What iconic cars were powered by inline-six engines? Seven well-documented examples span lightweight touring-car specials, mid-engine supercars, grand tourers and affordable sports cars. Here, “inline-six” and “straight-six” mean the same cylinder arrangement; the exact generation and market matter, because a model name alone does not guarantee the same engine everywhere.
Which iconic cars had inline-six engines?
The available manufacturer histories substantiate seven cars—not ten. Rather than pad the list with unverified examples, these entries identify the relevant generation or version and distinguish road-car specifications from racing or market-specific variants.
1. BMW 3.0 CSL: a lightweight coupe built for touring-car competition
BMW expands CSL as “Coupé, Sport, Leichtbau,” or “Coupe, Sport, Lightweight.” Developed as a road-going base for touring-car competition, the 3.0 CSL’s final historical road-car version used a 3,153 cc straight-six rated at 206 hp. Those are road-car figures; competition CSLs had different specifications. BMW reports that the racing CSL won the European Touring Car Championship in its inaugural 1973 season and five more times from 1975 through 1979. BMW Group PressClub: “The BMW 3.0 CSL”
2. BMW M1: a mid-engine car with a straight-six
The M1 is a reminder that an inline-six does not dictate a front-engine layout. BMW Motorsport selected an inline-six for this mid-engine sports car; production began in 1978, and BMW reports 277 hp for its engine. The configuration is specific to the M1, not a claim about every BMW M car across all eras. BMW Group PressClub USA: “Icons for Connoisseurs — Thirty Years of the BMW M1”
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- GET HANDS ON with Inline 6 engine model kit that works for adults and kids alike. Engage young minds into STEM with a working replica of a classic 6-cylinder internal combustion car engine and 4-stroke cycke, while adults enjoy the rewarding experience of building their own small Inline 6 engine kit that runs like a dream.
- REALISTIC MODEL THAT WORKS: Following our top bestseller V8 Engine, you can now deliver the action of a classic car engine with powerful pistons and interactive cables through our new Inline 6 mini engine! Watch the motor fans turn on with real engine sounds from your visible Inline 6 engine model kit, making it a perfect STEM toy for curious minds seeking a fun blend of education and entertainment.
- FUEL THE FUN: Our complete toy Inline 6 engine assembly kit provides hours of fun as you tinker with cranks, pulleys, belts, and exhaust valves, bringing this miniature engine kit to life before your very eyes! Conquer long boring days with a mini Inline 6 engine kit that runs.
- CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: Supercharge your critical thinking skills with our mini engine build kit! Expand your creativity, think logically, and refine your motor skills as you build a model Inline 6 engine kit all while having fun. Get ready for a brain-boosting build challenge that works wonders!
- POPULAR GIFT THAT INSPIRES: Make the world of STEM amazing with our DIY engine kits for adults, teens, young boys and girls! Whether it's for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, Playz Inline 6 engine kit will keep them captivated as they build and operate their own engine from start to finish.
3. Jaguar E-Type: an XK-derived six-cylinder grand tourer
Jaguar presented the E-Type in Geneva on March 15, 1961. At launch, its 3.8-litre straight-six produced 265 bhp and 260 lb-ft, according to Jaguar. The company says the E-Type remained in production for 14 years and sold more than 70,000 cars. Jaguar also describes it as the fastest production car at launch; that superlative is the company’s historical claim, not an independently established comparison across every market and measurement convention. Jaguar attributes the phrase “the most beautiful car in the world” to Enzo Ferrari. Jaguar Media Newsroom: “Jaguar Celebrates 50 Years of Iconic E-type”
4. Toyota Supra: a nameplate with generation- and market-specific engines
Toyota traces the Supra to a Celica-based first generation introduced in 1979. That car’s 2.6-litre inline-six was Toyota’s first production engine with electronic fuel injection, according to the company. The fourth generation was sold in the United States from 1993 to 1998 and in Japan through 2002. Toyota’s history also identifies a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six in the 2020 Supra. These examples illustrate why the generation and market should accompany any Supra engine description. Toyota USA Newsroom: “Toyota Supra: An Icon A Half-Century in the Making”
Rank #2
- [Aircraft Carrier Engine Model]: The Mould King 10209 building set accurately recreates the mechanical structure of the inline 6-cylinder engine, the core of an aircraft carrier's power. Equipped with a motor and battery box, it dynamically simulates the operating principles of a real engine.
- [Adjustable Speed Design]: The model kit is equipped with a lever that can adjust four speeds. Users can easily control the engine speed through the push rod, observe the linkage between piston movement and transmission system.
- [Detailed Instructions Included]: The building set contains 3222+ blocks organized into numbered step-by-step packages to simplify the building process. With detailed 3D illustrated instructions, even beginners can confidently assemble complex mechanical structures.
- [Desktop Collection]: This model kit can be put on your desktop as a decoration after assembly, adding a unique mechanical art to your space, making your desktop a focal point for building blocks and machinery lovers.
- [Advanced Collector Gift]: The Mould King engine building sets are packed in a high-quality colorful gift box with a elegant design, making it an ideal choice for gifts. Whether it is a birthday, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year or a special anniversary, it can bring surprises and exploration fun to your family.
5. Toyota 2000GT: a rare, high-revving Japanese GT
The 1967 Toyota 2000GT brought a high-revving, DOHC 2.0-litre inline-six to a halo sports car that predates the Supra name. Toyota reports that 351 coupes were hand-built. Toyota USA Newsroom: “Toyota Supra: An Icon A Half-Century in the Making”
6. Datsun 240Z and Nissan Fairlady Z: related name, distinct engine versions
The S30 Fairlady Z was called the Datsun 240Z in North America. Nissan says the North American-market car debuted in 1970 with a 2.4-litre inline-six and was designed with that market in mind. Do not confuse it with the Japanese-market Z432: that version used the S20 24-valve DOHC inline-six, also fitted to the PGC10 Skyline GT-R. Nissan reports 160 horsepower for the S20 in the PGC10 GT-R—not as a specification for the 240Z. Nissan USA Newsroom: “Nissan Z: 50 Years of Excitement”
Rank #3
- BUILD YOUR OWN ENGINE KIT – The Build Your Own Model Engine Kits from Machine Works make excellent gifts for vehicle and model enthusiasts who like creating and learning about mechanical systems and engineering. Requires 3 x AA Batteries (Not included)
- DIY KITS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS – This functional model of am Inline 4-Cylinder Internal Combustion Engine is the perfect activity for both children (over 10 years) and adults to build together. There is also a manual with detailed descriptions of key features of the engine
- DISCOVER & LEARN AS YOU BUILD – This Engine is a simplified replica of a 4-Cylinder Internal Combustion Engine and illustrates thye main operating principles and functions
- INCLUDES OVER 250 PARTS – This 150+ piece kit for kids and adults is enjoyable to construct and includes all of the tools you'll need to complete the operating model. The Fully illustrated step-by-step instructions guide you through every stage of the assembly process. Each component is clearly identified, and each function explained
- PRODUCT FEATURES - The transparent engine case of the finished model means the moving parts are clearly visible when it’s operating, allowing you to see the interaction of the crankshaft, pistons, and valves, as well as the illuminating spark plugs and other mechanical features
7. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32): the RB26DETT era
The R32 Skyline GT-R is a clear example of Nissan’s RB26DETT inline-six paired with all-wheel drive. Naming the generation is important: the evidence for the R32 does not establish one engine configuration across every Skyline GT-R generation. Nissan’s history of the Z also identifies the earlier PGC10 GT-R and its S20 inline-six. Nissan USA: “Nissan Skyline to GT-R: The Evolution of a Supercar”
Why does the generation or market matter?
An inline-six is a cylinder arrangement, not a guarantee that every car sharing a badge used the same engine. Toyota’s Supra history covers multiple generations and markets; the Z432 and North American 240Z differ in both engine and specification; and the Skyline GT-R’s RB26DETT identification here applies to the R32. Check the version before applying an engine description or output figure to a whole nameplate.
Rank #4
- 【Inline 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine Scale Model】Explore this highly detailed diesel engine scale model and its powerful performance. It features transparent cylinder head, movable pistons, air valves, exhaust pipes, turbochargers details, precisely replicating the operation of a true inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, making it an ideal choice for any mechanic diesel enthusiast or model collector
- 【Rechargeable Motor for Endless Operation】Experience endless, smooth-running demonstrations with rechargeable dual-speed motor, powered by an included USB cable (NO Battery Required). Simply flip the switch to bring the mechanical assembly to life. Observe the rhythmic motion of internal components, providing a captivating visual lesson in diesel engine cycles and mechanical principles
- 【Perfect Gift for Diesel Car Enthusiast】An impressive and unique gift for any diesel engine enthusiast, car enthusiast, or aspiring engineer. Whether for a birthday, holiday, Christmas, or a STEM-themed event, this model is more than a toy—it's a display-worthy piece that celebrates craftsmanship and inspires curiosity about powertrain technology
- 【STEM Hands-On Engineering Educational Toy】Encourages learning in mechanical design, physics, and logical problem-solving. This building kit offers a practical introduction to diesel engine technology and engineering fundamentals, making it an ideal STEM resource for classrooms, workshops, or family projects
- 【High-Quality & Durable Construction】Made from durable, non-toxic ABS material that meets ASTM and CPSIA safety standards. Including step-by-step color instructions. Each of the 1029 pieces is precision-engineered for a secure fit and long-lasting stability, providing a rewarding and safe building experience for teens and adult hobbyists
What makes these inline-six cars notable?
- Competition roots: The BMW 3.0 CSL linked a road coupe to a championship-winning touring-car program.
- Unusual packaging: BMW put the M1’s inline-six behind the driver in a mid-engine layout.
- Grand touring: The E-Type and Toyota 2000GT paired six-cylinder engines with distinctive GT identities.
- Sports-car reach: The Datsun 240Z helped define a North American-facing sports car, while Supra and Skyline GT-R histories span multiple generations and markets.
These cars show the inline-six serving very different purposes. Their specifications should be compared within their own era and version, rather than ranked by output alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GET HANDS ON with Playz V8 engine model kit that works for adults and kids alike. Engage young minds into STEM with a working replica of a classic 8-cylinder internal combustion car engine, while adults enjoy the rewarding experience of building their own mini V8 engine kit that runs like a dream.
- REALISTIC MODEL THAT WORKS: Deliver the action of a classic car engine with powerful pistons and interactive cables! Watch the motor fans turn on with real engine sounds from your visible V8 engine model kit, making it a perfect STEM toy for curious minds seeking a fun blend of education and entertainment.
- FUEL THE FUN: Our complete toy V8 engine assembly kit provides hours of fun as you tinker with cranks, pulleys, belts, and exhaust valves, bringing this miniature engine kit to life before your very eyes! Conquer long boring days with a small V8 engine kit that runs. (Requires 3x AA Batteries not included)
- CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: Supercharge your critical thinking skills with our mini engine build kit! Expand your creativity, think logically, and refine your motor skills as you build a model V8 engine kit all while having fun. Get ready for a brain-boosting build challenge that works wonders!
- POPULAR GIFT THAT INSPIRES: Make the world of STEM amazing with our DIY engine kits for adults, teens, young boys and girls! Whether it's for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, Playz V8 model engine kit will keep them captivated as they build and operate their own engine from start to finish.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
