Coolest Cars of the Past 50 Years (2024)

There are a lot of Corvettes that deserve a spot on this list, but there is no Corvette more deserving than the newest Z06. The mid-engine layout and high-revving, 670-hp flat-plane crank V-8 give it true supercar performance, besting exotics that cost triple the price.

The Corvette Z06 was good enough to take victory in our 2023 Performance Car of the Year comparison test, beating out favorites like the Honda Civic Type R and Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Check out Matt Farah's full video review

We could've included any version of the Porsche 911 GT3 on its list and it would've fit right in. We chose the newest model because of its incredible handling prowess, optional six-speed manual transmission, and 9000-rpm redline.

The current GT3 is so good, it was able to win our 2022 Performance Car of the Year comparison test, beating out cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Toyota GR86, and Lamborghini Huracán STO.

Here's why the GT3 is a masterpiece

Dodge made many different versions of the V-10-powered, manual-only Viper, but we like the hardcore ACR model the most.

Not only does the ACR look the coolest, but it's by far the most capable, with 645 hp and a square mile of aerodynamic equipment stuck to the body. When new, the ACR took lap records at 13 different race tracks. That should tell you how quick this car can be in the right hands.

Read the story of the Viper ACR's Nürburgring saga

There are plenty of Mustangs that deserve a mention on this list, but the Shelby GT350 is the greatest. It pairs an old-fashioned six-speed to a flat-plan crank 5.2-liter "Voodoo" V-8 making 526 hp.

It's a true track machine, too, with specific suspension upgrades, aero, cooling, and stickier tires. If we could only have one Mustang for the rest of our lives, it'd be a GT350.

Listen to this one hit 172 mph on the Autobahn

The Cadillac CTS-V wagon is a car that truly checks every box. Wagon body style? Check. Supercharged V-8? Check. Rear-wheel-drive? Check. Manual transmission? You bet.

Unsurprisingly, the wagon variant was made in very small numbers, meaning they're worth a whole lot more than their coupe and sedan counterparts. We'd say it's worth the price of entry.

Watch this CTS-V Wagon hit 200 mph

The Lexus LFA is on this list for one reason, and one reason only: Its exhaust note. In many enthusiasts' hearts the LFA holds the title for best-sounding car of all time thanks to its Yamaha-tuned pipes.

A lot of that sound also has to do with what lies under the hood. The LFA is powered by a 4.8-liter V-10, making 553 hp at 8700 rpm. Redline is a spine-tingling 9000 rpm.

Listen to this LFA go to redline on a dyno

The original GT40 of the Sixties is too old to be on this list, but that's alright, because the 2005 Ford GT exists. It was a modern interpretation of the company's iconic race car, with retro looks, a supercharged V-8, and a six-speed manual.

The '05 and '06 GT were slow sellers when new, but have since become highly desirable in the collector market. Considering how well it drives, it's a wonder the GT was ever out of favor with enthusiasts.

Watch this Ford GT crack 200 mph

Somehow, one of Porsche's best cars doesn't have a flat-six or an engine behind the rear axle. The Carrera GT of the mid-2000s is the company's last true analog exotic, using a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V-10 engine paired to a traditional six-speed.

With under 1300 units built, the Carrera GT remains in high demand thanks to its analog bones, with transaction prices hovering just over the $1 million mark.

This one just recently sold for $2 million on Bring a Trailer

Any Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution could've ended up on this list, but we like the Tommi Makinen Edition best. Based on the Evolution VI, it honors the multiple-time WRC champion and also looks the coolest.

Tommi Makinen Edition Evos got quicker steering, a better turbocharger, a new exhaust, a strut tower bar, and a handful of very choice cosmetic changes.

Makinen doesn't actually own one, weirdly

The Zonda was Pagani's first ever car, and even decades later, remains its finest. A Mercedes-AMG-sourced naturally aspirated V-12 and a manual transmission did a lot to

The Zonda's chassis and body leans heavily into carbon fiber construction, meaning lots of stiffness without a lot of weight. The result is a spectacular supercar that now demands seven-figure prices on the used market.

The first U.S.-legal Zonda just sold through a high-end dealer

Arguably the best Japanese car ever made, the R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R has become a highly sought-after collector's item in the U.S. without ever being sold here new.

A turbocharged straight-six engine that can rev to 8000 rpm and a trick all-wheel-drive system deliver amazing performance without sacrificing feel. The only choice of transmission was a six-speed manual.

Read our full review right here

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is special, but nothing beats the 22B. Built to hom*ologate the company's efforts in the WRC, the 22B sports unique, wider bodywork and a 276-hp version of Subaru's boxer-four that could rev to

The 22B is so iconic that British firm Prodrive has created a $600,000 tribute to honor the legendary original. Ironically, the real thing is about half the price at this time of writing.

It's one of many hom*ologation specials we love

The Elise is the car that saved Lotus. The tiny mid-engine two-seater convertible was affordable enough for most enthusiasts, and delivered some of the best handling to ever grace the open road.

While the original S1 Elise was never sold in America, we did get the S2 starting in 2005. If you're a purist, you'll be pleased to know the earliest S1s are now old enough to import into the U.S.

Check out our Elise S2 buyer's guide right here

Some consider the F50 the best Ferrari of all time. Considering its credentials, we don't blame them. A 500-plus-hp V-12 bolted directly to the chassis, a manual transmission, and a roof that comes off all combine to create an experience like no other.

With fewer than 400 cars built, the F50 remains one of the rarest V-12-powered Ferraris in existence, meaning prices have only gone up since the car's launch.

Be warned: changing the clutch is an extensive job

The Mk. IV Toyota Supra's appearances in the Fast & Furious franchise have launched it into the realm of JDM royalty. Its good looks and optional turbocharged power also helped.

The Supra's 2JZ straight-six engine has developed a reputation of its own thanks to its stout iron-block design, becoming the go-to engine choice for many drag racers.

The average low-mileage Supra Turbo is a six-figure affair

The McLaren F1 isn't just one of the best cars in the last 50 years. It's one of the best cars of all time. Designed by Formula 1 genius Gordon Murray, it uses a BMW-sourced V-12 and a central seating position, offering a truly unique driving experience.

Analysts predict the McLaren F1 will soon become the most valuable car in existence, passing even Sixties icons like the Ferrari 250 GTO. Currently, F1s trade hands for over $20 million on average.

Here's why the F1 is the world's greatest car

In the early Nineties, the Acura NSX was the supercar to beat. Faster than Ferraris double the price, its 3.0-liter VTEC-equipped V-6 made 270 hp, and could rev all the way to 8000 rpm.

Clever chassis construction honed at the Nürburgring ensured the NSX would become a handling legend, so much so that now, even standard examples are worth big money. If you want a limited-production NSX-R, you'll have to shell out at least $300,000.

Watch the original NSX-R tackle Suzuka in-period

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a fan favorite here at R&T simply because it delivers so many smiles for so few dollars. No matter which generation you prefer, you're going to have a great time behind the wheel of a Miata.

While the latest ND Miata is great, our hearts will always belong to the original NA from the Nineties. The perfect blend of simplicity and balance can't be matched at any price.

Read our full NA buyer's guide right here

Classic BMWs hold a special place in our hearts. Their mix of affordability and pure driving fun means many of our staffers have owned or currently own versions of the E30-generation 3-Series.

The M3 is the best of them all, with motorsport-inspired upgrades that include boxy fender flares, a wing, suspension changes, and a high-revving naturally aspirated inline-four.

Low-mileage examples can now sell for $250,000

If only one car could hold the title of best Ferrari of the past 50 years, the F40 is a strong contender. The company's turbocharged flagship is a carbon-bodied, epic bundle of feedback we can't get enough of.

Manual steering and brakes means the F40 isn't for everyone, but true purists will enjoy the lack of assistance and direct connection to the road.

Read our original review from 1987