Today, most automotive manufacturers employ such tight and efficient packaging that engine bay style rarely matters. To that end, the vast majority of cars put on the road today feature big plastic engine covers and very little that’s aesthetically pleasing under the hood. With that in mind, we want you to show us the best-looking engine bays in history.
One important caveat is that we’re looking for stock engine bays. Companies like Ring Brothers or Singer obviously know how to beautify an engine bay. What we want to see are the cars that rolled out of their original factory with something worth displaying under the hood.
The Carscoops team all chimed in on this one and here are some of their favorite choices. At the top of the list is the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. Its timeless elegance and exquisite attention to detail set a standard that still influences engine bay design in some sports cars today.
Read More: 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Becomes UK’s Most Expensive Car at £24 Million
Photo John Halas / Carscoops.com
The Lamborghini Miura followed a similar pattern with large prominent carburetors. Passengers could even see that engine working away while in the cabin. Alfa Romeo customers with a 3.2-liter V6 under the hood couldn’t see it while they were driving but it was worth popping the hood to behold its stunning chrome intake runners.
And who can forget the gold flake used in the engine bay of the McLaren F1? Apart from that bright touch, the BMW-sourced V12 itself is beautifully packaged. The huge roof-scoop intakes pair perfectly with the big exhaust system sitting just ahead of the rear bodywork.
It’s not just classic cars that deserve consideration though. The Honda S2000 is very business-like. It’s clean, concise, and the engine is set far back under the bonnet. The TVR Cerbera Speed Six takes things to another level with an almost show-car-styled engine bay. As my colleague Chris Chilton points out, “That nice flat area meant plenty of space to lay out your tools!”
The Aston Martin One 77 mixes metal and carbon fiber to leave a stunning impression. Inboard suspension components also set a precedent that this is no everyday sports car.
All in all, there are a lot of great engine bays to pick from. Did we mention your favorite? Show us your choice in the comments below.
