossible to recognize a given car. This is the Lamborghini Espada Rat Rod. Unlike most rat-style vehicles, this Espada does not look like it belongs in the trash bin. However, it is quite hard to tell if this car truly is a Lamborghini.
8 BMW M1
BMW is best known for its insane M-Series cars. They are unarguably some of the best affordable sports cars out there. Though their affordability is relative, they are nonetheless some insane vehicles capable of scaring some of the most reputable muscle cars and supercars.
The BMW M1 is an extremely rare vehicle. As roughly 500 units were ever made, it is quite difficult to get a hold of an M1. However, Canepa, the company in charge of creating this amazing Procar-like M1, claimed that production numbers are not exactly correct. What is sure is that this M1 Procar will sell for anywhere between $800,000 and $1million.
7 Ferrari Testarossa
Ferrari is by far one of the most recognizable car brands in the world. Thanks to multiple successes in professional racing over a seventy-year period, the Italian carmaker was able to position itself as a very exclusive automobile manufacturer. Unlike other sports cars, Ferraris are more often than not likely to increase in value.
The Ferrari Testarossa is one of the best-known Ferrari cars ever made. In fact, as 10,000 units were produced in total, the Testarossa is the most mass-produced Ferrari ever. Consequently, modifying one of them is not the end of the world. This Japanese Testarossa was given a very Nippon treatment: lowered to the max, with negative cambered wheels.
6 Audi Sport Quattro
The 1980s were the best decade for German carmakers. While the vast majority of muscle cars were simply awful, German carmakers came out with insane vehicles such as the Hammer, the E30 M3, and the Sport Quattro. Today, these cars are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This Sport Quattro does not seem drastically modified at first glance. The car did receive some aftermarket rims and is completely blacked-out. The masterpiece lays under the hood. The original engine was replaced by another Audi engine from a '96 S6. Thanks to a plethora of modifications, this Sport Quattro now develops 500 hp.
5 Jaguar MK2
British sports cars are not as popular as other sports cars as they can be a bit odd. The most common oddity with these cars is their price and what it costs to maintain them. Similar cars coming from Germany or the US are far cheaper to purchase and maintain.
The back information on this Jaguar MK2 is unfortunately not available. However, the car received a treatment that is very similar to what is currently being done in Japan. Despite all the modifications made to the car, this MK2 kept a very British feel. It is fair to say that hipsters with a thing for classic cars may want to look into something like this.
4 Porsche 911 RSR Outlaw
Porsche is hands down the high-end German car manufacturer out there. Though other notorious German brands are producing some very luxurious sports cars, they do not equal Porsche in any way, shape, or form. Over the decades, Porsche perfected the art of manufacturing smaller cars with very powerful engines.
This is the sort of modified Porsche that produces crazy amounts of power. This classic '77 911 was modified inside and out. The 3.0L flat-six engine was increased to 3.5L, thus allowing it to produce 297 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The huge back wheels are the telltale sign that the almost 300 hp are a bit much for this oldie.
3 Lamborghini Countach
It often said that Lamborghini's best car was the Diablo. Though it is fair to say that the Diablo will remain one of the greatest cars ever produced by Lamborghini, the Countach was nonetheless one of the most iconic cars of the 1980s. The car was always perceived as a sign of success, so much so that it was featured in the movie Wolf Of Wall Street.
This Countach is based in Lebanon. It is quite unclear whether it received any serious mechanical modification. However, its owner went for a paint job that surely was not done by Lamborghini. The aftermarket rims also received the same treatment. It is not the craziest Countach out there, but it sure does look good.
2 BMW E30 M3
The 1980s were definitely a very decisive decade for German carmakers. As far as BMW is concerned, its M subsidiary went from being a mere couple of cubicles to a solid entity. The car that truly made the M-Series an emblem is the E30 M3. Until today, the car is perceived as the mother of all M3s.
This UK-based E30 M3 is a pure gem. The car is beautifully lowered and fitted with some exquisite OZ rims. The real masterpiece is the engine. The original four-cylinder engine that produced 197 hp was replaced by a much more potent powerplant. The inline-six now lodged under the hood develops 343 hp, which is quite a lot for the first M3.
1 Ferrari 328 GTS
We live in a world made of very different people. In the automotive scene, there is a group labeled as the "purists." They simply cannot accept the fact that classic cars can be modified and equipped with some of the latest technological advances. Thankfully, the vast majority of gearheads out there can appreciate good work, unlike purists.
When this widebody Ferrari 328 GTs rolled in at SEMA, most spectators were in awe. The car simply is gorgeous. It was also fitted with some of the latest modifications available out there. On top of getting a wide-body, the car received a lowering kit and a really loud exhaust system. It is safe to say that this 328 GTS will pave the way for more modified classic Ferraris.