Good cars with poor engines

[IndianaJones]

Just for kicks and giggles.

Can anyone think of some classic, or not so classic cars, which were essentially very good cars, but were seriously let down by their engines, for whatever reason?
Cars which would be ripe, for an engine conversion.

Or alternatively, old cars which are still, blank slates, or blank canvasses, for modifying?
Cars which no one would snigger at, if it has components fitted from other manufacturers.

[Johann65]

I had a 1966 Hillman Super Minx. Amazing car but had a serious transmission flaw!!! It had the Upright Peugeot 403/4 engine fitted with the Roots gearbox. Problem was the engine was over revving with the Roots gearbox! The later models were fitted with different gearbox and the slanted Peugeot engine!

[maxman]

Nissan exa turbo. They had the looks but not the performance. With todays extreme turbo technology it would really wake that car up

[ZA Perana]

Any MG, barring ones fitted with a V8 and to an extent the 6 cylinder motor.

[Burnthosetyres]

Porsche 928? More electronic issues than engines.... Same with Maserati twin turbo?

[bmwmaniac]

Porsche 928? More electronic issues than engines.... Same with Maserati twin turbo?

lets not go down that road, I have 2 928's in the workshop needing "electronic attention"

[Orange]

Escort XR3 and derivatives.

[Mountainman]

1953-59 Ford Prefect and Anglia 100e. Surprisingly good flattie engine, but a three speed box with a huge gap between second and third.
Rev in sky-high in second, crash change to third and puttering along at 1000 revs.
Later 107E's had the overhead valve motor with 4 speed box, which is a way better car.