When Eight was Great: 15 Straight-Eight Cars That Ruled the Roadways

Introduced in the early 1920s, Straight Eight engines dominated the luxury car market for over three decades. Known for their smooth operation and impressive torque, Straight Eights were favored by manufacturers like Packard, Duesenberg, and Bugatti.¹

These engines represented the pinnacle of automotive technology in their time, offering a perfect balance of power and refinement. Although eventually superseded by more compact V8 designs, the Straight Eight has made its mark on automotive history.

Here are 15 of the most iconic cars that harnessed the power and prestige of these magnificent engines.

1. Duesenberg Model J

The Duesenberg Model J was the pinnacle of American luxury and performance in the 1930s. Its massive 420 cubic inch straight-eight engine produced an impressive 265 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful cars of its time.

Best features:

• 420 cubic inch straight-eight engine
• 265 horsepower output
• Top speed of over 115 mph
• Custom coachwork options

2. Packard Eight

Packard’s straight-eight engine had an impressive 30-year production run, powering some of the most elegant American cars from 1924 to 1954. The Packard Eight was known for its smooth operation and reliability.

Best features:

• Long-running production from 1924 to 1954
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Various displacements available
• Powered luxury models like the Super Eight

3. Bugatti Type 41 Royale

The Bugatti Type 41 Royale was an ultra-exclusive luxury car with a massive 12.7-liter straight-eight engine. Only six were ever built, making it one of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world.

Best features:

• 12.7-liter straight-eight engine
• 300 horsepower output
• Extremely rare with only six produced
• Luxurious and imposing design

4. Alfa Romeo 8C 2900

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 was a racing legend that dominated motorsports in the late 1930s. Its 2.9-liter straight-eight engine featured dual overhead camshafts and a supercharger, producing around 180 horsepower.

Best features:

• 2.9-liter supercharged straight-eight
• Dual overhead camshaft design
• Successful racing pedigree
• Stunning Italian styling

5. Pontiac Silver Streak

Pontiac’s Silver Streak models of the 1940s and early 1950s were powered by reliable and smooth-running straight-eight engines. These engines ranged from 239 to 268 cubic inches in displacement.

Best features:

• Displacements from 239 to 268 cubic inches
• Smooth and reliable operation
• Distinctive Silver Streak styling
• Popular choice for hot rodders

6. Rolls-Royce Phantom III

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III was the only V12-powered Rolls-Royce until 1998, but its predecessor, the Phantom II, used a formidable 7.7-liter straight-eight engine. This engine provided the silent, smooth power expected of a Rolls-Royce.

Best features:

• 7.7-liter straight-eight engine
• Exceptionally smooth and quiet operation
• Powered the pinnacle of British luxury
• Hand-built craftsmanship

7. Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8

The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8, introduced in 1919, is often credited as the first production car to use a straight-eight engine. This Italian luxury car was a favorite among Hollywood stars and wealthy enthusiasts.

Best features:

• Pioneer of the straight-eight configuration
• 5.9-liter engine in early models
• Later versions up to 7.4 liters
• Favored by celebrities and royalty

8. Buick Roadmaster

Buick’s Roadmaster, introduced in 1936, was powered by a smooth and powerful straight-eight engine. The Roadmaster was Buick’s flagship model and represented the pinnacle of the brand’s engineering.

Best features:

• 320 cubic inch straight-eight engine
• Up to 165 horsepower in later models
• Dynaflow automatic transmission option
• Luxurious interior appointments

9. Mercedes-Benz W196

The Mercedes-Benz W196 was a Formula One racing car that dominated the 1954 and 1955 seasons. Its 2.5-liter straight-eight engine featured desmodromic valves and fuel injection, producing up to 340 horsepower.

Best features:

• 2.5-liter straight-eight racing engine
• Desmodromic valve system
• Mechanical fuel injection
• Two F1 World Championships

10. Auburn 851 Speedster

The Auburn 851 Speedster was a stunning American sports car of the 1930s. Its Lycoming-built 4.6-liter straight-eight engine was supercharged, producing 150 horsepower and enabling a top speed of over 100 mph.

Best features:

• 4.6-liter supercharged straight-eight
• 150 horsepower output
• Iconic boat-tail speedster design
• Columbia dual-ratio rear axle

11. Chrysler Imperial

Chrysler’s top-of-the-line Imperial models of the 1930s were powered by smooth and powerful straight-eight engines. These engines ranged from 299 to 385 cubic inches in displacement, providing effortless performance.

Best features:

• Displacements up to 385 cubic inches
• Hydraulic valve lifters for quiet operation
• Fluid Drive semi-automatic transmission
• Luxurious appointments

12. Cord 810/812

The revolutionary Cord 810 and 812 models featured a Lycoming-built 288 cubic inch straight-eight engine. This engine, combined with front-wheel drive and a pre-selector transmission, made the Cord a technological marvel.

Best features:

• 288 cubic inch Lycoming straight-eight
• Front-wheel drive configuration
• Pre-selector transmission
• Hidden headlights and streamlined design

13. Daimler DE36

The Daimler DE36 was a large British luxury car produced after World War II. Its 5.4-liter straight-eight engine provided smooth, silent power befitting a car often used for state occasions.

Best features:

• 5.4-liter straight-eight engine
• Fluid flywheel transmission
• Often used for royal and state duties
• Coachbuilt bodies by various manufacturers

14. Marmon Sixteen

While famous for its V16 engine, Marmon also produced excellent straight-eight-powered cars. The Marmon Big Eight of the early 1930s featured a 5.0-liter straight-eight engine that produced 125 horsepower.

Best features:

• 5.0-liter straight-eight engine
• 125 horsepower output
• Advanced aluminum construction
• High-quality engineering and materials

15. Pierce-Arrow Model 51

Pierce-Arrow was known for its powerful and refined straight-eight engines. The Model 51 of the early 1930s featured a 366 cubic inch straight-eight that produced 132 horsepower, providing effortless performance.

Best features:

• 366 cubic inch straight-eight engine
• 132 horsepower output
• Vacuum-assisted clutch
• Fender-mounted headlights

These 15 iconic cars represent the pinnacle of engineering and luxury from a bygone age. While modern V8s and other configurations have since taken center stage, the Straight Eight’s impact on automotive design and culture cannot be overstated.

Source:

1. The University of Chicago Press