The most successful example of this concept is the AC/Shelby Cobra. In the early 1960s, Carroll Shelby took a British roadster, the AC Ace, and dropped a 260 cubic inch Ford V8 into it. The result was the birth of the legendary Shelby Cobra, which dominated the sports car racing scene. Today, original Cobras exchange hands for prices ranging from the high six-figures up into millions of dollars.
In the spirit of hot rod engine transplants, here are five cars, I would love to perform surgery on. I doubt any of these cars would fetch Cobra money, but they would be fun to own.
1. The 1963-65 Buick Riviera. The first generation Riviera is one of the best designs to come out of Detroit. Styled by Bill Mitchell, it was his interpretation of what would happen if you crossed a Ferrari with a Rolls Royce. The original car had either a 401 or 425 cubic inch Buick Nailhead V8, which provided decent power for its time. But today's minivan has more power and would embarrass the Riviera at the drag strip. However, if you dropped in a modern GM crate motor and transmission, you could easily rectify the situation.
2. The Jensen Interceptor. Originally matched with a Mopar 383 or 440 V8 and three speed automatic, I can't help wonder what this car would be like with the modern Hemi and a six speed manual. Or would a powertrain from a Viper fit? Either way, an updated Interceptor would give a modern Aston Martin a run for its money, while being much cooler to drive.
3. Ponitac Fiero GT. GM finally got the Fiero right... and then they cancelled it. I wonder what it would be like if you dropped in a V6 from a Toyota Camry. The idea really isn't that far fetched--Toyota and GM collaborated for years on cars like the Toyota Corolla/Geo Prisim and more recently the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Plus, if the Camry's V6 is good enough for the new Lotus Evora, it should be good for the Fiero.
4. Fiat X1/9. A mid-engine car and contemporary to the Pontiac Fiero, the X1/9 was largely dismissed as a hair-dresser's car because it was grossly underpowered. But it looks exotic, which is no suprise since the car was penned by Marcello Gandini, who also designed the Lancia Stratos, Lamborghini Miura, and Lamborghini Countach. All it really needs is more power--something in the form of a modern Fiat Abarth powertrain, or one of any number of Honda/Acura four cylinder engines.
5. Delorean. The weak link in any Delorean is its under-powered Renault V6, which is ironic because John Delorean made his name as the father of the original Pontiac GTO. Today Deloreans are prized for their originality, so it would be a sacrilege to replace the engine. But that doesn't stop me from dreaming what a small block Chevy V8, or even something as exotic as a Ferrari V8 out of a wrecked F355 would do for the car's performance.
