Imagine the thrill of a sports car: sleek lines, roaring engines, and unmatched speed. Now, picture the opposite – a high-performance vehicle that misses the mark. Intrigued?
This article spotlights 35 of the worst sports cars ever made, showing how even promising designs can fail due to poor decisions and unforeseen pitfalls. Buckle up for a ride through the most notorious failures in sports car history.
Iconic Failures in Sports Car History
The world of sports cars has had its share of disappointments. Notable examples include the Lamborghini Urraco, Ferrari Mondial, and Maserati Biturbo. These models often suffer from poor performance or reliability issues, damaging their brands. For instance, the Ford Mustang II failed to meet expectations, leaving enthusiasts underwhelmed.
Jaguar XJ220
The Jaguar XJ220, produced from 1992 to 1994, is often considered one of the worst sports cars despite its impressive top speed. Designed for the track, its unpowered steering and heavy handling made it unappealing for casual drivers. Additionally, it lacked luxurious amenities, failing to meet expectations.
The Lamborghini Urraco
The Lamborghini Urraco, a 2+2 coupé designed by Marcello Gandini, debuted in 1970 as an affordable alternative to the Ferrari Dino and Maserati Merak. The P200 model, with its 2.0-liter engine, struggled in acceleration and top speed, tarnishing its reputation and failing to make a mark in the sports car world.
The Ferrari Mondial
The Ferrari Mondial, introduced in 1980 as a compact Grand Turismo sports car, featured a 2+2 seating configuration and a mid-engine layout. However, it was heavier (3,459 lbs) than other Ferrari models, and its V8 engine produced only 214 horsepower. This led to lackluster performance, making the Mondial a black sheep in the Ferrari lineup. Despite its stylish design, the car’s reputation fell short of expectations.
Maserati Biturbo
The Maserati Biturbo, introduced in the 1980s as a luxury sports car, is infamous for its frequent mechanical and electrical issues. Despite its front-engine, RWD layout, and V6 Biturbo engine, the car suffered from breakdowns and engine failures, disappointing many owners and enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang II
The Ford Mustang II made its debut during the U.S. fuel crisis and faced stricter emission regulations. Unfortunately, this Mustang was a lackluster sports car. The earlier Mach 1, known for its power with a 351CI V8, was severely underwhelming in 1974. Mustang enthusiasts were left disappointed.
Porsche 914
The Porsche 914 was a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen, aiming to create an affordable mid-engine sports car. However, its quirky design and underwhelming performance left many disappointed. The 2.0-liter flat-four engine generated only 101 horsepower. The 914 was criticized for being underpowered, overpriced, and un-Porsche-like in appearance, but is considered by some as a forgotten treasure.
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a popular sports car, known for its sleek design and thrilling performance. However, it’s also notorious for some reliability issues, especially in the 2005 model year. This car faced problems with airbags and the engine, leading to unwanted repair expenses.
Pontiac Fiero
The Pontiac Fiero debuted in 1984 as an affordable mid-engine sports car. However, it was plagued by various issues, such as slow performance due to its weight and poor quality control. Engine fires and suspension problems further marred its reputation. Despite GM’s efforts to solve these issues, Fiero remains one of the worst sports cars ever designed.
Chevrolet Corvette C3 (late models)
The later models of the Chevrolet Corvette C3 experienced criticisms over their performance. Specifically, the 1979 Corvette L48 featured a weak engine, generating only 195 horsepower. They were also often regarded as one of the worst Corvette C3 years, falling behind the earlier models.
Triumph TR7
The Triumph TR7, launched in 1974, featured a mix of Euro-American design that made it stand out. However, purists criticized it as not being a true Triumph. Its 2.0-liter inline-four engine delivered disappointing performance, making the TR7 slow despite its sports car appearance.
Bricklin SV-1
The Bricklin SV-1 was a peculiar sports car from the 1970s. Created by Malcolm Bricklin, it featured gullwing doors and a fiberglass body. It suffered from manufacturing problems and a high price tag, causing it to be listed amongst some of the worst sports cars ever designed. Only 3,000 units were sold before production ceased abruptly.
AMC AMX
The AMC AMX, a two-seat GT-style muscle car, was produced by American Motors Corporation from 1968 to 1970. It competed directly with the Chevrolet Corvette but at a lower price. With a shorter wheelbase than the Javelin, the AMX aimed to maximize performance. However, the Javelin outlasted the AMX, which ended production in 1974.
Cadillac XLR
The Cadillac XLR is considered one of the worst sports cars due to its heavy retractable hardtop and unimpressive performance. Its 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine produced 320 hp, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of around six seconds. Although unique and visually appealing, the XLR failed to deliver true sports car performance.
Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire is a sports car known for its unique design and impressive features. Produced from 2004 to 2008, this car has its share of pros and cons. The Crossfire has been considered a flop in the sports car market, and thus, one of the worst sports cars ever designed.
Cizeta-Moroder V16T
The Cizeta-Moroder V16T, an Italian sports car, was created by Claudio Zampolli, Giorgio Moroder, and Marcello Gandini. Produced from 1991 to 1995, it was the sole product of the Cizeta company. Despite its potential, it faced stiff competition from Lamborghini and Ferrari, resulting in limited production.
Lotus Elite (Type 75 and 83)
The Lotus Elite was produced from 1974 to 1982, with only 2,535 units made. This unique 2+2 sports car combined style and practicality. With a luxurious interior, and an easy-to-drive nature, the Elite (Type 75 and 83) was quite enjoyable. However, the fiberglass body raised concerns for durability and safety.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a grand tourer with a distinctive look and impressive performance. Its supercharged V8 engine accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed over 200 mph. However, critics argue its handling is unwieldy due to the 2.8m distance between the steering wheel and nose, making it a controversial sports car.
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a grand tourer with a distinctive look and impressive performance. Its supercharged V8 engine goes from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and reaches over 200 mph. However, critics find its handling unwieldy due to the 2.8m distance between the steering wheel and nose, making it a controversial sports car.
Saab Sonett III
The Saab Sonett III is a sports car produced by the Swedish automaker between 1970 and 1974. It was a quirky and obscure model, designed with a fiberglass body and built on a Saab 95 chassis. It evolved from the Sonett II and V4 models, featuring a more streamlined design and a long, pointy hood.
TVR Sagaris
The TVR Sagaris is a British sports car known for its raw driving experience. Launched in 2003, it was based on the TVR T350 with an aggressive design. Despite its incredible performance, the Sagaris struggled with reliability, leading to its inclusion in the list of worst sports cars. Nevertheless, it remains an iconic part of British automotive history.
Vector W8
The Vector W8, produced from 1989 to 1993, was an American sports car designed by Gerald Wiegert with refinements by David Kostka. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 600 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, it was inspired by the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo but was far from a replica.
Zenvo ST1
The Zenvo ST1 is a Danish high-performance sports car. It boasts a massive 7L LS7 V8 engine, with both supercharging and turbocharging. Despite its powerful specs, it hasn’t gained much traction in the hypercar market. Its aggressive design and handcrafted build made it a unique entry, but it ultimately lands on the list of worst sports cars ever designed.
Aston Martin Lagonda
The Aston Martin Lagonda, introduced in 1976, featured a sleek, pencil-box design by William Towns. Its four-door, exotic look made a strong impression. However, the Lagonda struggled with high price, low demand, and its controversial design.
Jensen Interceptor
The Jensen Interceptor debuted in 1966 with a seductive Italian design, American V8 engine, and luxurious British interior. However, its high price and reliability issues led to its failure. The Interceptor’s hand-built nature often led to inconsistent build quality, resulting in unforeseen repairs. The car gained a reputation for having a poor fuel efficiency, yet it still captured hearts with its stunning appearance.
Iso Grifo
The Iso Grifo, an Italian grand tourer made from 1965 to 1974, aimed to compete with Ferrari and Maserati but struggled to do so. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone, it had a sleek, elegant look. However, its use of dated American powertrains and components hindered its performance compared to rivals.
Subaru SVX
The Subaru SVX, launched in 1991, struggled in the sports car market. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design, it featured a unique aircraft-inspired window and all-wheel drive. However, its 230 hp flat-six engine and luxury focus made it more of a grand tourer. Reliability issues and a high price further limited its appeal. Today, fans can find models in top condition for under $10,000.
Rover SD1 Vitesse
The Rover SD1 Vitesse was an ambitious attempt by British Leyland to create a stylish, powerful sports car. Unfortunately, it became known more for its flaws than its strengths. It suffered from poor reliability and quality issues, partly due to problems within British Leyland at the time.
Smart Roadster
The Smart Roadster, launched in the early 2000s, aimed to be a sports car but fell short. Available in Roadster and Roadster Coupe versions, both featured two seats and a retractable roof. With only 80 horsepower, it lacked a sporty driving experience. Its cramped interior and limited storage further made it impractical for daily use. The Smart Roadster clearly failed to meet expectations.
Lamborghini Jalpa
The Lamborghini Jalpa was a sports car produced from 1981 to 1988. Intended to compete with lower-tier Ferrari models and the Porsche 911, its design boasted sharp, angular lines. Unfortunately, with only 420 units produced, the Jalpa didn’t make a significant impact. The vehicle’s performance couldn’t quite live up to its aggressive appearance, making it one of the worst sports cars designed.
Sterling 827SLi
The Sterling 827SLi, considered one of the worst sports cars, was essentially an Acura Legend by Rover. Initially, it featured Honda’s 2.5L V6 with 151 horsepower and 157 lb-ft of torque. In 1989, it upgraded to a 2.7L V6 with 161 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. However, quality issues damaged its reputation.
Marcos Mantis
The Marcos Mantis, a British sports car from the 1970s, featured a unique design and fiberglass body. However, it faced challenges like design flaws, including poorly sealing doors, and was considered unattractive by some. Financial distress and bankruptcy further impacted its production and sales, leading to its failure.
Covini C6W
The Covini C6W, a six-wheeled supercar designed by Ferruccio Covini in 1974, featured four front wheels and a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 430 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Despite its unique design, it failed to succeed and was often criticized for its unconventional six-wheel setup.
Yugo GV Sport
Launched in 1985, this car had a lackluster performance and subpar build quality, which led to its dismal reputation. With a base price of only $3,990, the Yugo GV Sport indeed offered affordability. However, its durability and reliability were highly questionable. The car was produced in Soviet-bloc Yugoslavia, and it had a distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint.
Infamous Models Beyond Redemption
Sports car history has its share of disappointments. The 1953 Chevrolet Corvette C1 had a troubled launch with rushed production and many issues. The 2002 Nissan 350Z was notorious for reliability problems. Even Lamborghini’s Urraco, with its underwhelming performance, joins this list. These models serve as cautionary tales in the sports car world.
Delorean DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12, produced from 1981 to 1983, became iconic thanks to its role in “Back to the Future.” Despite its fame, it was criticized for poor performance, with a weak V6 engine producing only 130 horsepower. Many believe its unique design, including the stainless-steel exterior and gull-wing doors, is overshadowed by its underwhelming driving experience.
Crosley Hotshot
©Photo Credit: HemmingsThe Crosley Hotshot, first produced in 1949, was America’s first postwar sports car, weighing just 1,100 lbs. It gained a reputation for being slow and unreliable, but it was a pioneer. Its design philosophy later inspired smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles.
Renault Dauphine
The Renault Dauphine, debuting in 1956, is a prime example of a poorly designed sports car. With only 32 horsepower in its rear engine, it was slow and unreliable. Despite this, it was produced for over a decade and is now considered one of the worst sports cars ever made.
