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 into the realm of iconic sports cars reveals that many defy this simple categorization. Consider the Lamborghini Countach, not celebrated for its nuanced driving dynamics; or the Mazda Miata, rarely described as overpowered; the Mercedes 500E, a sedan with four doors; or even the Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car that pushed stylistic boundaries.
Hypercars, with their extreme nature, often transcend the sports car label, although many supercars comfortably qualify, especially when recalling a time when 300 horsepower was a significant benchmark. Grand tourers are distinct from sports cars, though sportier roadsters and coupes can blur the lines. Sometimes, sheer automotive artistry elevates a car to sports car status, as seen in the Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 or the Lamborghini Miura. Other vehicles, like the Alpine A110, cemented their sports car credentials on the racetrack. Rarity is not a defining factor, illustrated by the inclusion of both the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the Datsun 240Z in discussions of great sports cars. Certain models, such as the Chevy Corvette and Porsche 911, epitomize nearly every criterion: substantial sales, profound cultural impact, impressive performance, and timeless design.
To curate a list of truly exceptional sports cars, a panel of twelve experts was convened. Tasked with selecting their top 50 from an extensive roster of over 150 vehicles, ranging from Abarth to Zonda, their collective votes shaped the definitive ranking. Notably, some highly admired cars, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, received no votes, while others like the AMC AMX, first-generation Chevy Camaro, and De Tomaso Pantera garnered passionate support but fell short of the top tier. Debates were spirited, particularly regarding Shelby models, yet the experts achieved unanimous agreement on the top five. Robb Report editors further refined these selections to produce the list of top sports cars.
From their origins over a century ago as expressions of design and engineering ingenuity, and tools for motorsport competition, sports cars have always evoked strong emotions. Any evaluation of these vehicles inherently balances objective criteria with subjective passion. The ongoing dialogue about which sports cars are truly the greatest is likely to continue as long as the very definition of a sports car evolves.
