Powel Motors
Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1939 by the wealthy industrialist brothers Lawrence and Joseph Powel, this company specializes in compact and subcompact cars. Despite their early years being interrupted by World War 2, they returned from the war in a big way. Their famous vehicle is the Powel Super Sport, a small-displacement front-engined, rear wheel drive sports car. For many years, this was the go-to small sports car for racing enthusiasts in the United States. In addition, Powel introduced a hot hatch named the Powel Hotshot in the mid-70’s. This is currently the company’s best selling vehicle. A new addition to the Powel family is the CityVan, which is expected to introduce a new niche for compact minivans.
The Powel Hotshot is also well known for its modest success in Group B rally during the 1984 through 1986 seasons, as well as its return to the World Rally Championship beginning in 2012.