The 540K marked a distinct change in style from its predecessor, the 500K. The new model featured sleeker and curvier bodywork, along with a larger, more powerful straight-8 engine.
Afraid of losing its “pony car” crown to the archrival Chevy Camaro, Ford created the Boss 302 variant of the perennially popular Mustang to underscore the importance of legitimate performance over maximum power.
Yes, it’s true: Volvo once made a sexy sports car. The P1800 was Volvo’s successful attempt to recover from its previous P1900 sports car, which had failed miserably.
The Karmann Ghia was a surprisingly popular experiment for VW. The sporty coupe was built largely from the existing Beetle model, but featured bodywork by Italian designer Ghia and German coachbuilder Karmann.
The 360 Modena replaced the aging 355 as Ferrari’s bread and butter mid-engine sports car, bearing a free-breathing V-8 and eye-catching looks.
The GT-R is an automotive wonder not only for its looks, but also for its uncanny ability to use high technology to shame exotic supercars that cost many times as much as the Nissan.
The first generation Corvette is the most significant American car ever created. Its stunningly original design and impressive performance, not to mention its potent fuel-injected engines, proved once and for all that America could compete in the sports car arena.
Alfa Romeo Spider (1966–1969)
While the Spider has evolved through various iterations over the years, it’s the original “Series 1” generation of the ’60s, famous from the movie The Graduate, that tugs the heartstrings of enthusiasts
It’s a V10 racing engine, a manual transmission, two seats and no stability control. The last of the truly untamed supercars.
The Diablo succeeded the famous Countach, and features even more wild speed and impracticality than its predecessor. Luckily, its design has done a better job standing the test of time
Hudson is one of Detroit’s lesser-known manufacturers. Its Hornet model, however, epitomizes “bathtub” styling and holds a place in history for its significant role in stock-car racing.
A true classic by any standards. The original T-Bird was a response to Chevy’s Corvette, and oozes ’50s diners and drive-ins style from every angle.
With gullwing doors and a stainless-steel body, the DeLorean is emerging as one of the coolest cars of the 80s. Doc Brown was ahead of his time.
Limited to just 20 production cars sold to the public, the Reventon rePresents the future of Lamborghini design. Its style, both inside and out, is inspired by stealth military jets.
The Austin-Healey 3000 is a touch larger and heavier than other British roadsters of its day. By today’s standard, though, it’s still a compact featherweight.
The first BMW to wear the now-famous M badge, the M1 is one of the rarest BMW models. Its midengine layout was designed specifically for racing success.
With tremendous handling, attractively chiseled lines and a howling 9000-rpm engine sending chills down spines, the S2000 was the ultimate expression of turn-of-the-century Honda tech.
Tiny, lightweight, fast, and nimble. The Elise, along with its more hardcore, track-oriented Exige sibling, defines what Lotus is all about: a connection between driver and road.
Aerospace Dynamics 