What exactly constitutes a sports car? The classic definition points to a low-slung vehicle, typically designed for two occupants, boasting considerable power and agile handling, often wrapped in an aesthetically pleasing form. However, delving deeper into the realm of automotive excellence reveals that the lines blur. Many vehicles celebrated as iconic Sports Cars defy aspects of this simple definition. Consider the Lamborghini Countach, not necessarily lauded for its driving dynamics, or the Mazda Miata, not renowned for overwhelming power. Even the four-door Mercedes 500E or the Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car pushing the boundaries of conventional taste, find themselves in this fascinating conversation.
While hypercars often transcend the sports car category, many supercars comfortably fit within it, especially when considering that 300 horsepower was once a benchmark of serious performance. Grand tourers, while luxurious, generally diverge from the focused sportiness of true sports cars, though roadsters and coupes can certainly embody the spirit, depending on their performance orientation. Sometimes, sheer automotive beauty elevates a car to sports car status almost single-handedly, as exemplified by the stunning Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 and the legendary Lamborghini Miura. Other vehicles, like the Alpine A110, cemented their sports car credentials through racing success on the track. Rarity plays a minimal role in defining a sports car’s greatness, as evidenced by the inclusion of both the ultra-rare Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the relatively accessible Datsun 240Z. Certain models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, consistently hit all the key markers: significant sales volumes, profound cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling that endures through generations.
Mazda MX-5 RF driving on a scenic coastal road
To compile a list of truly exceptional sports cars, a panel of twelve automotive experts was convened. These experts were tasked with selecting their top 50 sports cars from an extensive list of over 150 models, ranging from Abarth to Zonda. Interestingly, some highly desirable vehicles, 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. Debates were lively, particularly regarding Shelby models, yet the experts reached unanimous agreement on the top five sports cars. The editors at Robb Report then meticulously refined these expert selections to curate the definitive ranking.
Mercedes-Benz 500 E driving on a tree-lined road
While the origins of sports cars over a century ago might be traced to straightforward exercises in design and engineering, or the pursuit of motorsport victories, they have almost always been deeply intertwined with emotion. Any evaluation of a sports car inevitably reflects this interplay between rational assessment and passionate feeling. The ongoing discussion about which sports cars are the greatest is likely to persist as long as the very definition of a sports car continues to evolve and be reinterpreted.
