1995 Vector M12

The Vector M12, launched in 1995, was produced by Vector Aeromotive under new ownership after a hostile takeover by the Indonesian company Megatech, which also owned Lamborghini at the time. As a result, the M12 was based on the Lamborghini Diablo, using its 5.7-litre V12 engine and much of its mechanical underpinnings.

The car’s design came from Peter Stevens and was adapted from the cancelled AWX3 project. Despite the exotic specs, the M12 was widely criticised. Reviewers slammed it for being slower, uglier, and more poorly built than the Lamborghini it was based on. The awkward styling and compromised engineering led to very slow sales.

Only 17 cars were produced between 1995 and 1999, including prototypes. Production ended when Vector could no longer pay Lamborghini (by then part of Volkswagen Group) for engines. The M12 has since been remembered more as a cautionary tale than a success, earning a spot on MSN Autos’ list of “The World’s Worst Supercars.”