What exactly makes a sports car truly great? 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, when exploring the pantheon of the Great Sports Cars, we find numerous exceptions that challenge this simple formula. Consider icons like the Lamborghini Countach, not exactly celebrated for its refined driving dynamics, or the Mazda Miata, admired for its balance and fun rather than outright power. Then there’s the Mercedes 500E, a high-performance sedan with four doors, and the Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car that arguably pushed aerodynamic styling to extremes.
The realm of hypercars, while incredibly impressive, often transcends the sports car category, though many supercars arguably fit the bill, especially when we recall a time when 300 horsepower was genuinely remarkable. Grand tourers, focused on comfort and long-distance cruising, are generally distinct from sports cars, although roadsters and coupes, depending on their inherent sportiness, can certainly qualify. Sometimes, sheer automotive artistry can elevate a car to sports car status almost single-handedly, as seen in the breathtaking designs of the Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 and the legendary Lamborghini Miura. Other cars, like the Alpine A110, earned their sports car credentials through racing success and track prowess. Rarity, surprisingly, plays a minor role, evident in the inclusion of both the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the relatively accessible Datsun 240Z in many enthusiasts’ lists of great sports cars. Certain models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 911, seem to tick nearly every box: substantial sales figures, profound cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling that continues to captivate generations. These are often cited as the quintessential great sports cars.
To delve deeper into this debate, a panel of twelve automotive experts was convened to select their top 50 great sports cars from a comprehensive list of over 150 vehicles, ranging from Abarth to Zonda. Interestingly, some highly regarded cars, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, received no votes, highlighting the subjective nature of automotive greatness. Other contenders, like the AMC AMX, the first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, and the De Tomaso Pantera, garnered passionate support but ultimately fell short of making the top 50 cut. Discussions were particularly animated when it came to Shelby models, yet the experts reached unanimous agreement on the top five great sports cars. The final rankings presented here were carefully refined by Robb Report editors, reflecting a blend of expert opinion and editorial curation.
The essence of great sports cars transcends mere mechanical specifications. While their origins over a century ago may lie in design ingenuity, engineering innovation, and the pursuit of racing victories, sports cars have always been deeply intertwined with emotion. Any evaluation of these iconic machines inevitably reflects this interplay between rational assessment and passionate admiration. The ongoing discussion about which sports cars are truly the greatest is likely to endure as long as automakers continue to redefine and reimagine what a sports car can be, ensuring that the legacy of great sports cars evolves for years to come.
