Affordable Sports Cars That Anyone Can Own
Finding your dream car doesn’t always have to be a costly endeavor. Many models span decades of engineering genius, and unfortunately, some have been forgotten over time. Whether other, more popular options overshadowed them, here’s a list of affordable sports cars that nobody mentions anymore.
Audi TT Quattro (1st Gen 225hp)
With its incredible all-wheel-drive grip, boxy Bauhaus features, and balanced drive mechanics, the TT Quattro has an extremely iconic design. While its first reception wasn’t the greatest, it has found a space in collectors' hearts as a stylish steal for a sports car experience.
Volkswagen Corrado VR6
From its unique six-cylinder engine to its precise German handling, the Corrado VR6 is a swift, refined, and visually appealing vehicle that looks great on the road. Although it never achieved commercial success, enthusiasts still appreciate its engineering prowess.
Toyota MR2 Spyder (ZZW30)
The MR2 Spyder is one of those special cars that everyone can agree is just pure fun to drive. It’s lightweight, handles extremely well, and has a balanced chassis. While overlooked, it is a way for enthusiasts to experience Toyota at its best.
De Tomaso Vallelunga
The ultralight mid-engine sports car with Ford torque and Lotus-esque dynamics, the Vallelunga preceded the Pantera. Only a handful were developed, making it almost mythical. Despite its extreme rarity, it is still considered affordable in its class.
Infiniti G35 Coupe (Manual)
The G35 is a forgotten monster. 280 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and VQ35 V6. To this day, it is an overlooked bargain for the performance it manages to produce. With the shell of a 350Z, it offers more comfort.
Ligier JS2
Ligier is mostly known for its micro-mobiles; however, once upon a time, they scaled up and built a mid-engine GT with a Maserati V6. Production was limited, making it easily forgotten. It remains one of the most exotic and affordable vehicles to originate from France.
Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo
All-wheel-drive, twin turbo, V6, being a Mitsubishi 3000 GT under the Dodge brand, the VR-4 overshadowed it during its time. The stealth offers major performance at a fraction of the cost.
Fiat Abarth OT 2000
The OT 2000 was Abarth's take on the Fiat 850 Spider. It has a powerful two-liter engine crammed into a relatively small body. Today, it is extremely rare to find, but when it is found, it is often affordable.
Volvo C30 T5 R-Design
The hot hatch that was never given its roses. From its great build quality to a comfortable interior, the C30 T5 never really caught on in the US. It has since become a stylish, budget-friendly entry point for car enthusiasts.
Saab Sonett
The Sonett was never popular when it was new. It looks otherworldly and unfamiliar, but its eccentric looks and impressive V4 engine make it something special. To this day, it handles well and remains an affordable option for those looking to enter the world of vintage sports car ownership.
Acura CL Type-S (6-Speed)
The luxury coupe boasts a whopping 260 horsepower with its V6 engine and a rare six-speed manual configuration. Its peers overshadowed it during its launch. Its limited production run now makes it a desirable model for enthusiasts.
Lotus Elite
Known for being lightweight and aerodynamic, the original Elite was a technical marvel of its time. It looked good, felt good, and drove extremely well. However, the car was fragile and expensive. It is now affordable and still a piece of Lotus history that deserves more attention.
Pontiac Solstice GXP
The GXP features a decent 2.0-liter engine within a relatively small chassis, yet still manages to produce an impressive 260 horsepower. However, the collapse of GM would doom the car on its launch. Since then, it has become a bargain for sports car fans.
Marcos GT
The Marcos GT is a British underdog in the automotive world. Its sleek curves and fibreglass body make for a stunning, timeless look. They are often fitted with Ford V6s and Rover V8s. Since its initial inception, it has become a rare, affordable, and eye-catching purchase.
Saturn Sky Red Line
Built upon the GM Kappa platform, the Redline is a snazzy-looking turbocharged roaster with rear-wheel drive. A light chassis allows for nimble handling, while it makes a major 260 horsepower. Offering impressive performance at a low cost.
Brasinca 4200 GT Uirapuru
The Uirapuru is an overlooked Brazilian-built classic car that made a name for itself by becoming Brazil's first real grand touring vehicle. Although relatively unknown outside of Latin America, its steel body and Chevrolet inline-six make it a unique collectible.
Honda CR-Z
Initially, it confused buyers as it was a hybrid and lacked any serious power. It was a vehicle misunderstood for its time. The CR-Z features a small 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, designed to be economical but underpowered.
Ford OSI 20M TS
OSI Built, Italian styled, and based on Ford’s German 20M platform. The OSI was only manufactured between 1967 and 1968, with approximately 2,200 vehicles produced. Equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission, the car was overlooked due to its poor marketing. It has since found a home in the European classic market.
Suzuki X-90
Since its initial rocky release, the Suzuki X-90 has developed a cult following. Its bizarre looks would initially deter buyers, but it is now celebrated for its rear-wheel and all-wheel drive functionality. Its quirky, oddball charm, which mixes an SUV with a coupe, makes for a fun little two-seater experience.
Ford Capri Perana
The Ford Capri Perana was developed and constructed in South Africa by Basil Green Motors. It packed an impressive 5.0-liter V8 into a somewhat lightweight chassis. It’s fast, affordable, and often overlooked, and although rare outside of its homeland, it brings agility and compactness to the forefront.
Hyundai Tiburon GT V6
Delivering formidable handling and reputable power with its 2.7 V6 engine. The Hyundai Tiburon wasn’t initially given a fair chance when it first launched. There was still a negative bias around Hyundai as a manufacturer. Since its release, however, it has become an affordable and fun aftermarket purchase.
Volkswagen SP2
Based on the classic VW Beetle, the SP2 is a Brazilian-built, rear-engine oddity. It was never sold outside of South America, making it a rare yet forgotten vehicle.
Isuzu Impulse Turbo
The Impulse is a rarity in the automotive world as it was a collaboration between two manufacturing icons. The car was tuned by Lotus and styled by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Although overshadowed by its rivals, it's now recognized as a collector's piece due to its flair and high-tech interior.
Matra Djet
Launching before the Lamborghini Miura, the Matra Djet was officially the world's first mid-engine production motor car. It was not well known outside of Europe. However, it’s a lightweight vehicle championed by a Renault engine, designed to handle with ease.
Pontiac Fiero GT
The Fiero was America’s only mid-engine sports car for decades. Its sleek design is paired and powered by a V6. Although it initially struggled with performance problems, it has become a classic due to its unique appeal to enthusiasts.
Bricklin SV-1
The Canadian-developed SV-1 is known for its famous gullwing doors and V8 Engine. It was initially developed to be a safer option than other sports cars of the time. However, it battled due to quality and financial issues. It is now a cost-effective alternative to the conventional American muscle options.
Ford Probe GT
The Probe GT is Ford's underdog on wheels. Cramming in a turbocharged V6 Engine, the Probe GT was hailed for its swift handling. One reason for this is that it was co-developed by Mazda. It was definitely overlooked in its prime, but today it's a nostalgic '90s sport coupe.
ASA 1000 GT
The mini grand tourer has since become an affordable choice among classic buyers today. Designed by Ferrari engineers and put together with a 1.0-liter Colombo-derived engine, it still boasts impressive build quality.
Nissan NX2000
The NX2000 hatchback was famous for its SR20DE Engine, unconventional suspension, and lightweight build. It’s a formidable hot hatch that never really took off. Although it didn’t receive mainstream attention during its time, drivers have come to appreciate its tight performance and Japanese engineering at a moderate cost.
Matra Bagheera
The Bagheera is an oddity, characterized by its fiberglass design, mid-engine layout, and three front seats. It’s the pinnacle of expressive French design combined with eccentric 1970s flair. Although mostly forgotten, it has become a bargain piece for collectors.
Mazda MX-6
Developed on the same foundations as the Ford Probe, the MX-6 remains relatively underrated for its time. It offered tight handling with a V6 Engine and blended its nimble design with formidable power. It’s a '90s coupe that can be picked up at a lower price point.
Puma GTB
Featuring a Chevrolet's six-cylinder might, the Puma GTB boasts a tough, muscular styling. The vehicle was built on a truck chassis and was a luxury muscle car in Brazil during the 1970s. Today, it is regarded as an eccentric and affordable option in the global collectors' market.
Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX delivers a powerful 210 Horsepower for its size. The car made all-wheel drive accessible and featured a turbocharged engine. Today, it is remembered as a street racer's go-to choice. Although in later generations, the Eclipse would lose its edge in performance, it is still a thrilling option.
Apollo 3500 GT
Built in California, the American V8 Buick muscle, hidden inside an Italian-styled exterior, makes for an affordable yet rare vehicle in the touring car scene. Expensive during its time, it has now, however, become a reasonable option among enthusiasts.
Toyota Celica GT-S (7th Gen)
With a 1.8-liter engine and 180 horsepower, the seventh-generation Toyota Celica is a lightweight dream machine from Japan. It’s a reliable vehicle hailed by both tuners and enthusiasts. However, it was discontinued in 2006 and remains a favorite unsung champion.
