What exactly constitutes the Best Sport Cars? The classic definition points to a low-slung vehicle, typically designed for two occupants, boasting considerable power and agile handling, often wrapped in a visually stunning package. However, the realm of best sport cars is far more nuanced, encompassing vehicles that may challenge some aspects of this traditional description. Consider the Lamborghini Countach, celebrated for its striking aesthetics yet not necessarily a paragon of driving dynamics. Or the Mazda Miata, not particularly known for overwhelming power, but cherished for its pure driving experience. Even the four-door Mercedes 500E or the boldly styled Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car pushing the boundaries of conventional taste, can enter the conversation.
Hypercars, with their extreme capabilities, often transcend the sports car category, although many supercars comfortably qualify, reminding us that once, 300 horsepower was a significant benchmark. Grand tourers, while luxurious, are distinct from sport cars, though roadsters and coupes can certainly embody the sporty essence, depending on their design focus. Sometimes, sheer automotive beauty can almost single-handedly elevate a car to sports car status, as exemplified by the exquisite Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 or the legendary Lamborghini Miura. Other vehicles, like the Alpine A110, earned their sports car reputation through racing prowess and track performance. Rarity, interestingly, plays a minor role, evidenced by the inclusion of both the ultra-rare Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the more accessible Datsun 240Z in discussions of best sport cars. Certain models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, consistently tick almost every box: impressive sales figures, profound cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling that continues to captivate.
To compile a list of exceptional contenders, a panel of twelve experts was assembled. They were tasked with selecting their top 50 from an extensive list of over 150 cars, spanning from Abarth to Zonda. Interestingly, some highly desirable cars, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, received no votes, highlighting the subjective nature of automotive preference. Other models, like the AMC AMX, the first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, and the De Tomaso Pantera, garnered passionate support but ultimately lacked the votes to break into the top echelon. Even iconic names like Shelby sparked lively debate among the panel, although the top five choices were ultimately unanimous. The editors at Robb Report then meticulously refined these expert selections to curate the final rankings.
The genesis of sport cars, dating back over a century, might be rooted in pure design and engineering exercises, or the pursuit of racing victories. However, from early on, emotion has been inextricably linked to the allure of best sport cars. Any evaluation of these vehicles inevitably reflects this interplay between rational assessment and passionate desire. The ongoing discussion about which sport cars deserve the title of “greatest” is likely to persist as long as the very definition of a sports car continues to evolve and inspire.
