Nitpickers might quibble about the rollbar and non-stock wheels undermining the sleeperness of this '85 Reliant, and the engine sound isn't exactly what Lee Iacocca had in mind for the K-Car. But we're dealing with a ten second front-wheel-drive car here, and it has nary sticker nor wing nor scoop (unlike a lot of 14-second Civics we've seen at Test & Tune), so we say it's a sleeper, dammit! The madman behind this vehicle definitely knows his stuff, as the workmanship and attention to detail are overwhelming (we especially like the weight-reducing holesaw work in the interior and the muffler cavity inset into the trunk area). This thing's got a lotta sap, all right. Make the jump to watch a crowd-pleasing 10.53 run...

So there you have it: more proof that adding boost and removing weight truly works miracles. Hmmm... Cordoba minus Corinthian Leather plus 6-71? – Murilee Martin

The 10 second 1985 Plymouth Reliant known as Relentless [thedodgegarage.com]

Related:
Everybody Needs a 12-Second Minivan! [internal]

The problem with so many seriously hot-rodded Japanese cars these days is that the owners generally feel compelled to make the things look like they're ready to compete in a rally on Mars Base, circa 2082. Sure, they've got a lot of sap (thank you, John Steinbeck, and we're going to try to use the term "sap" more), but there's nothing like a nice sleeper that's packing at least three times the number of factory horses while still looking reasonably stock. Let's face it, sleepers rule. So it's satisfying to see this Australian-based Datsun B210 (aka 120Y) with a sap-enhanced SR20DET stuffed under the hood. The faded mustard-colored paint is just perfect, although we'd prefer to see stock wheels and Datsun dog-dishes for true sleeperness; might even be worth sacrificing a dozen or so horses for a Q-shipe-esque quiet exhaust. Make the jump to see a tantalizing- yet maddeningly frustrating- video of the car demonstrating a tiny portion of its Sap Potential...– Murilee Martin

Related:
1977 Datsun B210 Reverse Customized by Aliens [internal]