1984–1990 Isdera Imperator 108i Specs & Performance

The Isdera Imperator 108i was one of the most unconventional German supercars of its era, combining an extremely low body with a rear-mid-mounted V8 and styling that looked closer to a futuristic concept than a conventional production coupe. Its proportions were shaped around performance, while the tiny production scale kept the Imperator far removed from the usual Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche crowd. The car’s unusual presence was matched by serious mechanical hardware, making it a fascinating example of Isdera’s willingness to build cars almost entirely on its own terms.

From 1984–1990, the Imperator 108i used a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter Mercedes V8 producing 295 hp and 336 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with a 175-mph top speed and a 5.6-second 0–60 mph time. The rear-mid-engine layout and two-seat cabin give this rare supercar a distinctly focused mechanical character.