10 CRAZIEST CARS EVER DRIVEN BY MATT FARAH

Matt Farah is no stranger to a wild and exciting vehicle. Farah is a seasoned automotive journalist, known for his work with TheDrive, where he crafts compelling content for their channel as well as his own YouTube channel TheSmokingTire. However, Farah's influence extends far beyond videos; he has become a prominent figure in the automotive podcasting world, and his written articles on Road & Track captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Farah is a visionary, as evidenced by his innovative car storage facility in Playa Vista, a 14,000-square-foot automotive haven that combines elements of a museum, workshop, and fortress.

In 2015, Farah confronted the myriad challenges that plagued sports car ownership in Los Angeles, from steep driveway angles to the lack of trusted service centers. His solution was as ambitious as it was practical: the construction of a cutting-edge facility that addresses every conceivable need of car aficionados. But Farah's influence doesn't stop at infrastructure; his driving experiences are equally legendary.

From the unconventional Center Seat Twin-Turbo Porsche Boxster to a ludicrous motorcycle-swapped Honda N600, Farah's encounters with unique and boundary-pushing vehicles have solidified his status as a driving aficionado. Each car he gets behind the wheel of tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and, sometimes, sheer insanity. Join us as we embark on a journey through Farah's exhilarating encounters with the 10 craziest cars, where every step on the throttle and turn of the wheel is a testament to his undying passion for the automotive world.

Matt Farah's Garage Is Downright Ridiculous

There's now a home for exotic vehicles of all types in the L.A. area

Supercharged Lexus V8 Swapped 1975 Toyota Corolla

Reason For Ranking: Big Engine, Little Car

Starting off, one of Matt Farah's most exhilarating drives is undoubtedly the supercharged V-8 swapped 1975 Toyota Corolla. Built by Mark Still, a Hollywood production fabricator with a penchant for old Corollas, this canyon cruising machine is a testament to ingenuity and skill. Still's vision transformed the humble '75 Coupe into a roaring beast, with the heart of a Lexus SC400 V8 and the added punch of an Eaton M112 Supercharger sourced from a Mustang Cobra. The integration of a T56 6-speed gearbox and a plethora of custom components further shows the craftsmanship poured into this project.

Performance Specifications

It's a fusion of automotive history and cutting-edge performance, earning admiration from enthusiasts and experts alike. Farah's encounter with this modified Corolla allows others to see that building a homebrew race car with what you have around can result in something amazing. Mark Still was able to get first in class at his local Hotchkiss autocross challenge, proving that this car was built for purpose. Every aspect of the car, from its engine roar to its custom-built components, tells a story of the relentless pursuit of automotive ingenuity.

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Twin Turbo Ferrari 348 Challenge

Reason For Ranking: Turning A Challenge Up To 11

Another of Matt Farah's most daring drives exemplifies the fusion of tradition and insanity, combining twin turbo tuning with a Ferrari 348 Challenge. While purists might balk at the idea of modifying a rare factory-built Ferrari 348 Challenge race car, Stacey Slead and Steve Maxwell saw it as an opportunity to push the boundaries of performance. With only 32 of these gems in existence, the decision to add twin-turbos wasn't made lightly, yet Slead and Maxwell's incredible vision transformed this Italian icon into the ultimate Ferrari tuner car.

Performance Specifications

Farah's experience behind the wheel of the twin-turbocharged 348 Challenge is a revelation. Matt truly leans into the harmonious blend of raw power from the twin-turbos and refined handling from the 355 challenge suspension. The addition of twin turbos elevates the car's performance to staggering levels, unleashing a torrent of horsepower that rivals the Ferraris of the modern era. It's a true showcase of Slead and Maxwell's ingenuity, proving that with the right expertise and vision, even the rarest of Maranello's creations can be taken to exhilarating new heights.

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VFR800 Swapped 1972 Honda N600

Reason For Ranking: Motorcycle Power For A Pocket-Sized Car

One of Matt Farah's most unforgettable drives encapsulates the essence of automotive freedom. We are talking about a simple but rare 1972 Honda N600. However, this particular example defies convention with its unorthodox engine swap, featuring an engine from a Honda VFR800 Interceptor motorcycle, running through the motorcycle's sequential gearbox, and on full Mazda Miata suspension. With a staggering 12,000 RPM redline, this tiny car packs a punch that defies its small stature, all with a soundtrack reminiscent of high-revving V8 Formula One cars.

Performance Specifications

Farah's drive with the modified N600 is nothing short of a go-kart-like experience. Its blend of power, agility, and uniqueness left a staggering impression on Farah, prompting him to offer to purchase it on the spot—an endorsement that speaks volumes about the car's incredible experience. With its combination of heritage and modern engineering, this N600 embodies the spirit of automotive enthusiasts who dare to push boundaries and transform ordinary vehicles into extraordinary machines.

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Check Out This Gixxer-Swapped Honda N600 Hoonitruck Tribute: Video

This thing absolutely rips!

4G63 Swapped Pontiac Fiero

Reason For Ranking: Time Attack Death Trap

One of Matt Farah's most adrenaline-pumping experiences behind the wheel comes from the cockpit of a 4G63 swapped Pontiac Fiero. Engineered by Mike Nasiatka, this homebrew track creation is yet another testament to automotive ingenuity and fearless experimentation. Combining the guts of a crashed 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T drag car with the chassis of a second-generation Pontiac Fiero GT, Nasiatka has birthed a monstrous machine that rivals the sanity of Group B rally engineers. With a complete Eclipse drivetrain transplanted into the Fiero's rear, force-fed with a 68MM Precision turbo generating a spine-tingling 700 horsepower on 35 PSI, this car is nothing short of terrifying.

Performance Specifications

Farah's nerve-wracking encounter with the 4G63 swapped Pontiac Fiero is a white-knuckle thrill ride from start to finish. With a limited 500 horsepower unleashed at the wheels, the Fiero becomes a more tame beast on the track, still demanding respect and concentration from its driver. Supported by Chevrolet Corvette C4 brakes, custom tubular control arms, Megan Racing coilovers, and a complete roll cage, this Frankenstein creation tears through corners, leaving an unforgettable drive in Farah's memory as he pushes its limits around the twists and turns of Gingerman Raceway.

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Turbocharged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Reason For Ranking: Anti-Purist At Its Finest

Among the most eccentric entries on Matt Farah's roster of driven vehicles, the turbocharged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II stands out for sheer creativity and audacity. This 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, affectionately dubbed the Trolls-Royce, was crafted by owner and builder Corbin Goodwin.

While retaining the stock 6.75-liter V-8 engine, Goodwin injected a dose of adrenaline into the Rolls by installing a single intercooled turbocharger, boosting its output to an estimated 400 horsepower. Coupled with a T19 manual transmission sourced from a Ford Super Duty pickup truck and riding on Kings off-road shocks, this beast is as unconventional as they come.

Performance Specifications

What sets the turbocharged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II apart, however, is not just its jaw-dropping esthetics but its remarkable performance on the road. Despite its unorthodox appearance and absurd demeanor, this monstrous creation defies expectations by delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

From its trunk-mounted radiator system with external plumbing to its unapologetically offensive presence, the Trolls Royce may be an acquired taste, but for those brave enough to step behind the wheel, it promises an unforgettable journey filled with adrenaline and excitement.

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680 Horsepower Twin-Charged Lotus Exige

Reason For Ranking: Never Ending Quest For Power

Among the fastest machines on Matt Farah's eclectic list of driven cars is a compound-charged Lotus Exige, an absolute powerhouse built by Frank Profera. Over the course of six years, Profera has meticulously fine-tuned his Lotus to achieve blistering speed, unmatched agility, and unparalleled stopping power. Despite its featherweight stature of around 2,150 lbs, Profera's creation roars with an explosive 680 wheel horsepower, courtesy of a twin-charged 1.8-liter engine—a feat that bestows upon it a power-to-weight ratio that rivals even the Formula One Lotus driven by racing legend Mario Andretti.

Performance Specifications

The twin-charged Lotus Exige is a marvel of engineering, combining the best attributes of both supercharging and turbocharging to deliver exhilarating performance on demand. With a boost pressure-activated alcohol injection system ensuring optimal octane levels, this car is a speed demon that embodies Profera's unwavering pursuit of more speed. Matt Farah's description of its acceleration as akin to being propelled by "liquid schwartz" from the movie Spaceballs properly captures the visceral intensity of this machine.

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This AMG-Powered Lotus Exige Is Pure Madness

This Lotus Exige Racecar is a crazy, street-legal, track weapon, powered by a 6.2-liter AMG V-8

RUF 993 BTR-2

Reason For Ranking: Rare, Refined, and Rowdy

Among the rarified air of Matt Farah's driven cars lies the 1995 RUF BTR-2, a vehicle that exudes understated elegance and impressive rarity. Born from the conversion of a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2, the BTR-2 represents a unique blend of German engineering prowess and RUF's distinct touch of customization. Powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine, which inherits its roots from the legendary 993 Carrera but undergoes a substantial upgrade with a single turbocharger, intercooler, modified camshafts, and other enhancements, the BTR-2 bumps up to 430 horsepower.

Performance Specifications

RUF cars occupy a special niche in the automotive world, revered for their radical powertrain modifications and blistering performance. The 993 BTR-2 is a narrow-bodied Porsche Carrera with a single turbocharged engine that outperforms Porsche's own twin-turbo 911 of the era in power output.

Farah's experience behind the wheel of the BTR-2 paints a picture of refinement and precision, with tight brakes and a smooth driving demeanor. As a rare gem in the American automotive landscape, the opportunity to take the RUF BTR-2 for a spin is a privilege reserved for the most discerning enthusiasts.

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5.0-liter V8 Swapped FC RX-7

Reason For Ranking: Modern-Day Hot Rodding

Undoubtedly the most notorious entry on Matt Farah's roster of driven cars is a modified first-generation Mazda RX-7, a vehicle that elicits a mixed bag of reactions from onlookers. Farah's colorful description of it as resembling a "schizophrenic homeless man" paints a vivid picture of its unruly appearance.

Yet, beneath its rough exterior lies an impressive display of resourcefulness, courtesy of its creator, Corbin Goodwin. Utilizing unconventional materials like leather belt straps for hood fasteners and wooden boards for the chin spoiler, Goodwin has transformed the RX-7 into a true embodiment of making the most out of what's available.

Performance Specifications

The heart of this modified RX-7 lies not in its rotary engine, as purists might expect, but rather a 5.0-liter V-8 sourced from a Mustang—a bold departure from tradition that gives the car a newfound power and ferocity. Despite its seemingly dangerous assembly and unconventional modifications, this RX-7 defies expectations by delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Farah's endorsement of its driving prowess solidifies its place among the craziest cars he has ever driven, proving that sometimes, the most unconventional creations are the ones that leave the most lasting impression.

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Krowrx X-Tegra

Reason For Ranking: Lightweight Fun On A Budget

One of the most hair-raising entries on Matt Farah's list of driven cars is undoubtedly the Krowrx X-Tegra, a machine that defies convention and pushes the boundaries of automotive insanity. Representing a new breed of sports cars inspired by the likes of the Ariel Atom and Exocet, the X-Tegra embodies the concept of the "body-off" sports car, taking the minimalist approach to the extreme. Rather than engineering a bespoke chassis to accommodate a common powertrain, the minds at Krowrx simply strip the body off of a 1997 Acura Integra, leaving behind little more than a cage and the essentials.

Performance Specifications

Driving the Krowrx X-Tegra proves to be a white-knuckle experience, as Farah's testimony highlights the sheer terror of piloting this stripped-down beast. Despite its featherweight construction, being passed by similarly slow vehicles on the racetrack serves as a sobering reminder of the X-Tegra's unconventional nature and the adrenaline-fueled chaos it brings to the track. It's a testament to the audacity of its creators and a stark reminder that sometimes, the craziest and scariest rides are the ones that show where the limit is on achieving race car qualities in a home brew machine.

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Center-Seat Twin-Turbo Porsche Boxster

Reason For Ranking: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

Securing the top spot on Matt Farah's list of craziest cars driven is none other than a center-seat twin-turbo Porsche Boxster. Born from the visionary mind of Bisi Ezerioha, renowned for his mastery of engine building and chemical engineering, this radical build began its life as a humble 2000 Porsche Boxster equipped with a modest 220-horsepower 2.7-liter flat-six engine. However, under Ezerioha's brilliant guidance, the Boxster underwent a jaw-dropping transformation, now housing twin 52mm Precision ball-bearing turbochargers and a comprehensive array of cooling enhancements.

Performance Specifications

The humble Boxster can now reliably churn out a staggering 420 horsepower on E85, with overboost capabilities soaring to an eye-watering 525 horsepower. But the madness doesn't end there—Ezerioha's phenomenal vision extends to the cockpit, where the Boxster sheds its conventional seating arrangement to emerge as a single-seater, positioned squarely in the center for optimal balance and performance on the track. Matt describes the driving experience as fantastic while warming up around Button Willow raceway, hoping for more pedal feel as the brakes are no longer power-assisted.

Engine	4.0-liter supercharged V-8
Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	~350 hp
Torque	~300 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive

Engine	3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8
Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	610 hp
Torque	500 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	3,100 lbs

Engine	0.8-liter V-4
Transmission	Sequential six-speed manual
Horsepower	108 HP
Torque	55.3 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	1,400 lbs

Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual
Horsepower	~700 hp
Torque	~500 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	2,300 lbs

Engine	6.75-liter turbocharged V-8
Transmission	5-speed manual
Horsepower	~400 hp
Torque	~500 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	4150 lbs

Engine	1.8-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual
Horsepower	680 hp
Torque	600 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	2,150 lbs

Engine	5.0-liter V-8
Transmission	5-speed manual
Horsepower	~350 hp
Torque	~300 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive

Engine	1.8-liter four-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed manual
Horsepower	140 hp
Torque	120 lb-ft
Driveline	Front-wheel drive
Weight	1,200

Engine	2.7-liter turbocharged flat-six
Transmission	5-speed manual
Horsepower	420 hp
Torque	400 lb-ft
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	2,550 lbs