Five American Cars You’ve Probably Never See

Brands like Ford, Chrysler, and Cadillac are recognized worldwide. But in a country with such a развитой automotive industry, there are also lesser-known creations—some fascinating, others downright shocking.

USSV Rhino GX

Built by US Specialty Vehicles, the Rhino GX can be summed up as “all show, no war.” It looks like a battle-hardened MRAP straight off the front lines, but in reality, it’s a heavily customized civilian SUV.

The company engineered a unique body and mounted it on a Ford F-450 chassis. While it appears armored, there’s no actual ballistic protection. Inside, however, it’s all luxury—premium materials, high-end audio, and upscale amenities throughout.

Under the hood, buyers can choose between a diesel V8 or a gasoline V10, paired with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Rhino GX is perfect for anyone wanting to stand out—and it starts at around $250,000.

Anteros

Anteros Coachworks Inc was founded in 2005 by two enthusiasts aiming to blend American muscle with European styling.

Production of the Anteros sports car began in 2006. It featured a custom composite body mounted on a Chevrolet Corvette C6 chassis. Power came from an LS2 engine producing between 500 and 600 horsepower, depending on tuning.

The company has since gone quiet, but its cars once found buyers despite starting prices around $150,000.

Youabian Puma

The Youabian Puma is a textbook example of what happens when outsiders enter the auto industry. Created by cosmetic surgeon Kambiz Youabian, the car debuted at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Its unusual design—part dune buggy, part sports car—drew widespread criticism, with many calling it one of the ugliest vehicles at the show. Still, controversy generated buzz, and three units reportedly sold for about $1 million each.

Buyers got a rear-wheel-drive car powered by a 7.0-liter V8 making 505 horsepower, with a 0–60 mph time of around 5.9 seconds.

Equus Bass 770

No discussion of American cars is complete without muscle. While major automakers continue to capitalize on nostalgia, Equus Automotive took things further by creating a luxury muscle car.

The Equus Bass 770 starts at roughly $530,000. It packs a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, delivering 640 horsepower.

It also features adaptive suspension and carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes. The styling channels 1970s muscle cars, with a look heavily inspired by the original Mustang. Inside, it’s loaded with premium materials and modern tech—though whether it justifies the price is up for debate.

Mobility Ventures MV-1

Finally, shifting from excess to utility, the Mobility Ventures MV-1 was designed with purpose in mind. Developed by AM General, it was built specifically for taxi fleets.

The MV-1 rides on a durable body-on-frame platform, with its powertrain sourced from the Ford Crown Victoria. Its standout feature is accessibility: a wide side door and a built-in ramp about 39 inches wide make it easy for wheelchair users to enter.

Production began in 2011, with around 2,000 units built annually. These vehicles can still be spotted in major cities across the United States.