Image credit: Greg Gjerdingen https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55263929
Before turbochargers, hybrid systems, and emissions tech became the norm, there was a glorious era when power was measured in litres, not algorithms. Back then, if you wanted more speed, you didn’t flash a software update you bolted in a bigger block. The mantra was simple:
“The bigger the engine, the bigger the grin.”
In the golden age of motoring, production cars proudly carried massive V8s, V12s, and even a few V10s often in the 6.0 to 8.0-litre range. They weren’t just machines; they were rolling monuments to excess and engineering bravery. Each one had a voice a deep, mechanical growl that no speaker system could fake.
From elegant American cruisers to hand-built British bruisers and outrageous Italian supercars, these icons weren’t built to blend in. And in the UAE where long stretches of open road invite spirited driving these cars have found a perfect second life.
Let’s rewind to some of the greatest large-engined legends ever built.
1 – Continental MkII: American Luxury with a 6.0-litre Heart
Image credit: Rex Gray from Southern California https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23405957
If James Bond had been American, he might have driven this.
The Continental MkII was Ford’s statement that America could build a car to rival Rolls-Royce. Dropping the “Lincoln” badge for pure prestige, the MkII arrived in 1956 with hand-finished craftsmanship that bordered on obsessive.
Under the long, sculpted hood lay the biggest Lincoln Y-block V8 6030cc of smooth, dignified power. It wasn’t the fastest, but it cruised at highway speeds with effortless grace, all while cocooning you in fine leather, thick carpet, and real chrome trim.
Fun Fact: In 1956, this car cost more than the average American house.
2 – McLaren F1: The Ultimate 6.1-litre Supercar
Image credit: Chelsea Jay https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81984018
The McLaren F1 wasn’t just a car it was a moon landing on four wheels. Gordon Murray, its designer, wanted the perfect driver’s car. BMW built the beating heart: the S70/2 V12, producing 618 hp without a single turbocharger.
Gold foil lined the engine bay to reflect heat. The driver sat in the center of the cockpit, flanked by two passenger seats. And when tested, the F1 hit 386.4 km/h a record for a naturally aspirated car that stood for over a decade.
In Dubai’s late-night car meets, mentioning “F1” still sparks reverent nods. Only 106 were ever built and every single one is now worth millions.
3 – Bentley Turbo R: British Muscle in a Tailored Suit
Image credit: Ed Callow https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14690665
On the surface, the Bentley Turbo R looked like a stately gentleman’s express. But under that formal, three-piece-suit exterior lurked a turbocharged 6.75-litre L-series V8 a blunt instrument of torque that could launch this heavyweight saloon into the fast lane without breaking a sweat.
It was Bentley’s way of saying: “We can do luxury… but we can also do fast.”
The Turbo R became a hit with wealthy buyers who wanted Rolls-Royce comfort but also the ability to leave lesser traffic far behind on the open road or on the E11 Sheikh Zayed Highway.
4 – Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9: The Autobahn King
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In the mid-1970s, Mercedes took the already prestigious S-Class and gave it an M100 V8, enlarged from 6.3 to a mighty 6.834 litres. The result? The 450SEL 6.9 a limousine that could cruise at over 225 km/h all day long on the German autobahn.
It had self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension for a magic carpet ride and the kind of build quality that made it nearly indestructible. In an era of fuel crises, it was a glorious middle finger to restraint.
Today, collectors in the UAE prize them for their combination of old-school mechanical power and timeless prestige.
5 – Buick Wildcat: The 7.0-litre Nailhead Beast
Image credit: Mr.choppers https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109994108
The Buick Wildcat was Detroit’s idea of a muscle car for people who still wanted plush seats and power steering. Its “Nailhead” V8 just under 7 litres wasn’t subtle, delivering endless torque with a deep rumble that could be felt through the floorboards.
It was the kind of car that could take a Dubai desert road in a single, lazy sweep never breaking a sweat.
6 – Lister Storm: British Brute with a 7.0-litre V12
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Few road cars feel as raw as the Lister Storm. Powered by a heavily modified Jaguar V12, it was built for one reason: to win races. Only four road-legal versions were made, making it one of the rarest production cars in history.
Its wide stance, aggressive aerodynamics, and 0–100 km/h in 4 seconds made it a giant among giants.
7 – Dodge Charger & the 7.2-litre RB V8
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While the HEMI gets the glory, the 7.2-litre RB V8 was the real workhorse of the Charger lineup. With a wall of torque, it powered everything from NASCAR builds to police interceptors.
Paired with the Charger’s iconic fastback shape, it became a symbol of American street muscle.
8 – Jensen Interceptor: Anglo-American Fusion
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The Jensen Interceptor was a stylish British GT powered by Chrysler’s 7.2-litre big-block V8. It was fast, luxurious, and featured one of the coolest rear windows in car history a massive wraparound hatch.
It was thirsty, sure, but on a Dubai–Abu Dhabi run, you’d forgive it for the soundtrack alone.
9 – Corvette C3 & the 7.4-litre Big Block
Image credit: Alexander Migl https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93084948
In the early ’70s, the Corvette C3 went full brute force with the 7.4-litre big-block V8. It looked like a shark and went like one too, especially on the long straights.
Collectors in the UAE love these for their raw simplicity: big engine, low body, and endless character.
Conclusion
It was as subtle as a sledgehammer and twice as dangerous if you got it wrong. In the UAE, it’s the kind of car you still see parked outside Jumeirah cafes a reminder that some legends never go out of style.
In a place like the UAE, where smooth highways meet endless desert and mountain passes, these big-engined classics are more than nostalgia they’re perfectly suited to the landscape. Whether it’s a Bentley Turbo R gliding down Sheikh Zayed Road or a Dodge Charger roaring through the Liwa Desert, they remind us of an age when engines were measured in litres and dreams were measured in cylinders
At MotorHub, we live and breathe automotive passion — from rare classics to the latest supercar tech. Whether you’re a collector chasing a piece of motoring history, a driver looking to experience raw mechanical power, or simply a fan of great cars, we bring you the stories, specs, and secrets that fuel the culture. Here in the UAE, where every road is an invitation, MotorHub is your pit stop for everything on wheels. Drive the legend. Live the drive.
