Acura NSX (1st Gen) (1990–2005)
Brazilian motorsports racing driver Ayrton Senna offered input for the NSX’s creation, and the result was an exotic-looking set of wheels that was also somehow both balanced and reliable. People on car enthusiast forums love to claim they turned one down.
Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)
Because there were only 1,311 units ever made - and for Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, no less - the F40 is a unicorn among vehicles (it was also the last car Enzo Ferrari personally approved). It’s worth over $2 million now, so it's prime material for drunken bar tales.
Lamborghini Diablo (1990–2001)
The Diablo rolled out of production lines in the late ’90s with a roaring V12, an unashamed lack of subtlety and those sweet scissor doors. The maintenance costs on these things alone could bankrupt you, but your friend’s friend might have had a toy model of one.
Porsche 911 Turbo (930) (1975–1989)
A turbocharged beast that was so white-knuckle it earned the nickname “Widowmaker,” it was pure mechanical rage directed at the road (though anything above 60 mph was only meant for straight blacktops and flexing). You might know a guy who claims his uncle had one.
Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) (1999–2002)
Screeching out of “Gran Turismo” and “Fast and the Furious” fame, the R34 was actually never sold in the U.S. during its production years, and importing one was a logistics and bureaucratic nightmare. Some drivers had an R32 and imagined it was an R34.
Toyota Supra Mk4 (A80) (1993–2002)
Another car featured in “Fast and the Furious, ” the A80’s 2JZ engine alone is legendary for hitting eye-watering horsepower numbers. Nowadays, the non-turbo versions are crazy expensive, but sure, your pal had one in college and sold it for beer money.
BMW M3 E30 (1986–1991)
When people think of motorsports the original M3 comes to mind, but that wasn’t always the case - it started life as an enthusiast’s economy car, and now its mint condition value can exceed $80k.
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) (1992–2002)
The RX-7 FD’s JDM rotary engine was so temperamental that learning to drive it was the equivalent to mastering a musical instrument - it took time, patience and practice. Many drivers would love to have owned one, but in reality its maintenance was too much heart and wallet ache.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C4) (1990–1995)
The ZR1, or “King of the Hill,” was GM’s answer to European models. It rocked an all-aluminum V8 engine designed by Lotus, but so many people only saw it as a regular C4 in the ’90s. Drivers passed it by, but like to claim they didn’t.
Ford Mustang Boss 429 (1969–1970)
The 429 engine was created to homologate and dominate NASCAR, and if anyone says they had one, they’re either a millionaire or they once took a photo. Less than 1,400 units were made, and it’s worth an excess of $400k now.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (2005–2015)
If your internet pal says they have a Veyron 16.4 don’t believe them unless they juggle the economies of continents for a living. At 1,000+ horsepower and capable of 250+ mph, it’s more a bolt of lightning than a car, and just as tough to own.
McLaren F1 (1992–1998)
With its gold-lined engine bay and iconic center seat, the F1 laughs in the face of physics and then does donuts around it at the speed of sound. You can pick one up for anywhere from $20-30 million, so your aunt’s cousin’s friend has a poster, not the real thing.
DeLorean DMC-12 (1981–1983)
It’s not impossible to own a DeLorean that “Back to the Future” made famous, but if a braggart tells you it travels through time or moves any faster than a speed jogger, they’re probably making it up.
Dodge Charger R/T (2nd Gen) (1968–1970)
From “Dukes of Hazzard” to “Bullitt” to “Fast and the Furious,” the 2nd gen Charger R/T was all over pop culture. Although they are technically attainable, their already sky-high prices are continually climbing, along with their rarity.
Tesla Roadster (1st Gen) (2008–2012)
The 1st Gen roadster is the original electric supercar built on a Lotus Elise frame and powered by hype. Early EV fans might have owned one, but only 2,500 were ever made. That forum guy you spoke to? He saw a documentary and convinced himself he had one.
Honda Civic Type R (EK9) (1997–2000)
If you’re a fan of the JDM, the Type R is a holy grail - it’s track-tuned, VTEC-packed and light as a feather. You can’t get them outside of Japan though, so if you know someone who claims ownership, they’re in a regular Civic with dreams of grandeur.
Audi Quattro (Ur-Quattro) (1980–1991)
Shout Ur-Quattro in a crowded room and the people who look up with interest are those of culture. It spearheaded AWD awesomeness, but they’re so rare and even if you find one, the maintenance costs are epic. Most drivers have only ever seen them in magazines.
Subaru Impreza 22B STI (1998 Only)
Subaru fans salivate over the World Rally Championship-bred 22B, and with good reason - it’s a track-and-road dominating wheeled beast with just 400 units ever sold. Very few of those left Japan and their value is at $300+k… assuming you find one at all.
Pontiac GTO “The Judge” (1969–1971)
The technicolor Judge commands the road with its ram air, stripes and pure muscle flex, but finding one is no easy feat. They’re extremely rare - and the Ram Air IVs are even rarer - so your friend who restored one in college was playing with stickers.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954–1957)
The elegant shape, the gullwing doors, the pure vehicular beauty…300 SLs are worth millions of dollars, so if you really own one, you’re either a celebrity collector like Jay Leno or the motoring gods descended and granted you one with benevolent grace.
