What truly defines the Best Sports Cars? The classic answer points to a low-slung vehicle, typically for two, boasting considerable power and agile handling, often wrapped in an aesthetically pleasing design. However, when exploring the pantheon of great sports cars, we find exceptions to almost every rule. Take the Lamborghini Countach, celebrated for its visual drama yet not necessarily for its driving finesse. Or consider the Mazda Miata, beloved for its pure driving joy despite modest horsepower. Even the four-door Mercedes 500E or the flamboyant Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car pushing the boundaries of convention, enter the conversation.
Hypercars, with their extreme performance, often transcend the sports car category, although many supercars comfortably qualify, reminding us that once, 300 horsepower was a benchmark of serious performance. Grand tourers, focused on long-distance comfort, typically diverge from sports cars, while roadsters and coupes can embody the spirit, depending on their inherent sportiness. 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 iconic Lamborghini Miura. Other contenders, like the Alpine A110, cemented their sports car credentials through racing pedigree. Rarity plays a surprisingly minor role, evidenced by the inclusion of both the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the relatively accessible Datsun 240Z. Certain models, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, seem to tick every box: massive sales figures, profound cultural impact, exhilarating performance, and timeless styling that endures across generations.
To further refine the selection, a panel of twelve automotive experts was tasked with choosing their top 50 sports cars from a comprehensive list of over 150 models, spanning from Abarth to Zonda. Intriguingly, some highly desirable machines, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, received no votes, highlighting the subjective nature of automotive greatness. Other cars, like the AMC AMX, the first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, and the De Tomaso Pantera, garnered passionate support but ultimately fell short of the top 50. Debates were intense, particularly around Shelby models, yet the experts achieved unanimous agreement on the top five selections. Robb Report editors then meticulously curated the final rankings to produce the definitive list.
While the origins of sports cars, dating back over a century, may lie in practical considerations of design, engineering, and motorsport success, they have always been deeply intertwined with emotion. Any assessment of the best sports cars inevitably reflects this dynamic interplay 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 evolves and captivates enthusiasts worldwide.
