Rare Lesser-Known Models
Walk into any car meet and you'll see the same famous models getting all the attention from crowds. Meanwhile, there's a whole universe of limited production vehicles that barely registered with the public despite standing out like a sore thumb. They exist in old magazines and private collections, but nowhere in public consciousness anymore. Here are limited edition cars so deeply obscure that bringing them up in conversation would probably catch even serious gearheads off guard.
Analogue Kid at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
1. Chrysler Imperial Frank Sinatra Edition (1981–1982)
The Chrysler Imperial Frank Sinatra Edition is pure Hollywood glam on wheels. Produced in the early ’80s, this luxury coupe came exclusively in Glacier Blue Crystal, reportedly matching Sinatra’s eyes. Frank himself drove the first one off the line—a gift from Chrysler president Lee Iacocca.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
2. Jaguar XJ220S (1993–1994)
Tom Walkinshaw Racing transformed the Jaguar XJ220 into the XJ220S, a leaner and faster machine for the track. Its upgraded power and lighter frame appealed to elite buyers. Production stayed tiny, which leaves it among the most exclusive Jaguars ever made.
3. BMW Z3 Neiman Marcus 007 Edition (1996)
Created for GoldenEye’s debut, the BMW Z3 Neiman Marcus 007 Edition turned movie glamour into something real. Neiman Marcus sold it through its holiday catalog, complete with Bond-themed extras and 007 branding that transformed a roadster into a collector’s dream.
4. Lincoln Town Car Jack Nicklaus Signature Series (1992–1997)
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus got his own ride in the early ’90s with the Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. This luxury sedan sported subtle golf-inspired trims and unique exterior badges, celebrating Nicklaus’ career. Its limited production makes it a rare collector’s gem, perfectly blending understated luxury with sports legacy.
5. Fiat Seicento Sporting Michael Schumacher Edition (2000)
Fiat injected racing heritage into the Seicento Sporting with a Schumacher-branded edition. Suspension tweaks sharpened handling, while custom decals paid homage to the driver’s Formula 1 dominance. Each European-market car arrived with a signed certificate that marked it as a true collector’s piece.
6. Ford Ka Lufthansa Edition (1997–1998)
Only airline staff in Germany could buy the Ford Ka Lufthansa Edition, a cheerful tribute to Lufthansa’s brand. With its vibrant color scheme and matching cabin trim, this rare Ka turned heads as one of the most unusual city cars ever built.
7. Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition (2008)
Blending hip-hop personality with rugged practicality, the Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition reimagined Ford’s SUV for a different crowd. Custom graphics and a tuned sound system gave it an edge, while limited numbers made it an instant favorite among collectors and music fans.
8. BMW M3 E46 GTR (2001)
Few cars capture performance obsession like the BMW M3 E46 GTR. Originally built for racing, it ran a screaming V8 and a lean, aerodynamic frame. Just ten street versions exist, securing its reputation as one of BMW’s rarest achievements.
9. Ford Escort ZX2 S/R (1999–2000)
In the late ’90s, Ford took a risk on fun and nailed it. The Escort ZX2 S/R ditched commuter blandness for rally-inspired suspension tuning and exclusive badging. Lightweight and quick to respond, it became the kind of car that enthusiasts still talk about over coffee.
10. Ford Tempo AWD Coupe (1989)
The Ford Tempo AWD Coupe was a trailblazer in all-wheel-drive compacts during the mid-1980s. Developed in partnership with Ferguson Research, it offered year-round capability for drivers craving grip and stability. Its rarity and pioneering AWD system make it a fascinating piece of automotive history.
11. Ford Pinto Rallye Cruising Wagon (1977)
In an era of boxy wagons, the Ford Pinto Rallye Cruising Wagon added spirit. Its bright graphics and sport-inspired details appealed to drivers craving fun over formality. Ford showed that even a wagon could capture the decade’s bold energy.
Ford 1977 Pinto Wagon by Tonys Car Parts
12. Dodge Monaco SS (1970)
In the early 1970s, Dodge gave the Monaco an edge with the SS trim. A potent V8 sat under the hood, matched by upgraded suspension and striking color choices. The result was a car built to perform as fiercely as it looked.
13. Chrysler LeBaron LS Coupe (1987)
Chrysler’s LeBaron LS Coupe kept the luxury dream alive when tastes were shifting. Its stylish curves and comfortable interior reminded buyers that driving could still feel indulgent. Today, it stands as a graceful tribute to an era that prized personal refinement.
14. Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition (1970)
The Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition in 1970 was a performance sedan that dared to combine luxury with a Hurst-shifted manual transmission. Its 440 cubic inch V8 roared under the hood, while a striking gold-and-black paint scheme ensured everyone knew it was no ordinary Chrysler.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
15. Volkswagen Golf Harlequin (1996)
The Golf Harlequin flipped conventional car design upside down. Volkswagen’s decision to use four contrasting colors on each model created instant conversation wherever it went. What started as a fun concept evolved into a cultural icon of 1990s creativity.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
16. BMW i8 Memphis Style (2017)
Art met engineering in the BMW i8 Memphis Style, a one-off concept collaboration with the Memphis Design Group. Its bold geometric paint and custom interior transformed the i8 into a gallery-worthy car. Displayed at major auto shows, it was never meant for production, leaving it as a rare collector’s art-meets-automobile masterpiece.
17. Honda NSX-R GT (2005)
The Honda NSX-R GT took the NSX to track-ready perfection. With lightweight construction, aerodynamic enhancements, and a finely tuned engine, it was essentially a road-legal race car. Produced in extremely limited numbers, each NSX-R GT gave enthusiasts the thrill of GT competition right on public roads.
18. Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package (2012)
Track-inspired design guided every inch of the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package. Only 50 cars were built, each tuned for sharper handling and extra speed. Named after Germany’s most demanding circuit, it became one of Lexus’s most admired engineering achievements.
Autoviva from Portugal on Wikimedia
19. Subaru Impreza 22B STI (1998)
Subaru’s 22B STI turned rally dominance into road-ready perfection. Its turbo 2.2-liter engine and symmetrical AWD created unmatched control, while limited production and hand-built quality made it a legend—a rare machine that still defines the heart of Subaru performance.
20. McLaren 570S Spider Canada Commission (2018)
For Canadian collectors, the McLaren 570S Spider Canada Commission delivered luxury at its most personal. Custom finishes and exclusive details defined each build. Produced in small numbers with local dealer collaboration, it turned the already rare Spider into a national showpiece.
We deliver the first McLaren 570S Spider Canada Commission by Pfaff Automotive
