The Cream Of The Crop
The thrill of the drive is what makes sports cars so irresistible. For many, owning one is a dream come true! It's a mark of freedom and adventure. So, it's no surprise that people flock to these rides whenever they get a chance. But which ones do people gravitate to the most? Join us as we explore 20 of the best-selling sports cars of all time.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France on Wikimedia
1. Ford Mustang
Only a handful of cars have had a bigger impact than the Mustang. With millions sold, it remains one of the best-selling sports cars ever. Since its 1964 debut, many models have turned into collectibles, and the Mustang became a symbol of American muscle.
2. Chevrolet Corvette
America's longest-running sports car, the Corvette, has dominated sales charts for decades. Over 1.8 million sold so far. Its mix of speed, design, and affordability has made it a favorite. From classic StingRays to modern supercharged beasts, Corvettes continue to win the hearts of countless enthusiasts worldwide.
3. Porsche 911
Porsche's most recognizable model, the 911, has stayed relevant for over 60 years! Known for its rear-engine layout and precise handling, this sports car perfectly blends performance with luxury. Plus, the consistent updates and racing lineage made it a best-seller.
David Villarreal Fernández on Wikimedia
4. Nissan GT-R
Nicknamed "Godzilla," the Nissan GT-R has a well-earned reputation for outpacing more expensive rivals. The car’s twin-turbocharged V6 and modern technology make it a killer on tracks. With strong sales and a cult following, it remains an all-time favorite.
5. Toyota Supra
The Supra's turbocharged performance and tuner-friendly nature made it a '90s icon. With its legendary 2JZ engine, it became a favorite in street racing culture. The modern GR Supra continues the legacy by combining BMW's engineering with Toyota's aggressive styling.
6. BMW M3
The M3 transformed BMW's reputation, proving that luxury cars could dominate the track. Due to its high-revving engines and razor-sharp handling, the M3 became a dream car for many, with over 1 million sold so far. Every generation refines the formula, and the demand keeps on increasing.
7. Dodge Viper
Brutally powerful and unapologetically American, the Dodge Viper defined raw performance. The car's massive V10 engine and super styling made it an instant classic. While production has ended, the Viper is still going strong as one of the most beloved collectibles.
8. Ferrari 360 Modena
Ferrari struck gold with the 360 Modena, delivering a perfect mix of performance and accessibility. Its mid-engine V8, sleek styling, and high-revving nature made it a sales hit. Even today, it stands as a highly desirable entry into Ferrari ownership.
9. Audi R8
Now, this one blurs the line between a supercar and a daily ride. The R8's V10 power and all-wheel drive made it an instant success. That futuristic design and race-inspired engineering helped Audi enter the sports car elite. These features secured the R8’s place among top-selling exotic sports cars.
10. Pontiac Firebird
This memorable sportscar was launched in 1967 as Pontiac's answer to the Mustang and Camaro, it gained a cult following. Over 2.5 million units were sold before the Firebird’s production ended in 2002. Special editions like the Trans Am maintained its legacy, and the sales kept pace with muscle car giants.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
11. Acura NSX
The NSX proved that a sports car could be reliable and thrilling. The car's aluminum body and mid-engine layout challenged European rivals. With Ayrton Senna helping to fine-tune its handling, it really turned into a legend. The NSX further influenced many performance cars for generations.
12. Alfa Romeo Spider
A true Italian classic, the Spider gained fame after starring in The Graduate alongside Dustin Hoffman. Produced for nearly 30 years, it became one of the longest-running convertibles ever. Surprisingly, its design remained largely unchanged for decades.
13. Dodge Challenger
Since its 1970 debut, the Dodge Challenger has remained one of America’s most recognizable muscle cars. After a long hiatus, Dodge revived it in 2008, making it one of the brand’s best-selling performance cars. With over 1 million units sold in the modern era, its retro design and powerful Hemi V8 engines cemented its legacy as a muscle car icon.
14. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
One of the most stunning cars ever built, the 300SL Gullwing featured upward-opening doors inspired by its race car chassis. Incredibly, it was the first production car to have fuel injection, giving it speed that rivaled Ferrari in the 1950s.
Boston Museum of Fine Arts on Wikimedia
15. Jaguar E-Type
Enzo Ferrari himself called the E-Type the most beautiful car ever made. Launched in 1961, it combined breathtaking design with a top speed of 150 mph. Even though it was a luxury sports car, it originally cost less than a Corvette and soon made it to the best-selling list.
16. Datsun 240Z
This Datsun redefined affordable sports cars when it debuted in 1969. It had a reliable inline-six engine and impressive performance, so it quickly gained a massive following. Nissan's "Z" lineage continues today, but the 240Z remains a fan favorite for its racing success.
17. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The world's best-selling roadster, the Miata, revived the lightweight sports car segment in 1989. Did you know that its design was inspired by classic British roadsters like the Lotus Elan? Mazda engineers even studied how people smiled while driving to perfect its handling.
18. Chevrolet Camaro
Camaro was Chevy's answer to the Mustang. It quickly became a muscle car icon. Early marketing called it a "small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs." Since its introduction in 1966, Chevrolet has sold over 5 million units across all generations!
19. Ford Boss 302 Mustang
Built for Trans-Am racing, the Boss 302 was so track-focused that its engine needed to be broken in before hitting peak performance. Unlike regular Mustangs, this one had a shaker hood scoop that vibrated dramatically when revved.
20. Porsche Boxster
Porsche's mid-engine roadster revived the brand in the 1990s, bringing affordability without sacrificing performance. A surprising fact? Its name is a blend of "boxer" (for its engine type) and "roadster." Even its exhaust note was tuned to sound like a classic Porsche.
