Superchargers might not always get the spotlight they deserve next to turbos, but they sure have their place in classic cars. Unlike turbos, which rely on exhaust gases, superchargers are engine-driven, delivering immediate power. These 20 supercharged classics showcase the peak of engineering and performance.

Bentley 4.5-Litre ‘Blower’

Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin defied W.O. Bentley’s disdain for supercharging by insisting on adding it to the 4.5-litre model, forever altering Bentley’s legacy. Birkin’s vision created a machine that may not have dominated motorsport but undeniably became an icon of its time. With only 50 units made, this car remains a highly sought-after collector’s piece.

Cord 812S

The 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK, developed by Mercedes-Benz with input from Ferdinand Porsche, combined a supercharged 7.1-liter engine with a shortened chassis, reaching speeds of 120 mph. It dominated European hill climbs and road races, and this cemented its place in motorsport legend. With its aggressive stance and unmatched power, it became the ultimate dream machine of its era.

Aston Martin DB7

The DB7, despite some initial skepticism, offers an affordable way into the world of Aston Martin. The supercharged 3.2-liter engine in this model delivers impressive power. It is among the most iconic Aston Martins for the price tag that starts surprisingly low for such a legend.

Jaguar XJR X350

For frugal Jaguar enthusiasts, the XJR X350 offers a 4.2-liter supercharged V8 that pumps out 400 horsepower. That’s enough to propel this luxury sedan to 60 miles per hour in five seconds. Its all-aluminum body made it one of the first to use such an advanced construction technique.

Volkswagen Polo G40

The original Polo G40, only sold in Germany, used a supercharger to enhance its power to GTI levels. Its 1.3-liter engine’s boost gave the car a sprightly 110 miles per hour top speed. It remains a rare gem that shows how far VW pushed performance in the 1980s.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage V550 and V600

These two V8-powered Vantages, equipped with twin superchargers, were Aston Martin’s first attempt at outdoing the competition in speed. With the V550 achieving a top speed of 186 miles per hour and the V600 hitting over 200 miles per hour, they were powerful production vehicles of their time.

Volkswagen Golf Rallye

VW’s Golf Rallye was a rally-inspired road car that didn’t quite shine on the rally stage. However, its G-lader supercharged engine and permanent all-wheel drive made it a unique beast in the streets. The quirky design, with flared arches and Jetta headlights, still turns heads today.

Studebaker Avanti

With 29 speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Studebaker Avanti cemented its place in automotive history. The high-performance R3 variant, equipped with a Paxton supercharger, surpassed 170 mph in record-setting runs—though it was not a standard production model. The supercharged R2 version, with a top speed of 130–140 mph, remained one of the fastest.

Lancia Beta Coupe VX

The Lancia Beta Coupe VX featured the Volumex supercharging system, offering a performance upgrade for the standard Beta Coupe. With Recaro sports seats and a sportier gearbox, this car stood out in the crowded European executive market, becoming an iconic model for Lancia’s unique design language.

Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe

This Super Coupe from the late 1980s combined a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 with independent rear suspension. Despite its somewhat understated performance, the supercharged engine made it a surprisingly thrilling option for those looking for a luxurious, American muscle-inspired ride with a European twist.

Toyota MR2 Supercharged

The Toyota MR2 Supercharged, launched in Japan in 1986, was a true sports car at an affordable price. The 1.6-liter engine, paired with a supercharger, made the MR2 capable of embarrassing more expensive cars. Why? It goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.5 seconds.

Volvo XC90 T6

The second-generation Volvo XC90 T6 (2015–present) brings a rare twin-charged engine—a combination of turbocharging and supercharging—to the luxury SUV world. With 295 lb-ft of torque and 316 hp, it delivers impressive performance for its size. While not the most fuel-efficient, it remains a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Porsche’s Cayenne S Hybrid didn’t just give us a hybrid SUV—it also delivered performance. With a supercharged V6 under the hood, the Cayenne S Hybrid offers 410 horsepower and 435 pound-feet torque. This made it one of the fastest hybrid SUVs at the time of its release.

Cadillac CTS-V

With a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, the Cadillac CTS-V took on Europe’s best sports sedans and won. Delivering 640 horsepower, it was brutally fast yet refined inside, with luxury features to rival the Germans. It was a love letter to American muscle, showing that Cadillac could still pack a punch.

Jaguar XKR

The Jaguar XKR, with its supercharged 4.2-liter V8, delivered a power-packed driving experience. Known for its sleek design and refinement, the XKR was a true successor to the iconic E-Type. It combined luxury with speed, and it gave out 375 horsepower to make every drive feel exhilarating and fast.

Camaro ZL1 (6th Generation)

A beast on the road and track, the 6th-gen Camaro ZL1 came with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 650 horsepower. Its advanced suspension and aerodynamic design made it more than just a straight-line monster. It’s a modern muscle car that balances raw power with state-of-the-art technology.

Mazda Xedos 9 Miller

Mazda took a bold step with the Xedos 9 Miller, pairing a supercharger with a 2.3-liter Miller-cycle V6 for enhanced fuel efficiency and power. This executive sedan gave its drivers a refined, smooth drive while delivering surprising performance. It stood out for its innovative engineering and understated luxury.

Mercedes-Benz SLK Kompressor

The SLK Kompressor made roadsters exciting again. Its supercharged 2.3-liter engine delivered punchy acceleration, paired with a retractable hardtop for open-air thrills. The convertible is a finely tuned machine that combines Mercedes-Benz luxury with a genuinely engaging driving experience.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

The Hellcat Redeye takes insanity to another level with its supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 producing 797 horsepower. This engine is loud, it’s brash, and it’s unapologetically American. This beast personifies the muscle car spirit with modern technology, and this makes it one of the most thrilling rides ever built.

Chevrolet C7 Corvette ZR1

The Chevrolet C7 Corvette ZR1 is a speed demon, thanks to its 755 horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8. This Corvette is all about high-speed thrills, reaching 60 miles per hour in under 3 seconds. As it stands, it’s a rival to the world’s finest supercars.