Classic sports cars are often coveted by collectors, which is why you rarely see certain models on the streets today. Vehicles like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Jaguar XJ220, and Shelby Cobra 427 have become rare due to their limited production and rising values in the collector market. The Lamborghini Miura and BMW M1 also fall into this category, prized for their history and exclusivity. These cars are more likely to be found in private collections or at car shows rather than out on public roads, preserving their legacy and value.
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Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most coveted and rarest sports cars ever built. Powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing around 300 horsepower, the 250 GTO was designed for racing, with a top speed of 174 mph. Only 36 units were made between 1962 and 1964, making it an incredibly rare sight on public roads. The sleek bodywork and competitive racing history make it a legend. Today, it’s valued at over $70 million, making it a collector’s item rather than a car you’d see casually driving around.
Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (1960)
The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is a rare beauty, combining British engineering with Italian styling. It featured a 3.7-liter straight-six engine producing 314 horsepower and was capable of reaching 153 mph. Only 19 units were produced in 1960, making it extremely rare and expensive. With prices exceeding $15 million, the DB4 GT Zagato is more likely to be seen in a collector’s showroom than on the streets. Its rarity and historical significance in racing have cemented its place as a classic icon.
Porsche 959 (1986-1988)
The Porsche 959, introduced in the mid-1980s, was one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time. Powered by a 2.85-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 444 horsepower, it could hit 198 mph. Porsche only built 337 units, and with its high price of around $225,000 at launch, it was out of reach for most enthusiasts. Today, the 959 remains a rare sight due to its limited production and value, often fetching over $1.5 million at auction.
Jaguar XJ220 (1992-1994)
The Jaguar XJ220 was the fastest production car when it debuted in 1992, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 542 horsepower, allowing it to reach 217 mph. Only 275 units were built, and its initial high price of around $650,000 kept it out of reach for most buyers. The XJ220’s exclusivity and mechanical complexity make it a rare sight on the streets today, often being stored in private collections.
Lamborghini Miura SV (1971-1973)
The Lamborghini Miura SV, often regarded as the first true supercar, featured a mid-mounted 4.0-liter V12 engine producing 385 horsepower. With a top speed of 179 mph, it was one of the fastest cars of its era. Only 150 units of the SV version were produced between 1971 and 1973, making it incredibly rare. Its iconic design and historical significance make it a prized collector’s car today, valued at over $3 million, and rarely seen on the streets.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954-1957)
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a true classic with its iconic upward-opening doors and advanced engineering for its time. Powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 240 horsepower, it could reach 160 mph, making it the fastest production car of its era. With only 1,400 units produced, and current prices exceeding $1.5 million, the 300SL is a rare sight on the road, often preserved in pristine condition by collectors.
Maserati MC12 (2004-2005)
The Maserati MC12 was built as a homologation special to compete in GT racing. It shared its platform and engine with the Ferrari Enzo, featuring a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 620 horsepower and a top speed of 205 mph. Only 50 road cars were produced, making it incredibly exclusive. With its aggressive styling and racing pedigree, the MC12 is a modern classic valued at over $2 million, and it’s rarely seen outside of prestigious car events.
Ferrari F40 (1987-1992)
The Ferrari F40, produced to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, was the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. Powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 471 horsepower, it could reach 201 mph, making it the fastest car of its time. Only 1,311 units were built, and with its raw, race-car-like driving experience, the F40 remains a highly sought-after collector’s car, valued at around $2 million today, making it a rare street sight.
Ford GT40 (1964-1969)
The Ford GT40 was designed to take on Ferrari at Le Mans, and it famously won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times between 1966 and 1969. Powered by a range of V8 engines, including a 7.0-liter unit producing over 485 horsepower, the GT40 became a racing icon. Only 105 units were produced, and most of them are either in museums or private collections. With prices ranging from $5 million to $10 million, it’s a car you’ll hardly ever see on the streets.
Bugatti EB110 (1991-1995)
The Bugatti EB110, produced in the early 1990s, was one of the fastest supercars of its time, powered by a 3.5-liter quad-turbocharged V12 producing 553 horsepower. It could reach 213 mph, making it a technological marvel. Only 139 units were produced, and with a price tag of around $350,000 at launch, it was rare then and even rarer now, with values surpassing $1.5 million. The EB110’s exclusivity and groundbreaking performance make it a rare road sight.
De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1992)
The De Tomaso Pantera combined Italian styling with American muscle, featuring a 5.8-liter Ford V8 engine producing 330 horsepower. While the Pantera had a relatively long production run, only around 7,000 units were built, and many have since been modified or are part of private collections. Its rarity, combined with its unique blend of performance and design, makes it a seldom-seen classic on public roads. Prices for well-preserved Panteras now range from $80,000 to $200,000.
Vector W8 (1989-1993)
The Vector W8 was a highly ambitious American supercar, powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V8 engine producing 625 horsepower. With a top speed of 242 mph, it was one of the fastest cars of its era. However, only 19 units were ever built, making it extremely rare. The W8’s radical design and limited production make it a classic car you’ll almost never see on the streets, with current prices exceeding $1 million.
BMW M1 (1978-1981)
The BMW M1 was the first car developed by BMW’s M division, featuring a mid-mounted 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 273 horsepower. Only 453 units were produced, making it one of the rarest BMWs. The M1’s sleek Giugiaro-designed body and racing pedigree have turned it into a sought-after classic, with values now exceeding $600,000. Its rarity means that it’s a seldom-seen car on the road, more often kept in collections.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967-1969)
The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Powered by a 2.0-liter V8 engine producing 230 horsepower, the 33 Stradale was based on a racing car and could reach 160 mph. Only 18 units were produced, making it one of the rarest sports cars in history. With prices exceeding $10 million, this stunning Italian masterpiece is almost never seen on the streets, only making appearances at high-profile events.
Lancia Stratos HF (1973-1978)
The Lancia Stratos HF was built for rallying and won multiple World Rally Championships. Powered by a 2.4-liter Ferrari Dino V6 engine producing 190 horsepower, it was incredibly agile and fast on rough terrain. Only 492 units were built for homologation purposes, and due to its racing success and rarity, it is highly prized by collectors. Prices now exceed $500,000, and the Stratos is rarely seen outside of car shows or private collections.
Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)
The Toyota 2000GT is often regarded as Japan’s first true supercar, featuring a 2.0-liter inline-six engine producing 150 horsepower. Its beautiful design and advanced engineering for the time made it a standout in the sports car world. Only 351 units were produced, making it extremely rare and valuable today, with prices exceeding $1 million. The 2000GT’s rarity and high value make it a car you’ll hardly ever see on the streets.
Ferrari 288 GTO (1984-1987)
The Ferrari 288 GTO was designed for Group B racing, though the series was canceled before it could compete. Powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 400 horsepower, it could reach 189 mph. Only 272 units were built, making it highly exclusive. With values now exceeding $3 million, the 288 GTO is a rare sight on the road, reserved mostly for collectors and special events.
Lotus Esprit Turbo (1976-2004)
The Lotus Esprit Turbo, made famous by its appearances in James Bond films, was a lightweight British sports car powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 210 horsepower. It had a sleek fiberglass body, offering great handling and performance for its time. While the Esprit had a relatively long production run, only a limited number of turbocharged models were produced. Prices range between $40,000 and $80,000 today, and due to its age and rarity, it’s a seldom-seen classic on public roads.
Ferrari Testarossa (1984-1996)
The Ferrari Testarossa is one of the most recognizable cars from the 1980s, thanks to its iconic wedge shape and side strakes. Powered by a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 horsepower, it could reach a top speed of 180 mph. Ferrari built approximately 7,000 units, but due to its high price tag (around $181,000 new), it was always an exclusive car. Today, with values ranging from $120,000 to $250,000, the Testarossa is a rare sight outside of high-end car meets and collections.
Pagani Zonda C12 (1999-2011)
The Pagani Zonda C12, introduced in 1999, was the debut model from the boutique Italian automaker. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine from Mercedes-AMG producing 394 horsepower, the Zonda could reach 185 mph. With its exotic carbon-fiber construction and handcrafted details, only 140 Zondas were ever built across various iterations. With prices now exceeding $2 million, the Zonda C12 is an extremely rare car to see on public roads, reserved for private collections and elite events.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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