Top Ten Sports Cars Sold All Around The World
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For whatever reason the sports car has experienced amazing popularity over
the years that is still thriving today. To own a sports car has long been a goal
for many men (and women) across the globe. Such motor vehicles will
always turn heads on a road and for all the impracticality that a two seated
car has its shortcomings are often outweighed by factors such as the
aesthetics of the car, engine power and the mind boggling top speeds that
such cars can reach. In this article we take a look at the most popular sports
car models in history in terms of sales. Enjoy!
10. Mercedes-Benz SLK R170 (1996 – 2004)
Total Sales – 311,000
Bursting on to the fast car scene as the first convertible hard top by Mercedes the
SLK made its first appearance in 1996. Very few people would argue with the
opinion that the SLK looked beautiful as well as being able to reach top speeds of
193 mph in advanced models.
9. Triumph Spitfire (1962 – 1980)
Total Sales - 314,332
One of the few successful and popular sports cars to be made in Britain the
Spitfire was given the added touch of Italian styling that made it a nifty, much
loved sports car around the world. Designed by prolific designer Giovanni
Michelotti the car thrived due to its aesthetic prowess as well as its trustworthy
performance.
8. MG Midget/ Austin Healey Sprite (1958-1979)
Total Sales – 356,000
Essentially these two cars were exactly the same except for being sold by different
motor companies and the MG Midget being slightly more expensive. Over time
the car became popularly known as the ‘Spridget’. However, the original name of
‘Midget’ for this particular sports car was apt due to the fact that when measured
up the car only reached 137 inches in length. Due to its abundance of character
there was a huge boom of sales in the 1960’s for this fun little car.
7. Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1983-1996)
Total Sales – 366,000
An exceedingly popular sports car particularly in its home nation of the U.S when
the C4 came out it was the newest Corvette for 15 years. Five different engines
were implemented into the C4 over the years each one faster and more powerful
than the one before. The cars elegance and stature made it become the Pace car
for the Indianapolis 500 twice over its 13 year history. Also the star of an
extremely cheesey and typically 80's television advert:
6. Pontiac Fiero (1984 – 1988)
Total Sales – 370,000
The Fiero holds the title of the fastest selling sports car ever after over 136,000
cars were sold in the first year of sales alone. Bearing in mind the short
production era of 5 years the Fiero sold well above its estimated sales. Despite
criticisms of the cars performance today the Fiero is seen as one of the great
sports cars made by General Motors and has developed a strong following of
admirers. And here is the Fiero cementing it's place as a legendary sports car by
skipping over water:
5. Mazda RX-7 Gen 1 (1978 – 1986)
Total Sales – 471,000
The first generation of the Mazda RX-7 was an unexpected success for the
Japanese motor company who did not expect such a high sales figure. However,
the authentic sports car look coupled with well thought out handling and
acceleration made sure word spread about the car.
4. MG MGB/ MGC (1962 – 1980)
Total Sales – 524,000
The most successful British sports car ever and one of the few cars on our list to
have more than 2 seats as the coupe version could seat up to 4 people. Perhaps
surprisingly, popular in America due to the cars reliability on the road and its
sleek style.
3. Datsun 240Z/260Z/280Z (1969 – 1978)
Total Sales – 531,601
Experiencing huge popularity in the United States it seemed that the 240Z had
everything a person would need from a sports car. Firstly it was significantly
cheaper than U.S and European sports cars of the time as the Japanese owned
Nissan decided to produce a more affordable sports car. Despite being affordable
the sports car didn’t let up on performance and was better thought of than the
MG roadsters of the 70’s.
2. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (1967 – 1982)
Total Sales – 542,867
The most succesful American sports car by quite a way. The main selling point of
the Stingray appeared to be the iconic design that oozed with style. Widely
recognised as being a solid piece of engineering the Stingray has become the all-
American sports car that is unlikely to be rivalled, ever.
1. Mazda MX-5 (1989 – 2005)
Total Sales – 721,629
And the winner is the Mazda Mx5 which is the best selling sports car ever. Based
on earlier, British roadsters like the Triumph and Midget the Mazda Mx5 had
great mass appeal. Well known motor car enthusiast and television presenter
Jeremy Clarkson said of the car: ‘The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-
5 is perfect. Nothing on the road willgive you better value. Nothing will give
you so much fun.