European sports cars are often associated with well-known names like Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin, but there’s a whole world of lesser-known gems that deserve just as much attention. These under-the-radar models offer unique designs, thrilling performance, and a rich automotive heritage. Whether they were built in small numbers, overshadowed by bigger brands, or simply ahead of their time, these cars have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Here, we take a look at some iconic European sports cars you’ve probably never heard of, but that are definitely worth knowing.
TVR Griffith (UK)
The TVR Griffith is a raw, adrenaline-pumping sports car, often overlooked despite its impressive pedigree. Produced in the 1990s, it features a lightweight fiberglass body and a powerful V8 engine sourced from Rover. The minimalist approach to design made the Griffith lighter and more agile than many of its contemporaries. Its lack of electronic driver aids offers a purer driving experience, but it demands skill behind the wheel. With a timeless design and roaring engine note, it’s a gem that remains underappreciated.
Lancia Stratos (Italy)
The Lancia Stratos was designed with rally racing in mind and went on to dominate the World Rally Championship in the 1970s. This mid-engine sports car is powered by a Ferrari Dino V6 engine, delivering both speed and performance. Its wedge-shaped body and short wheelbase allowed for exceptional handling, particularly on tight, winding roads. Despite its motorsport success, it remains relatively unknown outside enthusiast circles. The Stratos’ iconic rally heritage has cemented it as a legend among connoisseurs.
Ginetta G40 (UK)
Handcrafted in Britain, the Ginetta G40 is a sports car that prioritizes driving feel and racing heritage over mainstream appeal. Designed primarily for track use, it features a featherweight chassis and a high-revving engine that makes it incredibly nimble. Its stripped-down interior and minimal electronics put the driver at the center of the action. Despite its performance pedigree, it flies under the radar compared to bigger brands. Ginetta has produced some of the most thrilling yet underrated cars, and the G40 is no exception.
Bitter CD (Germany)
The Bitter CD is a luxury grand tourer that blends Italian styling with German engineering, yet remains relatively unknown. Powered by an Opel-sourced V8 engine, it offers smooth and effortless cruising. Its design was penned by Italian designer Pietro Frua, giving it a sleek and stylish profile. Despite its luxurious interior and comfortable ride, the Bitter CD never gained the recognition of its Italian or German competitors. Today, it’s a rare sight, cherished by collectors for its unique blend of style and power.
Cizeta-Moroder V16T (Italy)
A true oddity in the world of supercars, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T features a distinctive transverse-mounted V16 engine. Designed by ex-Lamborghini engineers, this car was meant to be a high-performance beast with Italian flair. Its wide, low-slung body and wedge-shaped profile make it a head-turner, yet few know of its existence. The Cizeta’s complexity and high cost limited production, but it remains an icon among enthusiasts who appreciate rarity and innovation. Its unconventional engine layout still intrigues automotive historians today.
Matra Murena (France)
The Matra Murena was an innovative sports car from France, known for its lightweight design and mid-engine configuration. It was one of the first cars to feature a fully galvanized steel chassis, which made it resistant to rust. The Murena had impressive handling dynamics thanks to its mid-engine layout, and it offered a comfortable ride for longer journeys. Unfortunately, poor marketing and stiff competition overshadowed its technical advancements. Today, the Murena is a hidden gem, prized for its uniqueness and engineering foresight.
Monica 560 (France)
An ambitious project from France, the Monica 560 was a luxury sports sedan designed to compete with European giants like Mercedes and Jaguar. Powered by a Chrysler V8 engine, it was intended to offer the best of both luxury and performance. Despite its plush leather interior and powerful engine, the car was a commercial failure due to the 1970s oil crisis and limited production numbers. Only a few dozen were built before the company folded. Its rarity makes it a collector’s dream, though few have heard of it.
Autobianchi A112 Abarth (Italy)
The Autobianchi A112 Abarth was a tiny hatchback with a massive spirit. Tuned by Abarth, the performance division of Fiat, it packed a punch for its size, with nimble handling and a rev-happy engine. Its compact dimensions and light weight made it a favorite among rally drivers in the 1970s and 80s. Despite its motorsport success, it remains relatively unknown outside of Italy. The A112 Abarth’s cult following continues to grow, making it a must-have for classic car enthusiasts.
Alpine A310 (France)
The Alpine A310 was Renault’s attempt to follow up the success of the legendary A110, offering more power and comfort. Powered by a V6 engine, the A310 was designed to be a sports car that could also serve as a grand tourer. With its sharp lines and futuristic look, it was ahead of its time in design. However, it never quite reached the fame of its predecessor, the A110, and remained overshadowed. Nonetheless, the A310’s unique style and performance make it a hidden treasure.
Gordon-Keeble GK1 (UK)
The Gordon-Keeble GK1 is a British grand tourer that combined a fiberglass body with American muscle, thanks to its Chevrolet V8 engine. Produced in the 1960s, it featured a luxurious interior with leather seats and walnut trim, making it an elegant yet powerful cruiser. Despite its performance and beauty, only 99 cars were ever made, making it a rare find. Its limited production and lack of marketing meant it never achieved mainstream success. Collectors, however, value the GK1 for its unique combination of power and luxury.
Monteverdi High Speed 375 (Switzerland)
The Monteverdi High Speed 375 is a Swiss-built grand tourer that combined sleek Italian design with American power. Featuring a Chrysler V8 engine, it was designed for long-distance cruising with a focus on comfort and style. Its understated appearance hides the fact that it can reach impressive speeds, but it never gained the recognition it deserved. Built in small numbers, the High Speed 375 remains a rare and desirable piece of automotive history. Its blend of elegance and power makes it an unsung hero among classic European sports cars.
Saab Sonett III (Sweden)
The Saab Sonett III was a quirky Swedish sports car that combined a lightweight body with front-wheel drive, unusual for sports cars of its era. Powered by a small V4 engine, it wasn’t the fastest car, but its handling was superb thanks to its light weight and nimble design. The Sonett III’s distinctive styling, including its pop-up headlights, set it apart visually from other cars of the time. Despite its uniqueness, it was never a commercial success outside of Sweden. Today, it’s a rare sight and a favorite among Saab enthusiasts.
Iso Grifo (Italy)
The Iso Grifo was an Italian grand tourer that combined stunning design by Bertone with American V8 power from Chevrolet. Known for its aggressive lines and luxurious interior, the Grifo was a serious competitor in the world of exotic cars in the 1960s. However, it was overshadowed by more famous Italian marques like Ferrari and Lamborghini. The Grifo’s blend of beauty and brawn still makes it a highly desirable collector’s item today. Despite this, it remains one of Italy’s lesser-known automotive icons.
Jensen-Healey (UK)
The Jensen-Healey was a British roadster that aimed to combine luxury with performance, featuring a Lotus engine and sleek styling. It was intended to compete with other sports cars like the Triumph TR6 and the MGB, but suffered from reliability issues in its early production runs. Its handling and power made it a fun car to drive, but it never caught on in the mainstream market. The Jensen-Healey is now appreciated by collectors for its rarity and its place in British motoring history. Despite its troubled past, it remains an enjoyable roadster for those in the know.
De Tomaso Mangusta (Italy)
The De Tomaso Mangusta is a rare Italian supercar that offered a striking design and a mid-engine layout, powered by a Ford V8. With gull-wing doors and a razor-sharp profile, it was a visual stunner, though its performance could be tricky due to a rear-heavy balance. Produced in small numbers, the Mangusta never became a household name, yet it holds a special place among collectors. The car’s blend of Italian style and American muscle made it a unique entry in the sports car world. Today, its scarcity and aesthetics make it highly sought after.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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