Top 10 Cars with V12 Engines of All Time — the sound of a V12 engine is more than just noise; it’s pure music for car lovers. These engines are a true example of engineering excellence, combining power, smoothness, and that thrilling roar.
Over the years, V12 engines have powered some of the fastest, most luxurious, and most iconic cars ever made. Their flawless performance and unique sound make them the ultimate in car design. In this article, we’ll explore the most legendary cars with V12 engines that have made history and earned their place in automotive greatness.
| Car | Production Years | Engine | Horsepower | Top Speed | Estimated Price (New / Current Value) |
| Ferrari 250 GTO | 1962-1964 | 3.0L V12 (Colombo) | 300 hp | 174 mph (280 km/h) | $70 million+ (current auction value) |
| Lamborghini Miura | 1966-1973 | 3.9L-4.0L V12 | 350-385 hp | 171 mph (275 km/h) | $1 million+ (current value) |
| McLaren F1 | 1992-1998 | 6.1L V12 (BMW S70/2) | 627 hp | 240 mph (386 km/h) | $20 million+ (current value) |
| Ferrari F50 | 1995-1997 | 4.7L V12 | 513 hp | 202 mph (325 km/h) | $3 million+ (current value) |
| Aston Martin One-77 | 2009-2012 | 7.3L V12 (Cosworth) | 750 hp | 220 mph (354 km/h) | $1.4 million (original) |
| Pagani Zonda | 1999-2017 | 6.0L-7.3L V12 (Mercedes-AMG) | 555-750+ hp | 220+ mph (354+ km/h) | $1-15 million+ (varies by edition) |
| Rolls-Royce Phantom (VII & VIII) | 2003-Present | 6.75L Twin-Turbo V12 | 563-563+ hp | 155 mph (250 km/h) (limited) | $450,000+ (new) |
| Lamborghini Aventador | 2011-2022 | 6.5L V12 | 700-770+ hp | 217 mph (350 km/h) | $400,000+ (new) |
| Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 | 1971-1974 | 5.3L V12 | 272 hp | 146 mph (235 km/h) | $80,000+ (classic market) |
| Ferrari 812 Superfast / Competizione | 2017-Present | 6.5L V12 | 789-819 hp | 211-211+ mph (340 km/h) | $335,000+ (new) |
1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
No list of V12 legends is complete without Ferrari — and the 250 GTO is the crown jewel. More than just a car, it’s a masterpiece on wheels and often called the most valuable car in the world.
Under the hood, it packs a 3.0-liter “Colombo” V12 engine with about 300 horsepower, which helped it dominate races back in its day. The engine’s high-revving thrill and unforgettable exhaust sound are just as iconic as the car’s stunning design. The 250 GTO perfectly captures the passion and power that define Ferrari’s V12 legacy.
2. Lamborghini Miura (1966-1973)
The Lamborghini Miura changed the supercar game forever. Its breathtaking design by Bertone wasn’t the only highlight — it also featured a revolutionary mid-mounted V12 engine.
This 3.9-liter (later upgraded to 4.0-liter) V12, created by Giotto Bizzarrini, was positioned sideways behind the seats, a setup that inspired many future supercars. The Miura’s V12 delivered incredible speed for its time, making it the world’s fastest production car when it launched. With the Miura, Lamborghini boldly stepped up as a serious Ferrari competitor and a true master of V12 power.
3. McLaren F1 (1992-1998)
The McLaren F1 was designed by Gordon Murray to be the ultimate driver’s car — and it needed an engine just as extraordinary. BMW answered the call with the S70/2, a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 that cranked out an impressive 627 horsepower.
This engine was a masterpiece, even featuring a gold-lined engine bay to manage heat, and it produced a thrilling sound as it neared its high redline. Thanks to this V12, the F1 hit a top speed of 240 mph, holding the record for the fastest production car for years. Its pure, unfiltered driving experience combined with this iconic V12 makes the McLaren F1 one of the greatest cars ever made.
4. Ferrari F50 (1995-1997)
The Ferrari F50 may not be as famous as the F40 or Enzo, but it’s special because of its direct connection to Formula 1. Its 4.7-liter V12 engine came from the same technology used in Alain Prost’s 1990 Ferrari F1 car.
This gave the F50 an intense, high-revving, and raw driving experience. With five valves per cylinder and a carbon fiber intake system that adjusted for performance, it was a technical marvel. The F50 let drivers feel and hear a true F1-like experience on the road, earning its place among the greatest V12 cars ever built.
5. Aston Martin One-77 (2009-2012)
The Aston Martin One-77 was the brand’s ultimate mix of luxury and performance, with only 77 cars ever made. At its heart was a massive 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V12, developed with Cosworth.
This powerhouse produced 750 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful non-turbo V12s ever in a road car. The One-77’s engine offered an exciting mix of raw power, strong torque, and a distinctively British growl — perfectly blending Aston Martin’s signature elegance with brute strength.
6. Pagani Zonda (1999-2017)
The Pagani Zonda isn’t just a car — it’s a piece of automotive art. Designed by Horacio Pagani, the Zonda is famous for its stunning looks and its powerful AMG-sourced V12 engine.
Different versions of the Zonda had V12 engines ranging from 6.0 to 7.3 liters, all based on Mercedes-AMG’s M120 engine. These V12s delivered insane power, with some models topping 750 horsepower, all while producing a deep, growling exhaust note. The Zonda became known not just for its speed, but for its unforgettable sound and handcrafted quality.
7. Rolls-Royce Phantom (VII and VIII Generations, 2003-Present)
V12 engines aren’t just for fast sports cars — they’re also the heart of ultimate luxury, like in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The VII and VIII generations of the Phantom feature a huge 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, built with BMW’s expertise.
This engine isn’t about breaking speed records; instead, it delivers smooth, quiet, and effortless power that moves this giant luxury car with incredible grace. The Phantom’s V12 offers a feeling of endless power whenever needed, making it one of the most iconic luxury cars with a V12 under the hood.
8. Lamborghini Aventador (2011-2022)
The Lamborghini Aventador carried on the brand’s legendary line of V12 supercars, following icons like the Miura, Countach, and Murciélago. It featured an all-new 6.5-liter V12 engine, called the L539, which started with 700 horsepower and went up to over 770 horsepower in the SVJ version.
The Aventador’s V12 wasn’t just powerful — it produced an unforgettable, roaring sound that perfectly matched Lamborghini’s wild and dramatic style. This made the Aventador a worthy successor in Lamborghini’s proud V12 tradition.
9. Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 (1971-1974)
The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 brought something new to this iconic car — a powerful 5.3-liter V12 engine. Earlier E-Types were known for their inline-six engines, but this V12, originally made for racing, gave the car a smoother and more refined drive.
It had plenty of power and torque, turning the E-Type into a perfect grand tourer — ideal for long, comfortable journeys. Unlike the loud and aggressive Italian sports cars of the time, the E-Type’s V12 delivered quiet strength and elegant cruising, proving just how versatile V12 engines can be.
10. Ferrari 812 Superfast / Competizione (2017-Present)
The Ferrari 812 Superfast and its track-focused sibling, the Competizione, represent the peak of modern V12 performance. Both are powered by Ferrari’s 6.5-liter F140 V12 engine, which revs up to an incredible 9,500 rpm in the Competizione and produces up to 819 horsepower.
This V12 delivers raw, thrilling power and a deep connection between car and driver. It’s a perfect example of why Ferrari continues to lead the way with V12 engines, making these models some of the most exciting and powerful cars on the road today.
These ten cars, each a masterpiece in its own way, show why the V12 engine is so special and admired. Whether built for the racetrack or for luxury cruising, V12 engines have always brought incredible power, prestige, and a unique driving thrill. That’s why the V12 will always hold a legendary place in car history.