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Some of the most exclusive and technologically-advanced cars European manufacturers ever put on the streets.

European manufacturers are famous for creating performance cars with powerful engines and excellent handling. Often, these models are more performance-oriented versions of everyday luxury cars built by the brands' special performance divisions. This is because, besides offering powerful models, these manufacturers have to try and create reliable cars that drive well and can be sold in many markets worldwide.

However, European manufacturers also produce special edition examples geared towards enthusiasts. No matter the reason, we enjoy these rare and technologically advanced models, some of which we might never get to see again.

Renault built the Clio Williams as a homologation special to go rallying. During this time, the maximum displacement for rallying was 2.0 liters. Renault had to make 2,500 examples to meet the homologation requirements, although they would eventually build more.

Renault also built the Clio Williams to celebrate Nigel Mansell’s F1 title behind the wheel of a Renault-powered Williams. The Clio got a rev-happy 2.0-liter 16V engine from the Renault 19. It was capable of 148 hp at 6,100 rpm while weighing in at only 2,183 lbs.

Peugeot used all the experience they had learned from creating their 205 and 106 Rallye models. The brand used the 306 GTI-6 as the base, ditching any unnecessary day-to-day equipment and focusing on getting the most from its engaging chassis and a 165-hp engine.

At the limit, the 306 Rallye was edgy, requiring drivers always to be keen. It had a potent mix of rev-happy top end and torque. Its 2.0-liter inline-four engine was mated to an impressive 6-speed manual gearbox, making the Rallye a fun front-wheel drive rally car.

Related: Why The Peugeot 205 T16 Is An Underrated Group B Rally Car

With only 2,000 examples made, the GP R56 Mini received an aero kit reducing its drag by 6%. Such unique features helped make the Mini practical and rare. The company also made the Mini hyper agile and stiff by adding more lift-off oversteer and torque steer.

Even nowadays, the JCW is still the ultimate Mini with its breakneck speed. It features unique engineering strengths thanks to road testing and development at the Nürburgring. The brand took a race car style approach, creating a sports car that we might never see again.

Before BMW rewarded enthusiasts with the excellent CS, they had unveiled their outlandishly expensive carbon-roofed CSL. The CS was a great special edition BMW which inherited most enhancements from the CSL.

In addition, the CS got some understated looks and improvements, like revised springs, bigger brake discs, and a quicker steering rack. The CS also got the M Track mode from the CSL, allowing more wheelspin and slip, even with traction control engaged.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Gearheads Should Consider Buying The 2021 BMW M3

The Mercedes C63 range makes one of the best sports cars on the market. The special Edition 507 was even more unique since it was available on all C63 variants; wagon, sedan, and coupe. The Edition 507 received the M156 V8 engine, new conrods, a revised ECU, forges pistons from the SLS AMG, and a lightweight crankshaft.

The engine was more powerful than in the normal C63 variants, producing 493 hp allowing the 507 to achieve a 4.2 seconds 0 to 60 mph run. Mercedes also removed the limiter seeing the top speed rise from 155 to 174 mph.

The car’s name says exactly what it is; a hard-hitting tool. The Hammer was one of the hottest passenger sedans in history, created by AMG to pound the competition flat. This unique car from Mercedes was a hot rod that could utterly annihilate the competition on practicality, comfort, and instant ability to rocket across the face of the earth.

It was an E-Class modified by AMG to keep you at ease as you pierce through the atmosphere. Mercedes equipped the Hammer with a 5.5-liter V8 producing 355 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque. This was enough power for the Hammer to claim the world’s quickest four-door car title.

Related: Mercedes-Benz Unveils The World's Most Powerful 4-Cylinder Engine In All-New C 63 AMG Performance

Even with the 430 and 458 Speciale being more modern, the 360 CS was extremely rare and unique. With a 4.1-seconds 0 to 60 mph time, the 360 SC had a naturally aspirated flat-plane crank V8, an automated manual F1 gearbox, and some carbon ceramic brakes.

The 360 CS helped raise Ferrari's standards by being a great successor to the F355. With the extra performance elements and Ferrari’s timeless styling, it was easy to consider the 360 CS the perfect sports car.

Also considered a baby Lambo by some enthusiasts, Lamborghini had to try to remain relevant during the 10-year production run of the Gallardo. By the time Lamborghini launched the Superleggera in 2003, there was stiff competition from the 360 CS and GT3.

Upon its release, the Superleggera was a lightweight Gallardo with titanium wheel nuts, and a carbon fiber lashed rear diffuser to help reduce weight by 220 lbs. the Superleggera also got some grabby carbon brakes and an e-gear transmission.

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Even though anniversaries are fairly rare for Lamborghini, the Veneno was one of the vehicles with a performance punch and sheer visual impact. It remains one of the cars from Lamborghini with an ultra-extroverted design.

Lamborghini built the Veneno to celebrate 50 years of the brand being in business. Not only did it look like a batmobile, but the Veneno produced 740 hp from a 6.5-liter V12. It also had a top speed of 221 mph and Lamborghini’s unique single-clutch automated manual transmission.

Virtually we can argue that all Zonda models ever built are special editions. These versions include a level of customization only available to a few people worldwide. The Cinque Roadster is a more limited variant featuring Pagani’s unique carbo-titanium monocoque chassis.

Its heartbeat was a 7.3-liter Mercedes V12 producing 660 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque, enough to reach a 217-mph top speed. The brand built only five of the coupe and roadster iterations, with close to none popping up for sale.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.