Detroit’s Big Three Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis are undoubtedly the most well-known automakers in the United States.
However, if you look beyond these industry giants, you’ll discover that they aren’t the only ones designing and producing vehicles in the land of the free.
This Fourth of July, we’re shining a light on the smaller manufacturers—those companies that operate from some of the most unexpected corners of the country.
Some have a rich history spanning decades, while others are relative newcomers to the automotive scene.
Their offerings range from high-powered muscle cars and electric SUVs to rugged military-grade machines, with plenty of unique creations in between.
You won’t find most of these at your neighborhood cars and coffee event, especially since a few have been discontinued.
But if you ever happen to spot one of these rare vehicles out in the wild, consider yourself among the fortunate few.
Also Read: 10 Classic Muscle Cars That Are Worth Restoring Today
1. Anteros
Blending American muscle with European elegance, this rare California-built sports car is a true hidden gem.
The Anteros is built on the foundation of a C6 Corvette but boasts a fully custom carbon fiber body, a handcrafted leather interior, and a variety of performance upgrades.
Equipped with a twin-turbocharged LS3 engine, it delivers an impressive output of up to 600 horsepower. The first coachbuilt coupe made its debut in 2009, carrying a price tag of $149,500.
2. Drakan Spyder
Seemingly appearing out of nowhere in 2016, the Drakan Spyder quickly positioned itself as a competitor to other open-top sports cars like the Ariel Atom and Bac Mono.
Designed, engineered, and manufactured in California, this lightweight two-seater gained widespread recognition after being featured on Jay Leno’s Garage.
Weighing in at just 2,000 pounds, the Drakan Spyder is powered by an LS3 V8 that produces 450 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a blistering 3.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 165 mph.
Prospective buyers can purchase a rolling chassis for $100,000, while a fully assembled turn-key model comes in at $125,000.
3. Equus Bass 770
What happens when you blend the most iconic elements of American muscle cars into a single, high-performance machine? According to Detroit-based manufacturer Equus, the answer is the Bass 770.
Debuting in 2015, this aggressive coupe takes design cues from classic Mustangs and Chargers while packing a serious punch under the hood. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 churns out an impressive 640 horsepower.
With a starting price of $250,000, the Bass 770 is a rare and exclusive offering. For those craving even more power, Equus also builds a modified Corvette known as the Throwback.
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4. Equus Throwback
While the Bass 770 embodies the ultimate fusion of classic American muscle, Equus’ second creation the Throwback seamlessly combines modern and retro muscle car design into a striking sports car package.
As its aggressive styling suggests, the Throwback is built upon the foundation of a C7 Corvette.
However, it takes performance to an entirely new level, offering an optional 1,000-horsepower engine that enables it to rocket from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds and reach a staggering top speed of 220 mph.
5. Equus 4×4 E-Concept
In addition to the Bass 770, Equus has also unveiled plans for the 4×4 E-Concept though, for now, it remains a digital rendering.
However, the company envisions a stylish, retro-inspired electric vehicle that offers impressive versatility.
Equus promises five different battery pack options, ranging from 105.0 to 190.0 kilowatt-hours, delivering a driving range of anywhere between 250 and over 400 miles.
6. Falcon F7
Constructed from a blend of carbon fiber and Kevlar and capable of exceeding 1,000 horsepower, the Falcon F7 is one of the fastest cars you’ve likely never heard of.
The Holly, Michigan-based company was founded in 2009 and introduced its first production F7 in 2010 at the Detroit Auto Show.
Under the hood, the latest iteration of the F7 features a twin-turbocharged Lingenfelter V8, generating an astonishing 1,100 horsepower.
Weighing just 2,785 pounds, this powerhouse can rocket from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 2.7 seconds and surpass a top speed of 200 mph. Depending on the trim level, the Falcon F7 carries a price tag ranging from $195,000 to $395,000.
7. Lucra LC470
The Lucra LC470 is impossible to overlook just take a glance at it. Its blend of classic styling and modern performance makes it an undeniably enticing open-top sports car.
Buyers have the option of two powerful engines: an LS3 V8 producing 430 horsepower or an LS7 V8 delivering an impressive 505 horsepower.
Both engine choices are paired with a five-speed manual transmission, ensuring an engaging driving experience. Each Lucra LC470 is meticulously hand-built in San Marcos, California, making it as exclusive as it is powerful.
8. Mosler Consulier GTP
Founded in 1985 as Consulier Industries in Riviera Beach, Florida, Mosler introduced the radical-looking GTP sports car, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter Chrysler engine producing 175 horsepower.
While it wasn’t the quickest off the line at launch, a later version, the Turbo II, improved performance slightly with an upgraded 190-horsepower output.
Following a rebrand to Mosler in 1993, the company gave the GTP a significant boost to 300 horsepower and entered it into the Longest Day of Nelson 24-hour race in Northeast Ohio, where it claimed victory in both 1993 and 1994.
In 1999, Mosler introduced an even more potent version, the Consulier Raptor, packing 446 horsepower. However, production came to an end soon after, as the company ceased operations in 2000.
9. Panoz Avezzano
While Panoz is best known for its race cars, the Braselton, Georgia-based company also produces an impressive lineup of road-going sports cars.
Among the eight models currently listed on its website, the recently updated Avezzano stands out with its lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber body, built atop a sturdy aluminum tubular steel frame chassis.
Powering the Avezzano is a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 430 horsepower.
For those seeking even more performance, a 580-horsepower variant is available, with both engines mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The Avezzano starts at a price of $168,900.
10. Panoz Esperante GTR-1
When Panoz describes the Esperante GTR-1 as “a race car in street-legal trim,” it’s no exaggeration. This high-performance machine is powered by an aluminum-block V8 that delivers an impressive 600 horsepower.
Its carbon-fiber monocoque composite chassis ensures a lightweight build, enhancing both speed and agility. Inside, the minimalist, driver-focused cockpit is designed for maximum concentration, whether on the road or tearing up the track.
11. Rezvani Beast Alpha
While Rezvani is best known for its military-inspired Tank SUV which we’ll get to shortly the California-based company also produces a striking hard-top sports car known as the Beast Alpha.
This sleek, angular supercar delivers impressive performance with a design that turns heads.
At its core, the Beast Alpha packs a 400-horsepower engine, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. For those craving even more speed, the 700-horsepower Blackbird trim shaves that time down to a blistering 2.9 seconds.
12. Rezvani Tank
At first glance, the Rezvani Tank may resemble a heavily modified Jeep Wrangler, but it’s far more than that.
This rugged, high-riding SUV boasts an aggressive design and exceptional off-road capability, backed by a powerful 500-horsepower V8 at the top of its range.
For those seeking even more extreme features, the Tank can be outfitted with a thermal camera, a bulletproof Kevlar body, and even a 6×6 configuration, making it one of the most formidable SUVs on the market.
