Many vintage sports cars have been overshadowed by more popular models, yet they possess unique qualities and charm that make them hidden gems. These overlooked classics often feature distinctive designs, impressive performance, and a rich history, offering great value to enthusiasts and collectors. From underappreciated marques to rare editions, these sports cars deserve recognition for their contribution to automotive history. Here are some overlooked vintage sports cars that are hidden gems.
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Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1980-1986)
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a vintage sports car that often gets overlooked despite its impressive performance and distinctive design. Powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing 160 horsepower, the GTV6 offered excellent handling and a thrilling driving experience. Its unique transaxle layout, with the gearbox and differential located at the rear, provided a near-perfect weight distribution. The sleek, angular design and luxurious interior, featuring Italian craftsmanship, added to its appeal. Today, the GTV6 remains an affordable classic, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, making it a hidden gem for enthusiasts looking for a unique vintage sports car.
Lotus Elite (1958-1963)
The Lotus Elite, produced from 1958 to 1963, is an often overlooked gem in the world of vintage sports cars. It was the first car to use a fiberglass monocoque body, which contributed to its light weight and impressive handling. Powered by a 1.2-liter Coventry Climax engine producing 75-105 horsepower, the Elite was known for its agility and performance on the track. Despite its innovative design and success in racing, it never gained widespread popularity, partly due to its high price and limited production numbers. Today, Elites can be found for $50,000 to $100,000, representing a unique piece of automotive history.
Lancia Fulvia Coupé (1965-1976)
The Lancia Fulvia Coupé is a vintage sports car that deserves more attention. Introduced in 1965, it featured a 1.3-liter V4 engine producing 87 horsepower, later upgraded to a 1.6-liter V4 in the Fulvia HF model, producing up to 132 horsepower. Known for its exceptional handling and elegant design, the Fulvia Coupé achieved success in rallying, including a victory in the 1972 International Championship for Manufacturers. Despite its pedigree, the Ful
Triumph TR8 (1978-1981)
The Triumph TR8, produced from 1978 to 1981, is an often overlooked sports car with impressive performance. Powered by a 3.5-liter V8 engine producing 135 horsepower, the TR8 offered a significant power boost over its predecessor, the TR7. Its lightweight design and responsive handling made it a joy to drive. Despite its potential, the TR8 struggled with build quality issues and the financial troubles of British Leyland, leading to limited production and sales. Today, the TR8 can be found for $10,000 to $20,000, offering a unique and affordable entry into classic V8 sports cars.
Datsun 2000 Roadster (1967-1970)
The Datsun 2000 Roadster is a vintage sports car that often gets overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the 240Z. Produced from 1967 to 1970, the 2000 Roadster featured a 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 135 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Known for its robust performance and nimble handling, the 2000 Roadster competed successfully in SCCA racing. Despite its capabilities, it never achieved the same level of fame as the Z-cars. With prices ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, the Datsun 2000 Roadster is a hidden gem that offers great value and driving pleasure.
Fiat Dino Coupé (1967-1973)
The Fiat Dino Coupé is a collaboration between Fiat and Ferrari, resulting in a stylish and performance-oriented sports car that often goes unnoticed. Produced from 1967 to 1973, the Dino Coupé featured a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter V6 engine, producing 160 and 180 horsepower respectively. The engine, developed by Ferrari, gave the Dino Coupé impressive performance and a distinctive exhaust note. Despite its Ferrari connection, the Fiat Dino has remained relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Its elegant design, Ferrari engine, and rarity make it a hidden gem among vintage sports cars.
BMW 2002 Turbo (1973-1974)
The BMW 2002 Turbo is a rare and overlooked sports car that played a significant role in BMW’s performance heritage. Produced from 1973 to 1974, it featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 170 horsepower, making it one of the first turbocharged production cars. Its aggressive styling, with flared wheel arches and a front air dam, set it apart from the standard 2002 models. Despite its performance and significance, the 2002 Turbo struggled in the market due to the 1973 oil crisis and high price. Today, it remains a sought-after collector’s item, with prices ranging from $60,000 to $120,000.
Saab Sonett III (1970-1974)
The Saab Sonett III is a unique and often overlooked vintage sports car produced from 1970 to 1974. Powered by a 1.7-liter V4 engine producing 65 horsepower, the Sonett III offered a distinctive design and practical features, such as a fiberglass body and front-wheel drive. Its quirky styling and limited production numbers have kept it under the radar compared to other sports cars of the era. Despite this, the Sonett III offers a unique driving experience and can be found for $10,000 to $20,000, making it an affordable and interesting addition to any collection.
Jensen Interceptor (1966-1976)
The Jensen Interceptor is a British grand tourer that combines luxurious design with American V8 power. Produced from 1966 to 1976, the Interceptor featured a range of Chrysler V8 engines, with the most powerful being a 7.2-liter unit producing 385 horsepower. Its distinctive design, with a large glass rear hatch and refined interior, made it stand out. Despite its appeal, the Interceptor struggled with reliability issues and high running costs, leading to limited popularity. Today, it remains an underrated classic, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000, offering a blend of performance and luxury.
TVR Tuscan (1967-1971)
The TVR Tuscan, produced from 1967 to 1971, is a British sports car that often goes unnoticed despite its impressive performance. The Tuscan featured a range of engines, including a 4.7-liter Ford V8 in the Tuscan V8 model, producing up to 271 horsepower. Its lightweight construction and powerful engine made it a formidable performer on both road and track. Despite its capabilities, the Tuscan struggled with build quality issues and limited production numbers. Today, it remains an underrated classic, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, offering a raw and thrilling driving experience.
Peugeot 504 Coupé (1969-1983)
The Peugeot 504 Coupé, produced from 1969 to 1983, is a stylish and often overlooked French sports car. Designed by Pininfarina, the 504 Coupé featured elegant lines and a comfortable, well-appointed interior. Powered by a range of engines, including a 2.7-liter V6 producing 136 horsepower, the 504 Coupé offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Despite its design and performance, the 504 Coupé never achieved the same level of recognition as its Italian counterparts. Today, it remains an affordable classic, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
Opel GT (1968-1973)
The Opel GT, produced from 1968 to 1973, is a vintage sports car that often gets overlooked despite its unique design and enjoyable driving experience. The GT featured a sleek, aerodynamic body with pop-up headlights and was powered by a 1.9-liter inline-four engine producing 102 horsepower. Its responsive handling and sporty design made it a popular choice in Europe and the United States. Despite its initial popularity, the Opel GT has remained relatively under the radar in the classic car market. Prices for well-maintained examples range from $15,000 to $30,000, making it an affordable and distinctive classic.
Maserati Merak (1972-1983)
The Maserati Merak is an often overlooked Italian sports car produced from 1972 to 1983. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 190 horsepower, the Merak offered impressive performance and handling. Its design, created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, featured sleek lines and a distinctive rear profile with flying buttresses. Despite its capabilities and stylish design, the Merak never achieved the same level of fame as other Maserati models. Today, it remains an affordable classic, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000, offering a unique blend of performance and Italian style.
Fiat 124 Sport Spider (1966-1985)
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is a classic Italian roadster that often gets overlooked despite its charm and affordability. Produced from 1966 to 1985, the 124 Sport Spider featured a range of engines, with the most powerful being a 2.0-liter inline-four producing 102 horsepower. Designed by Pininfarina, the 124 Sport Spider offered a stylish and enjoyable open-top driving experience. Despite its success in Europe and the United States, it remains underappreciated compared to other classic roadsters. Prices for well-maintained examples range from $10,000 to $25,000, making it an accessible and enjoyable vintage sports car.
Renault Alpine A310 (1971-1985)
The Renault Alpine A310 is a French sports car that often gets overshadowed by its more famous predecessor, the A110. Produced from 1971 to 1985, the A310 featured a range of engines, including a 2.7-liter V6 producing 150 horsepower. Its futuristic design, lightweight construction, and impressive handling made it a competitive sports car. Despite its capabilities, the A310 never achieved the same level of recognition as other European sports cars. Today, it remains an underrated classic, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, offering a unique and enjoyable driving experience.
Iso Grifo (1965-1974)
The Iso Grifo is a rare and often overlooked Italian grand tourer produced from 1965 to 1974. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and powered by American V8 engines, including a 5.4-liter Chevrolet V8 producing 400 horsepower, the Grifo offered a blend of Italian style and American performance. Despite its luxurious design and powerful engine, the Grifo never achieved widespread popularity, partly due to its high price and limited production numbers. Today, it remains a hidden gem, with prices ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, offering a unique combination of elegance and performance.
Marcos GT (1964-1990)
The Marcos GT is a British sports car that often goes unnoticed despite its unique design and performance. Produced from 1964 to 1990, the GT featured a range of engines, including a 3.0-liter Volvo inline-six producing 140 horsepower. Its lightweight fiberglass body and distinctive styling made it a standout on the road and track. Despite its capabilities, the Marcos GT struggled with financial instability and limited production numbers. Today, it remains an underrated classic, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, offering a distinctive and enjoyable driving experience.
Sunbeam Tiger (1964-1967)
The Sunbeam Tiger is a British sports car that often gets overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries. Produced from 1964 to 1967, the Tiger featured a 4.3-liter Ford V8 engine producing 164 horsepower, making it a powerful and agile roadster. Its design, based on the Sunbeam Alpine, combined British style with American muscle. Despite its performance and charm, the Tiger never achieved widespread fame, partly due to its limited production numbers. Today, it remains an affordable classic, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, offering a unique blend of British and American automotive heritage.
Jensen-Healey (1972-1976)
The Jensen-Healey is a British sports car that often gets overlooked despite its potential. Produced from 1972 to 1976, the Jensen-Healey featured a 2.0-liter Lotus 907 inline-four engine producing 144 horsepower. Its lightweight construction and responsive handling made it a capable and enjoyable sports car. Despite its attributes, the Jensen-Healey struggled with build quality issues and competition from more established brands. Today, it remains an affordable classic, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, offering a fun and engaging driving experience.
Bitter CD (1973-1979)
The Bitter CD is a rare and often overlooked German grand tourer produced from 1973 to 1979. Based on the Opel Diplomat, the CD featured a 5.4-liter Chevrolet V8 engine producing 230 horsepower. Its design, inspired by the Opel CD concept, offered sleek lines and a luxurious interior. Despite its performance and elegance, the Bitter CD never achieved widespread popularity, partly due to its high price and limited production numbers. Today, it remains a hidden gem, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $80,000, offering a unique blend of German engineering and American muscle.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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