Defining a sports car has always been a complex task. The classical definition points to a low-slung vehicle, typically seating two, boasting considerable power and agile handling, often wrapped in a beautiful design. However, the realm of sports cars is far more nuanced, encompassing vehicles that may bend or even break some of these traditional rules. Take the iconic Lamborghini Countach, celebrated for its striking aesthetics rather than its driving dynamics, or the nimble Mazda Miata, admired for its balanced handling over sheer power. Then there’s the Mercedes 500E, a four-door sedan with the heart of a sports car, and the outlandish Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car pushing the boundaries of conventional taste. When we talk about the Best Fast Cars, we delve into a similar spectrum of interpretations.
Hypercars, with their extreme performance, often transcend the sports car category, though many supercars comfortably qualify, especially when considering that a mere 300 horsepower was once a benchmark of serious performance. Grand tourers, designed for comfortable long-distance driving, usually sit outside the sports car designation, while roadsters and coupes can certainly embody the spirit of a sports car, depending on their inherent sportiness. Sometimes, sheer automotive artistry elevates a car to sports car status almost single-handedly, as seen in the breathtaking Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 or the legendary Lamborghini Miura. Other vehicles, like the Alpine A110, earn their sports car credentials through proven track prowess. Rarity plays a surprisingly minor role, evidenced by the inclusion of both the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the mass-produced Datsun 240Z in discussions of great sports cars. Certain models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, consistently hit all the high notes: impressive sales figures, profound cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling that endures through generations. These are often cited when discussing the best fast cars for a reason.
Expert opinions further shape our understanding of what constitutes the best fast cars. A panel of twelve automotive specialists, tasked with selecting their top 50 from an extensive list of over 150 vehicles ranging from Abarth to Zonda, cast their votes, highlighting the subjective nature of automotive greatness. Notably, some highly regarded cars, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, received no votes, while others, like the AMC AMX, first-generation Chevy Camaro, and De Tomaso Pantera, garnered passionate support but ultimately fell short of making the top 50. Debates raged, particularly concerning Shelby models, yet the top five choices ultimately achieved unanimous agreement among the experts. The final rankings, refined by Robb Report editors, reflect this blend of expert opinion and editorial curation.
Sports cars, and by extension, the best fast cars, have evolved from simple exercises in engineering and design, initially conceived to dominate motor races. However, from their earliest days, emotion has been inextricably linked to their appeal. Any assessment of these vehicles inevitably reflects this interplay between logic and passion. The ongoing discussion about which sports cars truly deserve the title of “greatest” or “best fast cars” will undoubtedly persist as long as the definition of a sports car continues to evolve and captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
