What exactly makes a sports car truly great? The classic definition points to a low-slung vehicle, typically designed for two, boasting ample power and agile handling, often wrapped in a beautiful form. Yet, when considering the pantheon of greatest sports cars, this definition becomes delightfully blurred. Some icons might lack in one area or another. Take the Lamborghini Countach, for example, a design masterpiece yet not celebrated for its driving dynamics. Or consider the Mazda Miata, beloved for its balance and fun, but not exactly a powerhouse. Even the four-door Mercedes 500E enters the conversation, pushing the boundaries, while the Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car taken to an extreme, challenges the very notion of refined taste in sports cars.
Hypercars, with their stratospheric performance, often transcend the sports car category, though many supercars comfortably qualify. It’s a reminder that once, 300 horsepower was a benchmark of serious performance. Grand tourers are generally excluded, but roadsters and coupes can certainly embody the sports car spirit, depending on their level of athleticism. 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 sensuous Lamborghini Miura. Other contenders, like the Alpine A110, cemented their sports car credentials through racing triumphs. Rarity isn’t always a deciding factor; both the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the more accessible Datsun 240Z are frequently cited in discussions of great sports cars.
Certain models, like the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, seemingly tick every box: massive sales figures, profound cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling. These are the vehicles that consistently appear in “Top Ten Sports Cars” lists and debates.
To further explore this fascinating topic, a panel of experts was convened. Tasked with selecting their top 50 from a pool of over 150 diverse models, ranging from Abarth to Zonda, their votes shaped a compelling list. Interestingly, some highly regarded cars, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, didn’t garner enough votes to make the cut. Others, like the AMC AMX, first-generation Chevy Camaro, and De Tomaso Pantera, had passionate advocates but ultimately fell short of broader consensus. Even within the top selections, debates raged, particularly around Shelby models, yet the top five choices were ultimately unanimous. The final rankings were then refined by Robb Report editors to create a definitive list.
The essence of sports cars, born over a century ago from a blend of design ingenuity and engineering prowess, initially focused on racing success. However, almost from their inception, emotion has been inextricably linked to their appeal. Any evaluation of the greatest sports cars reflects this inherent tension between objective criteria and subjective passion. The ongoing discussion about which sports cars reign supreme is likely to continue as long as the very definition of a sports car continues to evolve, captivating enthusiasts for generations to come.
