Between the 1950s and 1970s, sports cars experienced their peak: each brand launched models with daring and challenging designs that would mark a before and after in the history of motoring. Some were featured in movies, and others were prized collectors' items that were auctioned for large sums of money.
These types of vehicles made motoring history, setting a precedent for the models that came after them, so it is not surprising that they are considered vehicular jewels or relics to this day.
In this post we will take a look at the most iconic sports cars on this and the other side of the pond.
Sports cars are associated with expensive and unattainable cars... right or myth?
When people think of sports cars, they are often associated with expensive and almost unattainable vehicles. And it is true that they tend to have a somewhat higher price because the performance they offer is slightly superior to that of more conventional cars. They convey a sense of freedom, speed and aerodynamism that is not found in other types of vehicles.
However, this does not mean that all sports cars on the market are expensive. On the contrary, you can find sports cars that span a wide price range depending on the make, model and features. In addition, many manufacturers offer sports packages for more popular car models, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience without the need to invest in a high-end vehicle.
European sports cars of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s
The first sports cars date back to the beginning of the 20th century, when brands such as Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Bentley or Mercedes-Benz began to produce vehicles designed for racing and competition.
These early models were distinguished by better performance compared to conventional cars, and often featured aerodynamic designs that made them stand out.
Since then, they have become an important segment within the automotive sector.
From the 1950s and 1960s onwards, sports cars became extremely popular due to the economic prosperity of the time and the expansion of car culture globally. Many of the vehicles produced at this time went down in history as status symbols and representatives of a certain lifestyle.
From the 1950s onwards, the design of sports cars acquired more pronounced lines and larger exhaust outlets, giving way to the aggressive appearance that still characterizes sports cars today.
Since then, sports cars have sought to transmit the strength and aerodynamics that the driver needs when driving through design. Without ever forgetting safety.
Renault Alpine (1955-1978)
From 1961 to 1977, Renault produced Alpine A110, considered a classic in the world of sports cars. It was a vehicle improved for competition, with aluminum chassis that lightened the weight, offering an agile and dynamic driving experience.
In 2017, Renault introduced a new edition of the Alpine, which was developed in collaboration with Caterham, a British sports brand. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder, 1.8-liter engine, capable of generating 252 horsepower and going from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds.
Porsche 911 (1963-1997) and 911 Turbo
If there is a sports car par excellence, it is the Porsche 911. It was introduced in 1963 as a replacement for the 356 and, although its beginnings were difficult, it ended up captivating the hearts of the brand's fans, and also the general public for its iconic design and exceptional performance both on the track and in the race.
During its 50-year history, this saga of vehicles has not ceased to modernize and adapt, improving in design and performance over seven generations. Its distinctive design, distinctive rear engine and sleek, aerodynamic shape have remained unchanged over time.
The Turbo version of the 911 was introduced in 1974, and since then it has been an iconic and recognizable vehicle because of its whale tail spoiler. It was the first car to be turbocharged, with a 260 hp engine that offered a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). In 1977 it managed to surpass the 300 hp barrier, and has continued to grow in power ever since. The one sold now reaches 600 hp.
Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
The Ferrari 250 GTO is the most famous of all time, and also the most expensive and coveted.
It was produced during the 60's as a racing car homologated for road driving. Only 37 units were produced between 1962 and 1964, that's why it is such a coveted object. If someone finds it, its value is around 10,000,000 euros.
It was designed by Giotto Bizarrini, who was responsible for the first time the wind tunnel was used to manufacture the bodywork. It was equipped with a 3.0-liter V12 engine that produced up to 300 hp, which allowed it to reach speeds exceeding 280 km/h (180 mph).
Conceived by and for circuits, it won gold in important races such as the Targa Florio, the 12 Hours of Sebring or the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aston Martin DB5 (1963-1965)
Developed in the UK between 1963 and 1965, the Aston Martin DB5 is another of the most famous sports cars in history, thanks to its appearance on the big screen being driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger.
It was equipped with an aluminum in-line six-cylinder engine with two camshafts in each head and a capacity of 4.0 liters. It was capable of generating a power output of 285 hp at 5 500 rpm and was mated to a ZF 5-speed synchromesh gearbox to transmit power to the vehicle's driveline.
Undoubtedly, a supercar for the time.
Lamborghini Miura (1966-1972)
The Lamborghini Miura was the last car designed by Ferruccio Lamborghini before he sold the brand in 1974.
Launched in 1966, it was designed by Marello Gandini of Bertone, and the aerodynamic and elegant design made it an icon of car culture.
It was one of the first cars with a rear mid-engine to be mass-produced. It had a 4.0-liter V12 that produced up to 350 hp, which allowed it to reach speeds of over 280 km/h, making it the fastest car in the world.
However, it was also considered one of the most uncomfortable cars to drive.
American sports cars
World War II boosted the American automobile industry, which was in decline at the time. The sports cars that were developed became a very important part of the country's automotive culture, and of the automobile in general.
They are characterized by powerful engines and eye-catching designs, such as the Mustang or the Corvette.
Ford Mustang (1964-present)
The Ford Mustang was first introduced in 1964, and since then there have been six more generations. The last one was introduced in September 2022.
Since its launch, it has become a vehicle widely recognized for its sporty design and excellent on-road performance. Initially, 100,000 units were planned, but in the first year, sales exceeded 400,000, and in the second year, one million.
It is available in coupe and convertible versions, and with different engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder, V6 and high-performance V8.
Chevrolet Camaro (1967-2002 and 2010-present)
The Camaro was presented in Detroit in 1966, and emerged as a response to the Ford Mustang, creator of the "pony car" segment, and soon became a success. It was presented in two variants:
- The Camaro Rally Sport (RS). Sportier in appearance, it featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine and an optional 6.5L engine.
- Camaro Super Sport (SS). It featured a 5.7L V8 engine with a 750 cubic feet per minute Quadrajet four-port carburetor and a compression ratio of 10.25:1.
Throughout its history, it has undergone modifications in its different versions, but always retaining the sporty style and high performance with which it was conceived.
It is a car highly valued by collectors and motor enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Corvette (1953-1962)
Since its introduction in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has become an iconic model that has stood the test of time through 8 generations, keeping the sporty styling and thrilling performance intact.
The Corvette is the result of the U.S. automobile industry's desire to demonstrate its ability to build cars equal to or better than European cars.
The C1 Corvette, also known as "rigid axle" because it lacked independent rear suspension, began production in 1962. Its production was limited to 300 units because they were all manufactured and built by hand.
Shelby Cobra 427 (1965-1967)
The Shelby Cobra 427 was built by Shelby American in the United States, and is very closely related to the AC Cobra 427, as Carroll Shelby worked with AC Cars to develop the original AC Cobra design and adapt it to accept a 427 cubic inch Ford V8 engine, resulting in the creation of the Shelby Cobra 427. This resulted in the creation of the Shelby Cobra 427. Both vehicles are considered icons in automotive history, making them highly sought-after treasures for collectors.
The Shelby Cobra features a sleek design and a 7L V8 engine producing 425 hp, offering excellent track performance.
Sport versions of established models
Given the success of sports cars throughout history, sporty options of established models can be found on the market.
Renault Clio RS
The RS is the sporty version of the famous Renault Clio. It mounts a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower (or 280 horsepower in the Trophy version). It also offers improvements in suspension, steering and brakes, allowing it to offer an excellent sporty driving experience.
Renault Megane RS
The Renault Megane RS is another sporty version from Renault that features a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing up to 300 horsepower.
It features improved suspension, steering, brakes and aerodynamics, enabling it to deliver a thrilling sporty driving experience.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is a sporty version of the popular Volkswagen Golf that features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 241 horsepower in the latest version. It offers a fun sporty driving experience.
BMW M3
In 1985 a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series was introduced, rivaling other sports cars such as the Porsche 944. It became one of the best sports cars of all time due to its high performance, sporty handling and recognizable design. It came with a four-cylinder engine and 200 hp.
Since then, there have been 6 more generations, improving in performance and power, reaching up to 420 hp in the latest edition.
Latest sports models
In recent years, we are witnessing a breakthrough in the world of sports cars thanks to the arrival of increasingly powerful and advanced models.
Some of the latest powerful models on the market are the Toyota GR Yaris, the Honda Civic Type R or the Porsche Panamera.
Currently, there are thousands of sports cars that aim to revive the essence of the great classics. At Soul Auto from time to time we have historic relics of a classic sports car, so we advise you to keep an eye on our networks and our website to bid on the sports car you have been waiting for so long.
