TOPGEAR TOP 9
01 Alfa Romeo V6
In production from 1979–2005, the ‘Busso’ V6 is notable for its long life, warbly noise and the chromed inlet pipes which make it look like a robotic sea creature lurking under your bonnet making lovely noises. A treat whenever you need to open the bonnet, which in an Alfa...
02 McLaren F1 V12
The gold heat reflecting foil. The delicately machined girder spanning the opening. The V12’s carbon intake plenums. The organ-like exhaust pipes. The F1’s engine is astonishing, with a neat but imposing block nestled amid the jewellery, but the whole engine bay is a treat for the eyes.
03 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa V12
Engines were restricted to 3.0 litres for the 1958 World Sportscar Championship – Ferrari employed the ‘Colombo’ V12 with its distinctive red single overhead cam covers (testa rossa = red head), with a very healthy 300bhp. It was an iconic looking engine and a real performer.
04 911 Reimagined by Singer – DLS flat six
The 911’s engine bay is usually underwhelming – the latest car just has a pair of fans and a plaque telling you the engine capacity. Leave it to Singer to make art of a 911 engine: all carbon shrouding, anodised detailing and a subtle badge telling you Williams helped create this 9,000rpm masterpiece.
05Eagle E-type Low Drag straight six
First, there’s the sense of occasion of unbuckling that front-hinged bonnet and levering it skywards to enjoy. Then there’s the breathtaking moment of appreciation when you see what you’ve unveiled: polished block, neatly arranged wiring, and an outrageously muscular carbon fibre manifold.
06 Pagani Zonda V12
Another car where the engine itelf is a picture, but the space around i
