18 Fabulous Rear-Engined Classic Cars
Rear-engined cars have always been a fascinating segment of the automotive world, balancing quirky engineering with impressive handling—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse!
While front-engine layouts dominate today, these classics prove that putting the power in the back can make for some truly iconic (and occasionally unpredictable) rides.
From air-cooled legends to obscure oddballs, here are 18 fabulous rear-engined classics that left their mark on automotive history.
1. Volkswagen Beetle (1938-2003)
The Beetle needs no introduction—it’s the quintessential rear-engined car and one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. With its air-cooled flat-four engine tucked in the back, the Beetle was simple, rugged, and shockingly good in snow.
Whether it was a flower-powered hippie mobile or a reliable commuter car, the Beetle remains one of the most beloved rear-engined classics. Its charm extends from its unique design to the ease of maintenance, making it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts.
2. Porsche 911 (1964-Present)
Few cars have embraced rear-engine design as completely as the Porsche 911. What started as an oddball sports car in the ’60s evolved into one of the most legendary performance machines in history.
The rear-mounted flat-six gave it a unique driving experience—rewarding in the right hands, but punishing for those who underestimated its tail-happy nature. Its iconic status is reinforced by its continuous evolution and success in motorsports.
3. Renault Dauphine (1956-1967)
A stylish little European runabout, the Renault Dauphine followed the Beetle’s formula with a compact, rear-engined layout. It was never a powerhouse, but its lightweight construction and charming design made it a popular choice across Europe.
Plus, who could forget the wild Gordini performance versions? The Dauphine’s affordability and ease of repair made it accessible to the masses, cementing its place in automotive history.
4. Chevrolet Corvair (1960-1969)
Chevy’s answer to the Beetle was the only mass-produced American car to feature a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine. The Corvair was innovative and stylish, but it gained notoriety thanks to Ralph Nader’s Unsafe at Any Speed, which criticized its handling characteristics.
Still, enthusiasts today appreciate the Corvair for its unique engineering and classic American styling. Its design and engineering choices provide a unique glimpse into automotive innovation of its era.
5. Tatra 603 (1956-1975)
Czechoslovakia’s Tatra built some of the most unique rear-engined cars in history, and the 603 was no exception. With a streamlined body and a rear-mounted air-cooled V8, it was a luxurious but unconventional choice, often used by Communist officials.
If you wanted a rear-engined limousine, this was your best bet! The Tatra 603 is a testament to the innovative engineering and design of its time.
6. Fiat 500 (1957-1975)
The original Fiat 500 was Italy’s answer to the Beetle—a tiny, charming city car with an equally tiny rear-mounted engine. It had just enough power to zip through narrow European streets, and its affordability made it a hit.
Even today, classic Fiat 500s are highly sought after for their retro appeal. Its cultural impact and timeless design have made it an iconic symbol of Italian automotive history.
7. Smart Fortwo (1998-Present)
One of the more modern entries on this list, the Smart Fortwo is proof that rear-engine layouts still have a place in the world of compact cars.
Designed for ultra-efficient city driving, the Fortwo’s tiny three-cylinder engine sits in the back, maximizing interior space in the most minimal footprint.
8. NSU Prinz (1958-1973)
This German microcar brand may not be a household name today, but NSU’s Prinz series was a prime example of rear-engine efficiency. The Prinz 1000 even spawned the sporty TT and TTS models, which gave the tiny car a surprising amount of pep—earning it a reputation as a “poor man’s Porsche.”
Its legacy is celebrated by enthusiasts who admire its unique blend of performance and compactness.
9. Simca 1000 (1961-1978)
Simca took a page from Renault’s playbook with the 1000, a compact and affordable rear-engined sedan.
While not the most exciting car in standard form, it became legendary in rallying, especially in the fire-breathing Simca 1000 Rallye variants.
10. ZAZ-968 Zaporozhets (1971-1980)
If you grew up in the Soviet Union, chances are you saw plenty of these little air-cooled rear-engined oddities. Designed as an affordable people’s car, the ZAZ-968 wasn’t fast or luxurious, but it was rugged and simple enough to handle rough roads.
Its durability and simplicity made it a staple of Soviet motoring, remembered fondly by those who relied on it for daily transport.
11. Hillman Imp (1963-1976)
Britain’s answer to the rear-engined craze, the Hillman Imp was a compact, lightweight car with an aluminum engine borrowed from Coventry Climax. Though it faced reliability issues early on, the Imp was praised for its agile handling and peppy performance.
It even had a tilt-up rear window—a rare feature for its time. The Imp’s innovative features and engaging driving experience have made it a cherished classic.
12. Škoda 1000 MB (1964-1969)
Before Škoda became known for its front-engine cars, the Czech automaker was a major player in the rear-engined world. The 1000 MB was a stylish and practical sedan with an efficient rear-mounted engine, making it a hit in Eastern Europe.
Its success paved the way for a long line of rear-engined Škodas. The 1000 MB is celebrated for its innovation and contribution to Škoda’s rich automotive heritage.
13. Volkswagen Type 2 (Microbus) (1950-Present)
Possibly the most iconic van ever, the VW Microbus used the same rear-mounted, air-cooled engine as the Beetle, but in a far more practical body.
Whether it was a camper, a hippie bus, or a family hauler, this beloved van proved that a rear-engine layout could work for just about anything.
14. Renault 8 (1962-1973)
This little French sedan took the rear-engined concept and gave it a dose of sportiness, especially in the legendary Gordini models. The Renault 8 was affordable, fun to drive, and highly tunable—many still consider it one of the best compact rally cars of its era.
Its versatility and performance have cemented its status as a beloved classic among car enthusiasts.
15. BMW 700 (1959-1965)
Long before BMW became famous for its front-engine sports sedans, the company experimented with rear-mounted engines in the BMW 700.
This compact coupe and sedan helped save BMW from financial ruin and even saw success in motorsports, proving that the brand’s sporty DNA existed long before the 3 Series.
16. Porsche 356 (1948-1965)
The car that started it all for Porsche, the 356 was the brand’s first production model. With its lightweight body, rear-mounted flat-four, and excellent handling, it set the foundation for the legendary 911.
Today, classic 356 models are among the most desirable vintage Porsches. Its legacy is celebrated by collectors and fans of classic automotive design.
17. Mercedes-Benz 130 (1934-1936)
It might seem strange to see Mercedes-Benz on this list, but the brand experimented with rear-engined cars long before the Smart Fortwo. The Mercedes 130 was an early attempt at an affordable, compact car, but its odd handling characteristics kept it from being a major success.
Despite its challenges, the 130 represents an important chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s innovation journey.
18. Tucker 48 (1948)
One of the most ambitious cars ever made, the Tucker 48 was a revolutionary rear-engined sedan with cutting-edge safety features. Powered by a rear-mounted flat-six, it was ahead of its time, but only 51 units were built before the company folded under controversial circumstances.
Nowadays, the Tucker 48 is one of the most valuable collector cars in the world, celebrated for its innovation and rarity.