We’re all familiar with the automotive superstars, aren’t we? The Ferraris that grace bedroom posters, the roaring muscle cars from cinematic legends, or perhaps the perpetually winking Miatas that seem to populate every enthusiast’s garage. These are the machines that dominate discussions, auction blocks, and our collective daydreams, establishing themselves as undeniable icons of performance and design.
But what about the unsung heroes? The quiet disruptors, the oddballs, the genuinely brilliant machines that, for one reason or another, slipped through the cracks of mainstream recognition? We’re talking about the cars that make you pause, squint a little, and then, with a slow dawning of realization, utter, “Wait… what *is* that?” These aren’t the vehicles plastered on every influencer’s feed; they’re the criminally underappreciated, the wonderfully weird, and the unexpectedly potent.
Today, we’re embarking on a thrilling journey into the depths of automotive memory, pulling back the velvet rope on a collection of truly special rides that even many seasoned car buffs have either forgotten or, perhaps, never truly appreciated. Based purely on our deep dives, questionable biases, and yes, probably a few too many late-night Reddit rabbit holes, prepare to meet the overlooked sports cars and quirky collectibles that absolutely deserve a spot in your mental (and perhaps actual) dream garage.
1. **Mazda MX-6 GT (1988–1992)**Before Mazda plastered “Zoom-Zoom” across every billboard and cemented its place as the purveyor of lively, driver-focused cars, they were quietly building something truly special: the MX-6 GT. This wasn’t just another sleek, turbocharged coupe with the obligatory pop-up headlights – a true badge of honor for any self-respecting ’80s machine. No, this one had a trick up its sleeve, offering four-wheel steering in some markets, just to delightfully complicate things for those of us who appreciate an extra layer of engineering fun.
Underneath that distinctively angular, late-80s bodywork lurked Mazda’s 2.2L turbocharged F2T engine. And let me tell you, when that turbo spooled up, it pulled with the relentless urgency of a freight train. It didn’t just pull; it sounded just angry enough to remind you that this was no bland commuter sedan. The GT trim took things a step further, boasting an intercooler and a tighter suspension tuning, transforming it from a pretty face into a genuine sleeper that could surprise many a supposedly sportier ride.
While its platform-sharing sibling, the Ford Probe, often hogged more media attention thanks to its domestic badge, the MX-6 GT quietly carved out a passionate niche. Discerning enthusiasts who understood the unique joy of a genuinely fun front-wheel-drive platform gravitated towards it. It might not have been a track demon destined for lap records, but it did everything well, handled with surprising agility, and still looks remarkably sharp today, a testament to its timeless, if understated, design.
Car Model Information: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Name: Mazda MX-6
Manufacturer: Mazda
Production: 1987–1997
Assembly: Hiroshima (Mazda factory),Flat Rock, Michigan
Class: Mid-size car,sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Platform: Mazda G platform
Related: Mazda Capella,Ford Probe
Predecessor: Mazda Capella#Third generation (GC; 1982–1987)
Categories: All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from July 2018, Articles with short description, CS1 Indonesian-language sources (id), Cars discontinued in 1997
Summary: The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations.
Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms. The MX-6 replaced the 626 Coupé, although it continued to share the same chassis.
The MX-6, 626, and Ford Probe were manufactured at joint-venture plants either by AutoAlliance in Flat Rock, Michigan, for the North American market, and by Mazda Japan for Asian and European markets.
Get more information about: Mazda MX-6
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Brand: Mazda Model: MX-6 GT
Price: $25,680 Mileage: 32,780 mi.
2. **Saab Sonett III (1970–1974)**Yes, you read that right. Saab, the idiosyncratic Swedish marque renowned for its quirky sedans and an unwavering commitment to turbocharging absolutely everything, actually dabbled in sports cars. Now, let’s be clear, the Sonett III wasn’t going to be breaking any land speed records or winning drag races. Its charm, however, was in almost absurd abundance, so much so that you’d easily forgive its appearance – a delightful blend of European dune buggy and wedge-shaped oddity – and the fact that it was powered by a Ford V4 industrial engine.
This eccentric beauty boasted a lightweight fiberglass body and, sticking to Saab’s unconventional roots, was front-wheel drive. But the real showstopper? Its signature pop-up headlamps weren’t operated by finicky electric motors. Oh no, that would be too conventional. Instead, they were raised and lowered by a manual lever located ingeniously between the seats. Don’t question it; just embrace the pure, unadulterated analog weirdness. It was utterly unconventional and wonderfully eccentric, a true testament to Saab’s unique engineering philosophy.
With a modest 65–70 horsepower output, the Sonett III wasn’t exactly built to scare a Ford Pinto. But here’s the kicker: it weighed less than 2,000 lbs and handled like a Swedish go-kart, darting through corners with an eagerness that defied its power figures. The interior maintained that distinctive, aircraft-inspired dashboard design that Saab fans still lament the loss of. It’s rare, undeniably peculiar, and completely lovable in its utter unorthodoxy. And honestly, try to name another 1970s sports car that offered reasonable fuel economy and conversation-starting looks, often at the expense of its own forward visibility. It’s a guaranteed head-turner, even if it’s just for perplexed stares.
Car Model Information: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Caption: Sonett V4
Name: Saab Sonett
Manufacturer: Saab Automobile
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile),coupé
Assembly: Trollhättan,Arlöv
Production: 1955–1957 (Series I),1966–1974 (Series II and III)
Related: Saab 93,Saab 96
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles containing Swedish-language text, Articles with short description
Summary: The Saab Sonett is an automobile manufactured by Swedish automaker Saab between 1955 and 1957 and again between 1966 and 1974. The Sonett share its engines and other mechanical components with the Saab 93, 95 and 96 of the same era. It was mainly intended for the lucrative American export market and was only offered intermittently in the Swedish domestic market for the 1968 and 1972 model years.
The first prototype, now known as the Sonett I, is a two-seat, open-top, lightweight roadster racer. Ten years later, the name was revived for the commercially distributed Sonett models II, V4, and III.
Get more information about: Saab Sonett
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Brand: Saab Model: Sonett III
Price: $25,680 Mileage: 32,780 mi.
3. **Pontiac Solstice Coupe (2009–2010)**When the name “Pontiac Solstice” comes up, most gearheads immediately picture the soft-top roadster, a neat, if somewhat vanilla, offering from GM’s once-storied performance brand. But then, just as General Motors was tragically pulling the plug on the entire Pontiac division, they quietly slipped out a parting gift in 2009 that, at the time, few truly understood or appreciated: the Solstice Coupe. And let us tell you, this was no mere variation; it was a revelation.
With its sleek, removable targa roof and dramatic fastback styling, the coupe transformed the roadster’s pleasant aesthetics into something far more serious and visually striking. The truly heartbreaking part? Its production run was brutally limited, with fewer than 1,300 units ever seeing the light of day. This extreme rarity alone makes it a serious contender for any collector’s consideration, but the beauty goes far deeper than just scarcity.
Especially when optioned with the GXP trim, powered by the robust 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine, this car was an absolute beast. Pushing out a respectable 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque through a crisp 5-speed manual transmission, this wasn’t just a pretty face. It was genuinely quick, rocketing from 0-60 in under 5.5 seconds, and remarkably grippy thanks to its nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Enthusiasts who actually managed to get behind the wheel were genuinely surprised by how tight the chassis felt and how refined it was, considering its humble Kappa platform origins. It arrived too late, utterly overlooked by the market, and now stands as one of the rarest and most overlooked modern GM sports cars – unlike the Miata, you won’t find five of these hiding in every neighborhood.
Car Model Information: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP
Name: Pontiac Solstice
Manufacturer: General Motors
Production: 2005–2010,65,724 produced
ModelYears: 2006–2010
Assembly: Wilmington, Delaware
Class: Sports car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout#Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Platform: GM Kappa platform
Predecessor: Pontiac Fiero
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile),targa top
Wheelbase: 95.1 in
Abbr: on
Length: 161.1 in
Width: 71.4 in
Height: 50.2 in
Weight: 2860 lb
Engine: GM Ecotec engine#LE5,GM Ecotec engine#2.0 LNF (Z20NHH Opel)
Transmission: Aisin Seiki,GM 5L40 transmission
Related: Saturn Sky,Opel GT#GT (roadster) (2007–2010),Daewoo G2X
Designer: Franz von Holzhausen,Vicki Vlachakis,Wayne Cherry
Categories: All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles needing additional references from March 2025, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2025
Summary: The Pontiac Solstice is a convertible sports car that was produced by Pontiac from 2005 to 2010. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware, starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4 L I4 engine, producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 166 lb⋅ft (225 N⋅m) of torque.
The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter. The new hardtop targa top 2009 model was announced in mid-2008. The Solstice uses the GM Kappa platform, which also underpins the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X. It was the brand’s first two-seater since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988.
The Solstice was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and Design of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2006. It was a runaway hit for Pontiac, with 7,000 orders in the first 10 days of availability and 6,000 more orders before winter. Although first-year production was planned at 7,000, GM apologized to customers for delays and increased production, delivering 10,000 by March 1.
Following the 2008 economic recession, GM discontinued the Pontiac division. Production ended with the closure of the Wilmington Assembly plant in July 2009.
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Brand: Pontiac Model: Solstice
Price: $17,900 Mileage: 33,919 mi.
4. **Mercury Capri XR2 (1991–1994)**Ah, Mercury. A brand that, bless its heart, tried so very hard to stay relevant in an ever-shifting automotive landscape. The Capri XR2 was their ambitious attempt to go head-to-head with the wildly successful Mazda Miata, but it was, to put it mildly, a rather convoluted global effort. Imagine a car built in Australia, styled in Japan, and then sold in the U.S. under a badge that your younger family members probably don’t even remember existed. That, my friends, was the Mercury Capri XR2.
What it lacked in straightforward lineage, it made up for in spirited performance. This little roadster featured a turbocharged Mazda-sourced 1.6L engine, lifted directly from the capable 323 GTX, giving it a surprising punch. It even offered an optional removable hardtop, adding to its versatility. Now, here’s where it gets controversial for the purists: it was front-wheel drive. Yes, a sports car, with front-wheel drive. Gasp!.
But here’s the thing: don’t let the FWD layout deter you for a second. This car was a genuine blast in the corners, quirky as heck, and absolutely exuded that charming early-90s energy, especially when optioned in vibrant teal or lipstick red. The fact that these things were essentially ignored from day one means you can often find them today for surprisingly little money, offering incredible bang for your buck. Just one little caveat: good luck finding parts. You’ll likely have better luck locating a Blockbuster video store than a clean rear quarter panel for one of these forgotten gems. Maybe the Miata *does* get a win after all, but the XR2 is a valiant, eccentric contender.
Car Model Information: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Caption: 1971 Capri
Name: Capri,Mercury Capri
Manufacturer: Ford Europe,Mercury (automobile),Ford Australia
Production: 1970–1977,1979–1986,1991–1994
Related: Ford Capri
Class: Sports car
Categories: 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, All articles needing additional references, All articles with a promotional tone
Summary: Capri (later Mercury Capri) is a nameplate marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company over three generations between 1970 and 1994.
From 1970 to 1978, the Capri was a sport compact marketed in North America by the Lincoln-Mercury division without any Ford or Mercury divisional branding; it was a captive import, manufactured by Ford of Europe and sold simply as the Capri.
From 1979 to 1986, the second generation Capri became part of the Mercury model line as a U.S. built pony car, a badge engineered variant of the contemporary Ford Mustang.
Ford Australia produced the third-generation Mercury Capri roadster from 1991 to 1994, which Ford marketed as the Ford Capri outside of North America.
In North America, the first and third generations of the Capri were marketed without a direct Ford-brand counterpart but were sold in other markets under the Ford brand.
The name derives from the Italian island of Capri, and has been used by all three Ford divisions. The 1952 Lincoln Capri marked the first use of the nameplate, serving as a trim level through 1959. From 1962 to 1964, Ford of Britain introduced a Ford Consul Capri two-door hardtop coupe. For 1966 and 1967, the Capri name was first used by Mercury to denote the standard trim of the Mercury Comet.
For 1968, Ford of Europe developed the Ford Capri two-door coupé as its European counterpart to the Mustang. Like the Mustang, the Capri was styled with a long hood and a short deck, with a fastback-style roofline.
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Brand: Mercury Model: Capri XR2
Price: $25,680 Mileage: 32,780 mi.
5. **Nissan NX2000 (1991–1993)**At first glance, you might mistake it for a Nissan Sentra that’s had a bit too much styling caffeine and a particularly aggressive spoiler attached. But calling the Nissan NX2000 just a Sentra with weird styling would be a disservice, akin to calling a cheetah just a fast house cat. No, the NX2000 took the underlying brilliance of the legendary Sentra SE-R and expertly crammed it into a lightweight, aerodynamic wedge of pure, unadulterated funky ‘90s hatchback-meets-coupe.
Its true secret sauce wasn’t just its unconventional looks; it was what lay beneath. This little rocket packed the incredibly rev-happy and bulletproof 140-horsepower SR20DE engine. And, as if that wasn’t enough to get enthusiasts salivating, it came standard with a factory limited-slip differential. This potent combination transformed what, to the untrained eye, looked like a roller skate having an identity crisis into a genuine backroad brawler, eager to carve up asphalt with surgical precision.
Standard T-tops only added to its cool factor, making it the perfect vehicle for sunny weekend cruises. The handling was scalpel-sharp, and weighing barely over a ton, it felt incredibly nimble. While it certainly wasn’t conventionally beautiful – let’s be honest, it was still weird lookin’ – it was mechanically brilliant and a pure joy to drive. In an era dominated by heavier, less nimble Mustangs and Camaros, this little Japanese buzzsaw offered drivers an affordable ticket to grins per mile, emphatically proving that sometimes, less weight and more engine mojo trump brute force. It might not win any beauty contests, but it’ll win your heart on a twisty road.
6. **Porsche 924S (1987–1988)**For far too long, the Porsche 924 has been the unfortunate target of enthusiast jokes. Front-engined? Water-cooled? Powered by a VW/Audi-sourced engine? The blasphemy! Such pronouncements often came from the purist peanut gallery, quick to dismiss anything that deviated from the sacred rear-engined, air-cooled 911 formula. But the truth, as it often is, is far more interesting and nuanced than the tired punchlines.
By the time the 924S arrived on the scene, Porsche had quietly, painstakingly reworked the original formula into something genuinely worthy of the esteemed crest on its hood. Sold exclusively in 1987 and 1988, the 924S wasn’t just a rebadge; it borrowed the same excellent 2.5-liter inline-four engine directly from the more respected 944. This upgrade blessed it with a hearty 150–160 horsepower and, crucially, the level of refinement and performance that the earlier models desperately lacked.
Thanks to its sophisticated transaxle layout, the 924S also boasted a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and an impressively low center of gravity – engineering traits that made it beautifully balanced and incredibly communicative in the corners. No, it wasn’t as brash or as tail-happy as a 911, nor was it meant to be. But it delivered genuine Porsche handling, character, and an intoxicating driving experience in a lightweight, approachable, and surprisingly affordable package. It remains one of the most accessible ways to join your local Porsche club and experience true Zuffenhausen engineering without needing a second mortgage. Oh, and about the photo you might see with a Targa top? You caught us, that’s a rare prototype, a slick concept that never made it to production. But we couldn’t resist. Just look at that roofline. Imagine what could’ve been.
Now, as we continue our descent into the glorious rabbit hole of underappreciated metal, prepare to be amazed by more machines that deserve far more recognition than they’ve ever received. These aren’t just vehicles; they’re conversation starters, expressions of engineering quirk, and in many cases, absolute bargains for the savvy collector who knows where to look. We’re talking about the distinct ownership experiences, the hidden capabilities, and the sheer character that these overlooked gems bring to the table, proving that true automotive passion isn’t always found on the auction block, but often in the forgotten corners of history.
7. **Alfa Romeo GTV6 (1981–1986)**Ah, Alfa Romeo. It’s a name that evokes a certain kind of passionate, often masochistic, devotion from car enthusiasts. And when it comes to the GTV6, you’re looking at a relationship that’s as rewarding as it is, shall we say, *temperamental*. The old joke goes, “Nothing runs quite like an Italian V6… for about 45 minutes.” But here’s the unvarnished truth: when that magnificent 2.5L Busso V6 does decide to sing, it produces a symphony that could make an opera singer weep with envy, easily making you forget any minor (or major) mechanical grievances. Its roughly 160 horsepower might not sound like much on paper, but through that raspy, intoxicating exhaust note and characteristic transaxle whine, it truly *feels* like 300.
Beyond the glorious soundtrack, the GTV6 offered a driving experience that was, in a word, sublime. Thanks to its unique de Dion tube rear suspension and the ingenious rear-mounted five-speed transaxle, this beauty achieved a near-perfect 49/51 front-to-rear weight balance. This wasn’t just some engineering parlor trick; it translated directly into incredibly communicative handling and a chassis that danced through corners with a grace that belied its angular, quintessential 1980s Italian chic. Penned by the masterful Giorgetto Giugiaro, its design remains a testament to timeless Italian artistry, striking a perfect balance between aggression and elegance. It truly is a work of automotive art that still flies remarkably under the radar for most collectors.
Despite its starring role (or at least, a significant cameo) in the James Bond classic *Octopussy*, where it famously raced Audi Quattros, the GTV6 hasn’t garnered the mainstream collector attention of some of its contemporaries. This oversight, however, is precisely what makes it such an intriguing proposition today. It’s a delightful headache worth enduring, a truly beautiful and frustrating relationship that, once you’ve experienced its highs, you just can’t quite let go of. For those who prioritize a truly analog, involving, and sonically spectacular driving experience over absolute reliability, the GTV6 stands ready to capture your heart and empty your wallet – but oh, what a glorious way to go!
Car Model Information: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Name: Alfa Romeo Alfetta
Caption: 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.0
Manufacturer: Alfa Romeo
Production: 1972–1987
Assembly: Arese,Rosslyn, Gauteng
BodyStyle: Sedan (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Related: Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116),Alfa Romeo Alfa 6,Alfa Romeo 90
Categories: 1980s cars, Alfa Romeo vehicles, Articles with short description, CS1 Dutch-language sources (nl), CS1 French-language sources (fr)
Summary: The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Type 116) is a front-engine, five-passenger saloon and fastback coupé manufactured and marketed by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1972 to 1987 with a total of over 400,000 units produced during its production run.
The Alfetta was noted for the rear position of its transaxle (clutch and transmission) and its De Dion tube rear suspension — an arrangement designed to optimize handling by balancing front/rear weight distribution, as well as maintaining a low polar moment of inertia and low center of gravity. The interior of Coupé models featured a then unusual central tachometer placement — by itself, directly in front of the driver.
The Alfetta name, which means “little Alfa” in Italian is derived from the nickname of the Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Tipo 159), a successful Formula One car which in its last iteration introduced in 1951, paired a transaxle layout to De Dion tube rear suspension — like its modern namesake.
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Brand: Alfa Romeo Model: GTV6
Price: $25,680 Mileage: 32,780 mi.
8. **Chevrolet Beretta GTZ (1990–1993)**Okay, now before you start laughing or scrolling away, hear us out. Yes, the Chevrolet Beretta. But specifically, the GTZ. This wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill rental car; this was GM having a fleeting moment of genuine, albeit unheralded, brilliance. Hidden beneath that body cladding and slightly awkward, yet undeniably 90s, proportions was a surprisingly capable performance coupe built not for racetracks, but for the everyday driver who wanted a little muscle-car attitude in their humble front-wheel-drive ride. Its secret weapon? The potent, high-strung, twin-cam, 16-valve 180-horsepower Quad 4 engine, mated with a truly crisp Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. That’s right, a manual!
Now, let’s be brutally honest: refinement wasn’t its strongest suit. And no, it certainly wasn’t going to win any beauty pageants. But what it *was* was loud, remarkably quick for its time (hitting 0-60 in the low 7s), and far more composed on a twisty road or even a track than its family-sedan origins would ever lead you to expect. Especially when optioned with the Z51 suspension package, this Beretta transformed from a mundane commuter into a genuine, if somewhat unpolished, driver’s car. It was a sleeper before sleepers were cool, a genuine unexpected joy for those who dared to look past the badge.
The Beretta GTZ was never a collector darling, either back then or now, which is precisely why it remains so easy to overlook. But for the discerning enthusiast, spotting a clean GTZ today is like unearthing a forgotten mixtape from 1992 and realizing it still absolutely slaps. It’s a testament to GM’s occasional flashes of brilliance, and a reminder that sometimes the most exciting cars are the ones that don’t scream for attention, but quietly deliver a surprising punch. If you’re looking for a slice of quirky 90s American performance that won’t break the bank and will definitely spark conversations, give the Beretta GTZ a serious look.
Car Model Information: 1988 Chevrolet Beretta Base
Name: Chevrolet Beretta
Caption: 1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Production: 1987–1996
ModelYears: 1987–1996
Class: Sport compact
BodyStyle: coupe
Transmission: Turbo-Hydramatic 125,automatic transmission
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Platform: GM L platform
Related: Chevrolet Corsica,Pontiac Tempest
Successor: Chevrolet Malibu,Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Predecessor: Chevrolet Citation,Chevrolet Celebrity
Wheelbase: 103.4 in
Abbr: on
Assembly: Wilmington, Delaware
Length: 187.2 in
Width: 68.2 in
Height: 55.3 in
Engine: ubl
Designer: Jerry Palmer
Categories: 1990s cars, All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles needing additional references from July 2013, Articles with short description
Summary: The Chevrolet Beretta is a coupé that was produced by Chevrolet from 1987 until 1996. Alongside the four-door Chevrolet Corsica, the Beretta served as the successor to the Chevrolet Citation. Slotted between the Cavalier and Lumina/Monte Carlo coupes, the Beretta was distinguished by its vertical door handles mounted on the B-pillar, a design feature later used by the Chevrolet Lumina coupe and its GM W-body counterparts.
The Beretta shared the front-wheel drive GM L platform with the Corsica; replacing the X-body platform, the L-body was designed by Chevrolet, with the rest of General Motors using the Oldsmobile-designed N-body. The body was designed in the same design studio as the contemporary Camaro and Corvette. For 1990, a Beretta convertible conversion was selected as the Indianapolis 500 pace car; though a replica was initially considered as a convertible, the production replica was offered as a coupe.
During its production, the Beretta was assembled alongside the Corsica and Pontiac Tempest sedans (the latter sold only in Canada) in GM facilities in Wilmington, Delaware, and Linden, New Jersey.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Beretta
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Beretta
Price: $8,877 Mileage: 13,996 mi.
9. **Lotus Excel (1982–1992)**Full disclosure here at *Guessing Headlights*: two of us on the team actually own Lotus cars, and even *we* had to do a double-take when this magnificent oddity came up. Before the minimalist, track-focused Elise redefined the very essence of the brand, Lotus was busy building grand tourers like the Excel. This was a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe, directly based on the earlier Eclat, and it looked every bit the iconic 80s wedge, a true embodiment of the era’s angular design philosophy. And by most accounts from those who’ve been lucky enough to pilot one, it drove with the precision of a scalpel, living up to the Lotus ethos of “add lightness.”
Powering this British enigma was Lotus’s own 2.2L twin-cam engine, pushing out around 160 horsepower. Crucially, for a car wearing the Lotus badge, it weighed in at a remarkably svelte 2,600 pounds. This combination meant that while it wasn’t a drag-strip monster, it possessed an inherent agility and responsiveness that made it truly engaging on winding roads. The Excel is rare, gloriously weird, and undeniably British, embracing all the best – and sometimes, the worst – aspects of its heritage. Yes, build quality could be questionable at best, because, well, it’s a Lotus. But the handling? Reputedly brilliant, delivering that pure, unadulterated road feel the brand is celebrated for.
Parts availability for the Excel? Let’s just say you’ll be spending a fair bit of time delving into obscure forums and making friends with niche specialists. This isn’t a car for the faint of heart, or for those who demand dealership-level convenience. However, for those who truly appreciate analog joy in an increasingly digital and homogenized automotive world, the Excel offers something many modern cars simply cannot: raw, unfiltered personality. If your idea of fun involves a car that dances through corners with surgical finesse rather than bulldozing them with brute force, the Lotus Excel remains a masterclass in driving purity and an utterly overlooked gem.
10. **Subaru SVX (1992–1997)**You remember the windows, don’t you? That utterly bizarre, double-pane “aircraft-style” design that looked like it had escaped directly from a concept car’s most audacious fever dream. But here’s the thing about the Subaru SVX: it was far, far more than just a styling stunt. With its potent 3.3L flat-six engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the SVX represented Subaru’s first serious, albeit ultimately flawed, attempt to break into the luxury grand touring segment. This wasn’t just another quirky Subaru; this was a statement, a bold leap into uncharted, premium territory for a brand known primarily for rally grit and utilitarian ruggedness.
The design, penned by none other than the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro himself, gave the SVX a genuinely futuristic flair that still looks surprisingly fresh today. Its ride was remarkably composed, making highway cruising an effortless and supremely comfortable affair. The 230-horsepower flat-six engine was smooth, remarkably torquey, and delivered power with a quiet confidence that belied its somewhat unconventional layout. However, the SVX wasn’t without its Achilles’ heel. It was saddled with a mandatory 4-speed automatic transmission – a known weak link that frequently struggled to cope with the flat-six’s ample output and, sadly, suffered from premature failures. This single flaw arguably hampered its commercial success and long-term reputation.
Despite that significant transmission hurdle, the SVX remains one of the most intriguing “what-ifs” in Subaru’s rich history. It was a bold, ambitious moonshot toward premium territory that Subaru never quite fully followed through on, which, in hindsight, feels very on-brand for the idiosyncratic Japanese marque. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and finding a well-preserved example today that hasn’t been beaten down by time or transmission issues is becoming increasingly difficult. But for the collector who appreciates daring design, a unique powertrain, and a car that dared to be different, the SVX offers a distinctive ownership experience and a fascinating piece of automotive experimentation.
11. **Alfa Romeo Spider (Series 2 “Coda Tronca” / Kamm Tail, 1970-1982)**Everyone, and we mean *everyone*, fawns over the Alfa Romeo “Duetto” (Series 1) Spider – that incredibly graceful boat-tail beauty immortalized forever in *The Graduate*. And for good reason, because let’s be honest, it is drop-dead gorgeous. But while those early models have soared into the stratospheric realm of “unobtainium” for most mere mortals, their successors – the Series 2, affectionately (or sometimes disdainfully) known as the “Coda Tronca” or “Kamm tail” – are often unfairly dismissed as the ugly ducklings of the family. And this, my friends, is exactly where the savvy car people, the true connoisseurs of overlooked potential, see a massive opportunity.
While some purists might still turn up their noses at its chopped-off rear, the Coda Tronca arguably offers a far more usable and approachable classic driving experience. It faithfully retained Alfa’s legendary twin-cam inline-four engine, typically ranging from 1.3L to 2.0L (with later U.S. models producing a sprightly 110–130 hp), paired with a gloriously precise five-speed manual transmission. Its road manners are so exquisite, so direct, that they make many modern cars feel utterly sedated by comparison. That rev-happy engine delivers a truly raspy, operatic wail that, as you row through the gears on a sunny backroad, literally raises the hairs on your arms. It’s an intoxicating, visceral experience.
Sure, like many Italian classics of its era, these Spiders have a well-earned reputation for rusting like forgotten garden tools, and their electrical systems can certainly possess a delightful “personality” all their own. However, unlike the delicate, museum-piece Series 1, you can actually find a solid, drivable Series 2 for surprisingly reasonable money. This isn’t just some pretty showpiece; this is a genuine Italian roadster you can afford to own, drive hard, and even wrench on yourself without feeling like you’re trying to restore a priceless artifact. It’s the accessible dream, the everyday classic that connects you directly to the joy of driving, making it a truly regret-proof addition to any collection that values character and driving purity above all else.
Why the Quirky Underdogs Matter
Forget the usual suspects dominating auction headlines and Instagram feeds, the Ferraris and the hyper-exotics that everyone knows. These are the cars that truly ignite passion: the ones that get waves at stoplights, spark genuine conversations at gas pumps, and draw curious, admiring crowds at local shows. They make people pause, squint, smile, and then utter, with a nostalgic sigh, “Wow, I haven’t seen one of those in years!”
The very best car isn’t always the one with the fastest 0-60 time, the most prestigious badge, or the highest price tag. It’s the one that still makes you turn around and steal one last glance after you’ve parked it. It’s the unique, the unconventional, the surprisingly brilliant machine that you discovered, appreciated, and cherished long before everyone else caught on. These overlooked gems offer a driving experience and an ownership story that goes far beyond mere statistics, etching themselves into your automotive soul in ways that a million-dollar supercar rarely can. They are, in essence, the pure, unadulterated joy of the open road, waiting for you to find them. Don’t miss out. Buy what you love, and drive it like you stole it.”
Car Model Information: 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium
Name: Alfa Romeo Spider
Caption: Alfa Romeo Spider Series 2 (“Coda Tronca”)
Aka: Alfa Romeo “Duetto”
Manufacturer: Alfa Romeo
Assembly: Grugliasco,Turin
Production: 1966–1993
ModelYears: 1966–1994
Class: Sports car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
BodyStyle: Roadster (automobile)
Related: Alfa Romeo Giulia,Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés
Designer: Aldo Brovarone
Predecessor: Alfa Romeo Giulietta (750/101)
Successor: Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider
Sp: uk
Categories: 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, Alfa Romeo vehicles, All articles needing additional references
Summary: The Alfa Romeo Spider (105/115 series) is a two-seater, front-engined, rear-drive roadster manufactured and marketed by Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1994 in four distinct generations, or “series”, each with modifications ranging from modest to extensive.
As successor to the Giulia Spider, the Spider remained in production for almost three decades. The first three series were assembled by Pininfarina in Grugliasco and the fourth series in San Giorgio Canavese. The last Spider of that series was manufactured in April 1993—the last rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo before the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione of 2007.
In 2012, FCA Italy and Mazda studied the possibility of jointly developing a new Spider for 2015 based on the Mazda MX-5 platform. Ultimately, FCA and Mazda chose to manufacture a modern interpretation of the Fiat 124 Sport Spider rather than reviving the Alfa Romeo Spider.
Get more information about: Alfa Romeo Spider
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Brand: Alfa Romeo Model: Spider
Price: $25,680 Mileage: 32,780 mi.
