What truly defines a sports car? The classic definition points to a low-slung vehicle, typically designed for two occupants, boasting ample power and agile handling, often wrapped in a beautiful aesthetic. However, the realm of sports cars is far more nuanced, encompassing vehicles that may bend or even break some of these traditional rules. Consider the Lamborghini Countach, not exactly celebrated for its forgiving driving dynamics, or the Mazda Miata, admired for its balance but not its overwhelming power. Then there’s the Mercedes 500E, a high-performance sedan with four doors, and the Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car that pushed stylistic boundaries.
Hypercars, with their extreme capabilities, often transcend the sports car category, while many supercars comfortably fit within it—especially when considering that a mere 300 horsepower was once a benchmark of serious performance. Grand tourers, designed for comfortable long-distance driving, typically diverge from the focused sportiness of a true sports car, though roadsters and coupes can certainly embody the spirit, depending on their performance and intent. Sometimes, sheer visual allure can elevate a car to sports car status almost single-handedly, as exemplified by the breathtaking Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 or the iconic Lamborghini Miura. Other vehicles, like the Alpine A110, earned their sports car credentials on the racetrack, proving their mettle in competition. Rarity, surprisingly, plays a minor role in the definition, as both the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the mass-produced Datsun 240Z are rightfully considered sports cars. Certain models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, seemingly tick every box: substantial sales figures, significant cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling that continues to captivate.
To delve deeper into this fascinating topic, a panel of twelve automotive experts was convened to select their top 50 sports cars from a comprehensive list of over 150 vehicles, ranging from Abarth to Zonda. Interestingly, some highly regarded models, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, received no votes, highlighting the subjective nature of automotive preference. Other cars, such as the AMC AMX, the first-generation Chevy Camaro, and the De Tomaso Pantera, garnered passionate support but ultimately fell short of making the top 50 cut. Debates were lively, particularly when discussing Shelby vehicles, yet the experts reached unanimous agreement on the top five selections. The final rankings presented here have been carefully refined by Robb Report editors to ensure a balanced and representative list.
Sports cars, originating over a century ago, may have begun as exercises in pure engineering and design, or as tools to conquer motor races. However, very early on, they became deeply intertwined with emotion. Any assessment of sports cars inevitably reflects this dynamic interplay between objective criteria and subjective passion. The ongoing discussion about which sports cars are truly the greatest is likely to persist as long as the very definition of a sports car continues to evolve and be reimagined for generations to come. — Erik Shilling
