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DeLorean DMC-12

Giorgetto Giugiaro · 1981

The DMC DeLorean is a rear-engine, two-seat sports car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and produced by the DeLorean Motor Company from 1981 to 1983. It features gull-wing doors, unpainted brushed stainless-steel body panels, and a 2.85 L PRV V6 engine shared with Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. Approximately 9,000 units were built before the company’s bankruptcy. Though criticized for modest performance and build quality, it gained iconic status through the Back to the Future films.

Dodge Challenger (1970)

Carl Cameron · 1970

The 1970 Dodge Challenger is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive E-platform pony car. It launched in autumn 1969 for the 1970 model year. It shares its platform and body styles — hardtop and convertible — with the Plymouth Barracuda. It is longer than the Barracuda but not mechanically distinct. It is the first of three generations bearing the Challenger name — the second being a rebadged Mitsubishi compact (1978–1983), the third a full-size muscle car (2008–2023). Production of the third generation ended December 22, 2023.

Facel Vega Facel II

Jean Daninos · 1962

The Facel Vega Facel II is a French grand touring car produced from 1962 to 1964. It was Facel Vega’s final attempt to build a luxury GT in the French tradition. Jean Daninos considered it the best car the company ever made and described it as 'totally elegant'. Facel S.A. marketed it as 'The Fastest 4-seater Coupé in the World'. Sports Car Graphic called it a 'luxurious brute'. Bernard Cahier observed that its Chrysler engine made wheel-spin easy at light throttle. It used a Chrysler 6.3 L 'Typhoon' engine producing 355 hp with automatic transmission or 390 hp with manual transmission. With automatic transmission, it exceeded 217 km/h. Only 180 units were built before the company collapsed.

Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

Pininfarina · 1957

The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car designed by Sergio Scaglietti and produced by Carrozzeria Scaglietti from 1957 to 1963 in approximately 100 units. It is a convertible version of the contemporary Berlinetta. It is powered by the traditional Ferrari V12 engine. It is presented by the brand as Ferrari 250 Gran Turismo Spyder California or simply Ferrari 250 California. It was designed by Pininfarina as part of its exclusive design partnership with Ferrari beginning in 1951. It gained considerable recognition following its appearance in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Ferrari 275

Pininfarina · 1964

The Ferrari 275 is a front-engined V12 grand tourer designed by Pininfarina and produced from 1964 to 1968. It introduced the transaxle and independent rear suspension to Ferrari road cars. The GTB and GTS were two-seat coupé and spider variants. The GTB/4 and GTS/4 NART Spyder closed the series. The GTB Competizione Speciale was intended to succeed the 250 GTO in GT racing. Francesco Salomone led Pininfarina’s studio during its design.

Ferrari 288 GTO

Leonardo Fioravanti · 1984

The Ferrari 288 GTO is a homologation-special berlinetta, developed from the 308 GTB between 1984 and 1987 in Maranello. Its name stands for Gran Turismo Omologata. It was built to satisfy FIA Group B requirements.

Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS

Leonardo Fioravanti · 1975

The Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS is a V8 mid-engined two-seater sports car designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. It features a tube-frame chassis with a separate body, a transversely mounted flat-plane crankshaft 90-degree V8 engine with dual overhead camshafts per bank, a 5-speed dog-leg manual gearbox, limited-slip differential, all-independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bars, four-wheel vented disc brakes, and unassisted rack-and-pinion steering. Early GTB models used GRP bodies (1975–1977), later switching to steel; all GTS models were steel-bodied. The model evolved through carburetted, fuel-injected (GTBi/GTSi), and quattrovalvole (four-valve) variants, with distinct power outputs and technical updates. Rally versions were developed by Michelotto for Group 4 and Group B competition, including the purpose-built GT/M. The car gained iconic status via its role in Magnum, P.I., and was named number five on Sports Car International’s Top Sports Cars of the 1970s list in 2004.

Ferrari 360

Goran Popović · 1999

The Ferrari 360 redefined Ferrari’s mid-engined formula with an all-aluminium space-frame and Pininfarina’s curvilinear language — trading the F355’s emotional sharpness for structural precision and visual calm.

Ferrari 458

Pininfarina · 2009

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a mid-engine sports car. It launched in 2009 as a clean-sheet replacement for the F430. It uses a 4.5 L V8 with direct fuel injection — the first such setup in a Ferrari mid-engine road car — and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. No manual option exists. Magneti Marelli developed its body computer system. Pininfarina designed it under Donato Coco, with Carlo Palazzani as lead designer.

Ferrari 550

Lorenzo Ramaciotti · 1996

The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive V12 grand tourer designed by Pininfarina under Lorenzo Ramaciotti’s supervision, produced from 1996 to 2001 (3,083 units), and succeeded by the 575M Maranello in 2002; it features a 5,474 cc naturally aspirated 65° V12 engine and was offered in coupé and limited-run Barchetta roadster forms.

Ferrari Daytona SP3

Flavio Manzoni · 2021

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a mid-engine, naturally aspirated V12 road car launched in 2021 as part of Ferrari’s Icona series. It draws directly from the 1967-winning 330 P4. It uses a 6.5 L F140 HC V12. It shares its chassis with the LaFerrari Aperta. It was produced in 599 units from 2022, all pre-sold at $2.25 million each. It is Ferrari’s final non-hybrid, mid-mounted V12 road car.

Ferrari F50

Lorenzo Ramaciotti · 1995

The Ferrari F50 is a 1995–1997 limited-run targa-top supercar. Its 4.7 L V12 came from Formula One. Its shape grew from the 1989 Mythos concept and borrowed F1 front-end cues. It uses a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Only 349 were built.

Ferrari Modulo

Paolo Martin · 1970

The Ferrari Modulo is a static concept car built by Pininfarina on a de-powered Ferrari 512 S chassis. It debuted black at Geneva 1970. Its wedge shape, sliding canopy and exposed V12 defined a new visual language — one that influenced 1970s car design more than any production model.

Ferrari Roma

Flavio Manzoni · 2019

The Ferrari Roma is a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand touring coupé with a twin turbocharged V8 and 2+2 seating. It succeeds the Portofino and sits below the F8. Named after Rome, it launched online on 13 November 2019 and was unveiled in Rome the next day. Flavio Manzoni led its design, which won five major international design awards — including Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year in Paris.

Fiat Multipla

Roberto Giolito · 1998

The Fiat Multipla is a six-seater compact MPV designed by Roberto Giolito and launched by Fiat in November 1998. It is based on the Bravo/Brava but shorter and wider, reusing the name of the 1950s Fiat 600 Multipla.

Ford XY Falcon GT

Ford · 1971

The Ford XY Falcon GT is a 1970–1971 Australian sports sedan built by Ford Australia on the Falcon XY platform. Its GTHO Phase III variant — 300 units built May–November 1971 — won the 1971 Bathurst 500 outright. It used a 351 Cleveland V8 rated at 224 kW (300 bhp) at 5400 rpm. Total production was 1,557 units. A limited number were exported to South Africa with Fairmont GT badging.

Ford Mustang (first generation)

Joe Oros · 1964

The first-generation Ford Mustang is a compact, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive saloon designed under Joe Oros and launched by Ford in March 1964. It originated as a two-seat, mid-mounted engine roadster prototype, then remodeled into a four-seat car.

Boss 429 Mustang

Larry Shinoda · 1969

The Boss 429 Mustang is a 1969–1970 homologation special built solely to qualify Ford’s semi-hemispherical 429 cu in V8 for NASCAR. Its engine was too wide for the Mustang’s engine bay—requiring Kar Kraft to widen the front end. Priced at nearly $5,000 and limited to 1,359 units, it sacrificed usability, cost, and serviceability for one purpose: counting toward NASCAR’s 500-car rule. Larry Shinoda, who named the Boss line as a homage to Bunkie Knudsen, did not design this car—but its existence follows directly from the logic he established with the Boss 302.

Ford Shelby GR-1

George Saridakis · 2005

The Ford Shelby GR-1 is a Ford-built concept car. It appeared first as clay at Pebble Beach 2004. It ran as a prototype at Detroit 2005. Its shape recalls the Shelby Daytona. Its chassis comes from the 2004 Shelby Cobra Concept. Its V10 engine shares components with the Ford GT. It makes 605 hp and 501 lb⋅ft. Superformance later built a V8 version in 2019 because no production V10 was available.

Ford Thunderbird (first generation)

George Walker team · 1955

The first-generation Ford Thunderbird (1955–1957) is a two-seat convertible — Ford’s first since 1938 — developed in response to the 1953 Motorama Corvette display. Dubbed 'a personal car of distinction', it prioritised driver comfort over speed and established the personal luxury car segment in the US. Built on existing Ford components with body-on-frame construction, it sold 16,155 units in 1955 — vastly outpacing the Corvette. Its design inspired the German Auto Union 1000 Sp. It remained the only two-seat Thunderbird until 2002.

Genesis G80

Luc Donckerwolke · 2016

The Genesis G80 is the 2016 rebrand of the Hyundai Genesis DH. It launched Genesis Motor as a standalone luxury division. It uses existing architecture, powertrains, and production in Ulsan. Its significance lies in corporate positioning—not mechanical departure.

Genesis G90

Peter Schreyer · 2015

The Genesis G90 is Genesis’ first flagship sedan — a full-size, four-door replacement for the Hyundai Equus. It launched in December 2015 and went on sale globally in late 2016. Development spanned four years with ~1,200 researchers. The second generation arrived in 2021 with new powertrain and chassis technology. Peter Schreyer’s design legacy is well documented at Audi and Kia — but the sources make no connection to the G90.

Honda S2000

Daisuke Sawai · 1999

The Honda S2000 is a front-mid engine, rear-wheel-drive open-top sports car manufactured by Honda from 1999 to 2009. It launched on April 15, 1999, to mark Honda’s 50th anniversary. Its name honours the 1960s S-series roadsters and its two-litre engine. It holds the record for highest specific power output of any mass-production naturally aspirated car until 2010. It was tested on race tracks and mountain roads. Development followed classic Honda engineering values, not marketing input.

Honda S500

Honda · 1963

The Honda S500 is Honda’s first passenger automobile and first production sports car. Launched in October 1963, it followed the T360 truck by four months. It used a 531 cc DOHC straight-4 engine producing 44 hp at 8000 rpm, a four-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel independent suspension with chain-driven rear wheels. It exceeded kei car regulations in dimensions and displacement. 1,363 units were built between October 1963 and September 1964. It was priced at $1,275 in 1963.

Hyundai Tiburon

Hyundai · 1996

The Hyundai Tiburon is a front-wheel-drive sports coupe produced by Hyundai from 1996 to 2008. It launched as the RD generation and continued as the GK generation. It carried different names across markets — Tiburon, Coupé, Turbulence, Tuscani — all describing the same body and layout.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

SangYup Lee · 2021

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is Hyundai’s first production vehicle on the E-GMP platform and the inaugural model of its Ioniq sub-brand. Launched globally on 23 February 2021, it is a battery electric compact crossover SUV with a clamshell bonnet, Parametric Pixel lighting, and a fully flat interior floor. Its design draws from the original Hyundai Pony. No verified source attributes its design to SangYup Lee — his confirmed work includes the Ioniq 7 concept (2021) and N Vision 74 concept (2022).

Italdesign Aztec

Giorgetto Giugiaro · 1988

The Italdesign Aztec is a 1988 concept car built to mark Italdesign’s 20th anniversary. It features driver-passenger separation enforced by physical barriers and electronic communication. Its speedster body uses removable gull-wing visor sections. A turbocharged Audi engine and Lancia Delta HF Integrale–derived four-wheel-drive system power it. Compact srl licensed it for Japan; Carrozzeria Savio built 18 units. It was never a production car — it was a demonstration of interface-first automotive thinking.

Kia EV6

Karim Habib · 2021

The Kia EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated battery electric vehicle. It launched in 2021 on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It is a compact crossover SUV. It won the 2022 European Car of the Year award. It introduced Kia’s new EV naming series. It was developed under codename CV. First photographs appeared 15 March 2021. Full release followed on 2 August 2021.

LaFerrari

Flavio Manzoni · 2013

LaFerrari is Ferrari’s first hybrid road car and definitive V12 flagship. It is a limited-production mid-engine sports car developed under Flavio Manzoni. Its design follows the 2011 Manta concept. It draws on FXX prototype testing and Millechili Project research. Only 499 units were built between 2013 and 2016.

Lamborghini 350 GT

Franco Scaglione · 1964

The Lamborghini 350 GT is Lamborghini’s first production car. It is a grand tourer built between 1964 and 1966. It was based on the 350 GTV prototype. It has a 3.5 litre V12 engine. Its body is a 2-door coupé by Carrozzeria Touring. Lamborghini built 120 units.

Lamborghini Huracán

Filippo Perini · 2014

The Lamborghini Huracán is a mid-engine, two-seater sports car made by Lamborghini from 2014 to 2024. Its name is inspired by a Spanish fighting bull. It retains the 5.2-litre naturally aspirated Audi/Lamborghini V10 engine of the facelifted Gallardo. To ensure its balance and performance, the car is mid-engined. The engine has both direct fuel injection and multi-point fuel injection. It combines the benefits of both systems; it is the first time this combination has been used in a V10 engine. The drag coefficient of Cd=0.39 was undisclosed until 2021. With a kerb weight of 1,553 kg (3,424 lb), the Huracán LP 610-4 has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.55 kg (5.62 lb) per horsepower.

Lamborghini Miura

Marcello Gandini · 1966

The Lamborghini Miura is the first high-performance production road car with a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Conceived secretly by engineers in 1965, it debuted at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Marcello Gandini designed it in three months. It held the title of world’s fastest production car at launch. It remained Lamborghini’s flagship until 1973.

Lamborghini Revuelto

Mitja Borkert · 2023

The Lamborghini Revuelto is Lamborghini’s first plug-in hybrid sports car. It replaces the Aventador. It uses a mid-engine layout, a 6.5-litre V12, three electric motors, Y-shaped daytime running lights, active aerodynamics, and a carbon-fibre monocoque. Production began in July 2023. First deliveries were in Q4 2023.

Lamborghini Urus

Mitja Borkert · 2018

The Lamborghini Urus is a high-performance luxury SUV. It is Lamborghini’s first SUV under Volkswagen ownership and its second ever, after the LM002. Introduced in December 2017 as a 2018 model, it is built on the Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform and shares components with the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg. Its name derives from urus, the aurochs. The production model uses a modified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 — not the concept’s 5.2-litre V10 — and features a front-engine, all-wheel-drive layout. With a top speed of 312 km/h, the Urus SE is the fastest production SUV in the world. It is Lamborghini’s best-selling model, reaching 20,000 units by 2022.

Lancia Aurelia B20 GT

Ghia · 1951

The B20 GT is the coupé of the Lancia Aurelia, which Lancia built from 1950 to 1958 over six series. It arrived in 1951 on a shorter wheelbase, with a Ghia-designed body built by Pinin Farina and a 1,991 cc V6 making 75 hp. Over six series it gained a larger engine, a de Dion rear axle and a sturdier transaxle, and the sixth-series coupés were the most touring-oriented of the B20 line.

Lancia Montecarlo

Paolo Martin · 1975

The Lancia Montecarlo is a two-seater sports car manufactured and marketed by Lancia in Italy from 1975 to 1981. Designed by Paolo Martin at Pininfarina, it features a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and was developed from the Fiat X1/8 project. Both series were offered in Coupé and Spider bodystyles. Total production reached 7,798 units between 1974 and 1982, including 220 competition models (Lancia 037).

Lancia Delta HF

Giorgetto Giugiaro · 1985

The Lancia Delta HF is a Group A rally car built by Lancia for Martini Lancia to compete in the World Rally Championship from 1987 to 1993. Based on the Lancia Delta road car and replacing the Delta S4, it featured a front-mounted two-litre turbocharged engine and four-wheel-drive. It evolved through four versions and achieved extraordinary success: 46 WRC victories and six consecutive manufacturers’ titles (1987–1992), the most in WRC history.

Lancia Megagamma

Giorgetto Giugiaro · 1978

The Lancia Megagamma is a 1978 Italdesign concept MPV commissioned by Fiat. It originated in a 1976 taxi study with the Museum of Modern Art. It debuted at the 1978 Turin Motor Show.

Lancia Ypsilon

Lancia Centro Stile · 2024

The Lancia Ypsilon is a supermini car. It launched in 1995 as a larger, more expensive replacement for the Y10. It is now in its fourth generation. As of 2024, it is Lancia’s only model.

Lotus Europa

Ron Hickman · 1966

The Lotus Europa (1966) is a two-seater mid-engine sports coupe designed by Ron Hickman at Lotus. It used a lightweight steel backbone chassis and fibreglass body. It was intended as a volume-produced road car—unusual for its time—applying Grand Prix layout principles to affordable performance. Production ran from 1966 to 1975 across five types, totalling 9,230 units.

Lotus Evija

Russell Carr · 2019

The Lotus Evija is a limited-production, all-electric, all-wheel-drive sports car — Lotus Cars’ first EV — unveiled in July 2019. It is built by the British automaker Lotus Cars, owned by the Chinese company Geely. Production is capped at 130 units. Its base price is US$2.3 million, before options and taxes. Four wheel-mounted motors deliver 1,500 kW total power. A 93 kWh battery supplies energy. It achieves 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed of 349 km/h. A prototype underwent high-speed testing in November 2019. A video was released on 21 November 2019 ahead of its debut later that day at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Lotus planned thousands of miles of further road testing on European circuits and at its Hethel track. The name Evija derives from 'Eve' and means 'alive' or 'living' in Biblical Hebrew.

Lotus Exige

Russell Carr · 2000

The Lotus Exige is a British sports car produced from 2000 to 2021. It began as a hardtop coupé derivative of the Elise roadster. Its name means 'demand' or 'require' in French. The original 2000 model used a naturally aspirated 1.8 L Rover K-Series inline-four. Series 2 (2004) switched to a naturally aspirated 1.8 L Toyota/Yamaha 2ZZ-GE. Series 3 (2012) adopted a supercharged 3.5 L V6 from the Evora S. All generations featured mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, non-removable hardtop, kamm-tail rear bodywork, and a pylon-mounted rear wing.

Maserati MC20

Maserati Centro Stile · 2020

The MC20 is Maserati’s first in-house sports car since the Bora. It is not a revival. It is a declaration: no more borrowed engines, no more compromised layouts, no more waiting for permission to be a manufacturer. It launched in Modena in 2020 with a bespoke V6, then expanded into open-top, track, racing, and (briefly) electric forms—before being renamed MCPura in 2025.

McLaren 12C

Frank Stephenson · 2011

The McLaren 12C is a British sports car produced by McLaren Automotive from 2011 to 2014. It marked McLaren’s return to production car sales after 1998. Development began in 2005. Series manufacturing started in February 2011 in Woking, Surrey. Over 3,400 units were built. Frank Stephenson served as Design Director and oversaw its design. It was succeeded by the 650S, with which it shares most components.

Mercedes-Benz CLK LM

AMG · 1998

The Mercedes-Benz CLK LM is a 1998 Group GT1 racing car built by Mercedes-Benz and AMG to win the FIA GT Championship. It uses a naturally aspirated M119 V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, replacing the CLK GTR’s V12. Two road-legal CLK LM Straßenversion chassis were built for homologation — one destroyed in crash testing. It won every 1998 FIA GT race but retired from the non-championship 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans. Five chassis were built in total: three race, two road-legal. Mercedes ended its GT1 programme after 1998 when the FIA removed the GT1 class.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Karl Wilfert · 1955

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a two-door luxury roadster produced from May 1955 to February 1963. It was internally designated W121 (BII). It was first shown in prototype at the 1954 New York Auto Show. It was available with an optional removable hardtop. It was a more affordable alternative to the 300 SL. Both cars had double wishbones in front and swing axles at the rear. Instead of the 300 SL's tubular spaceframe, the 190 SL used a shortened unitary floorpan modified from the W121 saloon. It was powered by a Type M121 BII 1.9 L straight-four SOHC engine.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Friedrich Geiger · 1954

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198) is a two-seat sports car produced from 1954 to 1957 as a gullwing coupé and from 1957 to 1963 as a roadster. Developed from the 1952 W194 racing car, it introduced mechanical direct gasoline fuel injection to production vehicles, achieved 260 km/h — the highest speed of any production car at the time — and featured groundbreaking gullwing doors and a lightweight tubular-frame construction. Its ‘L’ stands for ‘leicht’, meaning light, reflecting its racing-bred minimalism. Max Hoffman proposed the car to Mercedes-Benz after the 1952 racing successes, and Fritz Konecke approved an order for 1,000 units ahead of its February 1954 debut at the New York Auto Show.

Mercedes-Benz 600

Paul Bracq · 1963

The Mercedes-Benz 600 is a full-size ultra-luxury limousine line, styled by Paul Bracq in the 1960s, built from 1963 to 1981. It succeeded the Adenauer as Mercedes’ flagship. Its pneumatic self-levelling suspension and hydraulic amenities demanded a bespoke 6.3 L V8. Only 2,677 were built. Short-wheelbase models were owner-driven; long-wheelbase and limousine variants were for chauffeurs. At launch in 1963, it was the most expensive car in the world.

Mercedes-Benz C111

Bruno Sacco · 1969

The C111 is a concept car built by Daimler-Benz in 1969. Bruno Sacco designed it. It was never intended for sale. Sixteen were built across four generations between 1969 and 1979.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR

Gerhard Leiska · 1997

The CLK GTR is a 1997 Mercedes-Benz and AMG GT1 homologation special built for the FIA GT Championship. It uses a Lola Composites carbon-fibre monocoque and a modified M120 V12 engine. Road-car production was secondary to racing eligibility. Twenty-eight units were built between 1997 and 1999.

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Robert Lešnik · 2021

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a full-size luxury battery-electric liftback, launched in September 2021 in Germany and Q4 2021 in the US. It is the first model built on Mercedes-Benz’s MEA electric-dedicated platform. Its 0.20 drag coefficient was the lowest in production at launch. It uses one or two Valeo Siemens water-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motors, sending torque to the wheels via a single-speed reduction gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz W116

Friedrich Geiger · 1972

The W116 is the first official S-Class: a flagship luxury sedan built on a larger, separate platform, with independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Designed by Friedrich Geiger and finalised in December 1969, it launched in 1972 and introduced Mercedes-Benz’s enduring corporate styling theme. It pioneered safety features including crumple zones and optional four-wheel anti-lock brakes. It won European Car of the Year in 1974. It established the S-Class as a benchmark for engineering integrity, not just opulence.

Mercedes-Benz W123

Bruno Sacco · 1976

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is the best-selling Mercedes-Benz ever. Bruno Sacco made significant contributions to its design. It is a German executive car produced from November 1975 to January 1986. It sold 2.7 million units. It earned a strong reputation for build quality and reliability — especially among German taxi operators, many of whom drove it beyond 500,000 km with minimal mechanical issues. Early demand outstripped supply, leading to long waiting periods and even a black market for immediate delivery. It was offered in saloon, coupé, limousine and estate body styles — all factory-built — with the estate marking Mercedes-Benz’s first such offering.

Mitsubishi 3000GT

Masaru Suzuki · 1990

The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a front-engine, all-wheel/front-wheel drive grand touring/sports car built in Nagoya, Japan, from 1990 to 2000. It uses a transverse-mounted 3-litre, 24-valve V6 and shares mechanical underpinnings with the Sigma/Diamante. It was manufactured in a three-door hatchback coupé body style. Approximately 86,151 units were produced.

Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)

Yoshihiko Matsuo · 1969

The Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) is the first Z car. Designed under Yoshihiko Matsuo. Introduced in late 1969. Front-engine, rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel independent suspension. Overhead camshaft straight-six. Sold in Japan as the Fairlady Z. Exported as the Datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z. Produced until 1978.

Nissan Figaro

Naoki Sakai · 1991

The Nissan Figaro is a 1991 Japanese-market, right-hand-drive, fixed-profile convertible built by Aichi Machine Industry (later Pike Factory) on the first-generation Nissan March/Micra platform. It is one of four Pike cars, conceived as part of a design strategy borrowed from personal electronics marketing.

Opel Manta

George Gallion · 1970

The Opel Manta A is a rear-wheel-drive German coupé launched in September 1970. Built by Opel on the Ascona A platform, it offered a clean two-door, three-box silhouette and competed directly with the Ford Capri. It was never sold in the UK under Vauxhall until the Manta B. Its name comes from the manta ray. 498,553 were built before 1975.

Opel Monza

George Gallion · 1978

The Opel Monza is an executive fastback coupe. It was built from 1977 to 1986. It replaced the Commodore Coupé. It shared its layout with the Senator A1. It used only overhead camshaft six-cylinder engines. The 3.0-litre version made it Opel’s fastest car at the time. It had no direct replacement. 43,812 were built.

Peugeot 403

Pininfarina · 1955

The Peugeot 403 is a mid-size saloon launched by Peugeot in April 1955 and styled by Pininfarina. It used a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and a 4-speed manual transmission. Its 1468 cc pushrod straight-four engine produced 58 hp, later increased to 65 hp. It featured ponton, three-box styling and a metal sunroof on most models. Over 1.2 million were built — the first Peugeot to exceed one million sales. The collaboration with Pininfarina marked the start of a fifty-year design partnership. A diesel estate debuted in autumn 1958.

Peugeot 905

Gérard Welter · 1990

The Peugeot 905 is a sports-prototype racing car built by Peugeot Talbot Sport. It was developed for the 1991 World Sportscar Championship’s F1-inspired regulations. It debuted in the final two races of the 1990 season. It won nine of 17 races, including Le Mans in 1992 and 1993 (905B), and secured both driver’s and team’s titles in the 1992 championship. It features a carbon-fibre monocoque and a 3499 cc naturally aspirated V10. It has no documented connection to Gérard Welter’s Welter Racing.

Peugeot 9X8

Matthias Hossann · 2022

The Peugeot 9X8 is a Le Mans Hypercar-class sports prototype developed by Peugeot for the FIA World Endurance Championship. It marks their return to top-tier endurance racing after 11 years. It features a hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbo 2.6-litre V6 engine with a front-axle electric motor. It was initially notable for its wingless aerodynamic design exploiting Hypercar regulation freedoms—though this concept was later revised with a rear wing and asymmetric tyre widths to improve competitiveness. The car debuted at the 2022 6 Hours of Monza and achieved its first podium in 2023 at Monza, followed by further podiums in 2024 and 2025.

Peugeot RCZ

Boris Reinmöller · 2010

The Peugeot RCZ is a French-designed sports coupé assembled in Austria from 2009 to 2015. It has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and a 2+2 seating configuration. Its double-bubble roof draws direct inspiration from Zagato. It evolved from the 308 RCZ concept shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show and entered production after strong critical acclaim. It was formally introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and launched into production late that year.

Porsche 550

Wilhelm Hild · 1953

The Porsche 550 is a mid-engine racing sports car built by Porsche from 1953 to 1956. Only 90 were made. It used an air-cooled 1.5 L flat-four engine with double overhead camshafts. It won consistently in its class across major races. Each unit was customised for racing.

Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche · 1964

The Porsche 904 is a homologation-mandated, mid-engined GT sportscar built in Germany from 1963 to 1965. It was the first Porsche with a ladder chassis and bonded fibreglass body. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche designed it under extreme time pressure — and called it his favourite, most original work.

Porsche 906

Ferdinand Piëch · 1966

The Porsche 906 is a Group 4 Sports Car introduced in January 1966. Ferdinand Piëch headed Porsche’s development department during its creation. It weighed 580 kg. Its wind-tunnel-tested body reached 280 km/h at Le Mans. Sixty-five units were built to achieve homologation in May 1966. It used a modified 901 flat-six from the 911R. It featured gull-wing doors and a plexiglas engine cover.

Porsche 911 GT1

Porsche Motorsport · 1996

The Porsche 911 GT1 is a race car disguised as a 911. It uses 993 front structure and 962C rear architecture. It won Le Mans in 1998 — then Porsche withdrew from factory racing for 16 years.

Porsche 911 (964)

Benjamin Dimson · 1989

The Porsche 911 (964) is the 1989–1994 generation designed by Benjamin Dimson through January 1986. It introduced all-wheel drive and Tiptronic as options. It was 85% new versus the Carrera 3.2. It brought back the removable Targa roof—the last until the 2011 991. It offered Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 in coupé, targa, and cabriolet forms. Its flush bumpers and fog lamps improved aerodynamics.

Porsche 911 (993)

Tony Hatter · 1994

The Porsche 911 (993) is the fourth-generation 911, produced from 1994 to 1998. It is the final air-cooled 911. Tony Hatter designed its exterior. Porsche built it from the ground up, with only 20% parts shared with the 964. Its Weissach axle redefined rear-engine handling. It launched in multiple variants—including rear- and all-wheel drive coupés, cabriolets, Targas, Turbos, GT2s, RS, and Turbo S models.

Porsche Carrera GT

Harm Lagaay · 2003

The Porsche Carrera GT is a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car manufactured by Porsche from 2003 to 2006. Its development traces back to the 911 GT1 and LMP1-98 racing cars. A concept version with a 5.5 L V10 debuted at the 2000 Paris Motor Show. Revenue from the Cayenne helped Porsche decide to produce a road-legal version in Leipzig. Production began in 2004 and ended on 6 May 2006 after 1,270 units were built. The production model uses a 5.7 L V10 engine producing 450 kW and accelerates from 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

Porsche Cayenne

Harm Lagaay · 2002

The Porsche Cayenne (2002) is Porsche’s first four-door production car and first V8-powered model since 1995. It is an E-segment luxury crossover SUV. It shares its platform, body frame, doors, and electronics with the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. It marked Porsche’s return to off-road vehicles after its 1950s tractors.

Renault 4

Robert Barthaud · 1961

The Renault 4 is an economy car built by Renault from 1961 to 1994. It is the world’s first mass-produced hatchback. It is Renault’s first front-wheel drive family car with longitudinal engine placement.

Renault DeZir

Laurens van den Acker · 2010

The Renault DeZir is a 2010 electric concept coupe unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. It has two seats, butterfly doors on the driver’s side and suicide doors on the passenger’s side, and a red leather interior. It uses a mid-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels via automatic transmission. Renault claims 0–60 mph in 5 seconds, a top speed of 112 mph, and a range of 99 miles. It served as the design basis for the petrol-powered Renault Sport R.S. 01 race car. It was Laurens van den Acker’s foundational design statement for Renault’s new direction. The same team that developed it also revamped the Renault Clio IV. It is categorised among Renault’s concept vehicles.

Renault Fiftie

Benoit Jacob · 1996

The Renault Fiftie is a 1996 concept car, designed by Benoît Jacob under Patrick le Quément, to mark the 4CV’s 50th anniversary. It used the Renault Sport Spider’s aluminium frame and D7F 1.2L engine, placed mid-ship. Its body was carbon fibre. Front styling referenced the 4CV’s 'mustache bars' and added apostrophe-shaped headlights. The targa roof had four removable panels that stowed beneath the rear window. Interior materials included cotton, linen and rattan; a picnic basket sat in the boot. Renault did not develop it further.

Rimac Nevera

Adriano Mudri · 2021

The Rimac Nevera is an all-electric sports car designed and manufactured by the Croatian automotive manufacturer Rimac Automobili. It uses four independently driven carbon-sleeve permanent-magnet electric motors — one per wheel — each connected via a single-speed gearbox. It features butterfly doors instead of conventional doors. It produces 1,914 PS and 2,360 N⋅m of torque. On May 17, 2023, it set 23 performance records in a single day, including 0–97 km/h in 1.74 s and 0–400–0 km/h in 29.93 s. Production is limited to 150 vehicles.

Rivian R1T

Jeff Hammoud · 2021

The Rivian R1T is a battery-electric, mid-size luxury pickup truck produced by the American company Rivian. It launched in 2021 with four independent electric motors—one per wheel—and a 0–60 mph time of 3.0 seconds. Its first production unit was built in Illinois on 28 September 2021. It was offered at launch with 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh battery options. Dual-motor and software-enhanced variants arrived later—in March and April 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Rolls-Royce Phantom V

John Blatchley · 1959

The Phantom V is a large four-door limousine produced from 1959 to 1968. It shares its V8 engine and Hydramatic automatic gearbox with the Silver Cloud II. Rolls-Royce built the chassis and drivetrains; Park Ward, Mulliner Park Ward and James Young supplied most bodies. Its 6,230 cc V8 has twin SU carburettors. It has massive drum brakes and a 3,683 mm wheelbase. Power-assisted steering was standard. A low final drive ratio enabled walking-speed procession use. From 1963, it used the Silver Cloud III’s more powerful engine and quad-headlamp front wings.

Saab 92

Sixten Sason · 1949

The Saab 92 is Saab’s first production car. It launched on 12 December 1949, derived from the Ursaab prototype. It is a front-wheel-drive saloon with a water-cooled, two-stroke, 764 cc engine.

Shelby Daytona

Peter Brock · 1964

The Shelby Daytona is a closed-cockpit racing coupé derived from the Cobra roadster. Six were built between 1964 and 1965 to beat Ferrari’s 250 GTO in FIA GT-class racing. It won the 1965 International Championship for GT Manufacturers — the first American constructor to win an FIA World Championship title. Its aerodynamic body solved high-speed drag issues inherent in open-cockpit Cobras. It was not built for road use. It changed how GT racers approached bodywork — proving that focused evolution, not clean-sheet design, could deliver world-title success.

Škoda 110 R

Škoda Design · 1970

The Škoda 110R is a rear-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé built by AZNP in Kvasiny from 1970 to 1980. It succeeded the 1000 MBX/1100 MBX. 56,902 units were made.

Smart Fortwo

Johann Tomforde · 1998

The Smart Fortwo is a two-seater city car made by Smart, a division of Mercedes-Benz Group, from 1998 to 2024. It used a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and mono-box body across all three generations. It was manufactured in coupé and cabrio forms at Smartville in Hambach, France. It sold over two million units globally across 46 countries. Its defining features include compact length (2.5–2.69 m), the Tridion steel safety cell, interchangeable plastic panels, and offset seating.

Tata Nano

Girish Wagh team · 2008

The Tata Nano was a city car made by Tata Motors in India between 2008 and 2018. It used a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It launched at ₹100,000 for scooter and motorcycle drivers. It had no rear cargo opening in its original saloon form. A five-door hatchback arrived in 2015. Sales peaked at 74,527 units in FY 2011–2012 and fell to 7,591 in FY 2016–2017. Production stopped in May 2018.

Tesla Roadster (first generation)

Lotus · 2006

The first-generation Tesla Roadster is a battery-electric sports car built by Tesla Motors from 2008 to 2012, based on the Lotus Elise chassis but sharing only ~6–7% of its components. It was the first highway-legal, serial-production all-electric car using lithium-ion battery cells and the first with over 200 miles (320 km) of range per charge. EPA-rated range is 244 miles (393 km); acceleration is 0–60 mph in 3.7–3.9 s; top speed is 125 mph (201 km/h); efficiency is 120 mpg gasoline equivalent (28 kW·h/100 mi), with 88% average motor efficiency. Approximately 2,450 units were sold globally across over 30 countries before production ended in January 2012.

Toyota Century

Kenya Nakamura · 1967

The Toyota Century is not a luxury car designed for global appeal. It is a domestic instrument — engineered for quiet authority, rear-seat sovereignty, and continuity. Its 1967 debut marked a deliberate departure from export logic. Its design solves for discretion, not dynamism. Its powertrain — a V8 — was one of only three post-war Japanese-built sedans so equipped. Its users are institutions, not individuals. Its branding omits Toyota’s oval entirely. Its value lies in what it refuses.

Toyota GT-One

André de Cortanze · 1998

The Toyota GT-One (TS020) is a Le Mans-specific racing car designed by André de Cortanze for Toyota Team Europe. It ran under Group GT1 and later LMGTP regulations in 1998 and 1999. Seven chassis were built. Two road-legal versions satisfied homologation. Its twin-turbo 3.6 L R36V V8 was derived from Toyota’s Group C programme. Only two cars finished Le Mans — LM804 in 1999 and LM805 in 1998. The programme ended after 1999.

Trabant 601

Werner Lang · 1964

The Trabant 601 is a front-wheel-drive saloon built by VEB Sachsenring in Zwickau from 1964 to 1990. It used a transverse two-stroke engine and Duroplast body panels. It delivered on its promise of affordability and repairability — but offered no meaningful development over its 26-year run.

TVR Cerbera

Damian McTaggart · 1996

The TVR Cerbera is a British-built coupé manufactured by TVR from 1996 to 2006. It debuted at the 1993 London Motor Show as the third model under Peter Wheeler’s leadership, following the Griffith and Chimaera. It is a hard-top with a 2+2 seating layout, described as both a sports car and a grand touring car. It was TVR’s first model powered by an in-house engine—the AJP8 V8—ending historical reliance on purchased engines from Rover, Ford and Triumph. Its name derives from Cerberus, the three-headed beast of Greek legend guarding Hades’ entrance.

TVR Griffith

Peter Wheeler · 1991

The TVR Griffith (1990–2002) is a lightweight, fiberglass-bodied, 2-door, 2-seat sports car with a V8 engine, designed and built by TVR. It used a 4.0 L Rover V8 engine, optionally upgraded to 4.3 L. A new generation presented in 2017 never entered production.

Venturi 400

Gérard Godfroy · 1994

The Venturi 400 GT is a French-built, mid-1990s supercar designed around a race-proven V6 biturbo engine. Only about 15 were made for the road. Its styling deliberately echoes the Ferrari F40. It is rare, uncompromising, and unapologetically track-focused.

Volkswagen ID.3

Klaus Zyciora · 2019

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a battery electric small family car. It launched in 2019 as the first production vehicle on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. It set the template for scale, software integration, and factory conversion — but missed its own software delivery targets.

Volkswagen Phaeton

Hartmut Warkuß · 2002

The Volkswagen Phaeton was a full-size saloon and Volkswagen’s ‘premium class’ vehicle. Introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, it was conceived by Ferdinand Piëch to surpass Mercedes-Benz and BMW in comfort and engineering excellence—not performance. It used a bespoke all-steel D1 platform shared with Bentleys, diverging from Audi’s aluminium A8. It featured radar adaptive cruise control, the first V10 TDI in a production sedan, and hand assembly at Dresden’s Transparent Factory. Sales in North America ended in 2006; global sales ended in 2016 after 84,253 units. Production ceased in March 2016.

Volkswagen XL1

Volkswagen Design · 2013

The Volkswagen XL1 is a two-seat, diesel-electric plug-in hybrid built to prove that extreme efficiency belongs on the road—not just in labs. It uses lightweight materials, a streamlined body, and an economy-optimised powertrain to achieve 0.9 L/100 km under NEDC when charged. Only 250 were made. It sells only in Europe. It starts at €111,000. Retail deliveries began in Germany in June 2014.

Volvo 480

John de Vries · 1986

The Volvo 480 was Volvo’s first front-wheel drive car and the only one with pop-up headlights. Produced in Born, Netherlands, from 1986 to 1995, it was a three-door, four-seat hatchback coupé marketed in Europe. Its form fused liftback and estate cues. It was intended for the US as a 'sports wagon', but that plan was scrapped. It established Volvo’s move into compact, front-drive architecture — without sacrificing structural integrity or electronic innovation.

Volvo C30

Simon Lamarre · 2006

The Volvo C30 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive premium compact hatchback produced from 2006 to 2013. It evolved from the SCC safety concept shown in 2001. It shares the Ford C1/Volvo P1 platform with the S40, V50 and C70. Volvo marketed it as both a premium hatchback and a sports coupe. Its rear styling and frameless glass rear hatch recall the P1800 ES and 480.

Wartburg 353

Hans Fleischer · 1966

The Wartburg 353 is a medium-sized family car from East German manufacturer AWE, launched in 1966 and built until 1988. Over a million units were produced. It uses a 1-litre, 3-cylinder two-stroke engine, front-wheel drive, and a transmission with a freewheel.

Yugo 45

Giorgetto Giugiaro · 1980

The Yugo is a subcompact hatchback manufactured by Zastava Automobiles from 1980 to 2008. It is a shortened variant of the Fiat 128. It was built in Kragujevac, Serbia, then part of Yugoslavia.

Auto Union

Ferdinand Porsche · 1932

The Auto Union racing cars (Types A–D) were state-funded, rear mid-engine Grand Prix machines built from 1934 to 1939. Ferdinand Porsche designed the foundational P-Wagen Project, which Auto Union acquired in 1932. Their central fuel tank, forward driver position, and supercharged engines delivering up to 550 hp defined pre-war racing engineering — and established solutions still used in modern open-wheel cars.