Hooniverse Asks- What's History's Most Practical Sports Car?

Robert Emslie

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Morgan 3Wheeler

Practicality and fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, I’ve always harbored the opinion that one of the reasons that Ford’s Mustang at times outsold the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird combined, and outlived both as a continuing model, was because its roomier cabin and trunk. That, as well as wider range of available engines increased its appear across a broader audience. You’ll note that the current retro-mod Camaro channels the earlier, smaller and more up-right cars and not the sleek but lugubrious later models.

When it comes to sports cars, especially those for the extremely well to do, practicality is usually the first attribute to be omitted in the pursuit of sex appeal and performance. You might have at some time or another seen a Lamborghini Countach owner attempt to back his car up, and act that frequently involves popping the door open and sitting on the sill like a catamaran captain. Sure it gets the job done, but practical? Ask him when it’s raining cats and dogs.

I happen to like practicality in all my cars, even the sporty ones. I appreciate the fact that the 240Z has a huge hatch and a commodious load area behind the seats, a feature that its contemporary, the Opel GT, couldn’t offer. It also provides this practicality without loss of its sportiness or capability, a pretty cool feat. That’s just one example of a sports car that didn’t ignore function over form, but what about the utmost in that pairing? What do you think has been history’s most practical sports car?

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Robert Emslie

Robert Emslie

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92 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What's History's Most Practical Sports Car?”

  1. pj134 Avatar
    pj134

    <img src="http://www.egarage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/CTSV-wagon-Canepa.jpg&quot; width=500>
    We're not worried about fuel, right?

    Reply
    1. scponder Avatar
      scponder

      Love. This. Car. Make mine a manual please.

      Reply
  2. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    It's like an Accord, even at Autobahn speeds:
    <img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT-Lh_RQEGRJWLWh5csXdN1j28gk9NpbnLqQfKCTiSDqTU-GkwI6w&quot; width=550>

    Reply
    1. joshwebster84 Avatar
      joshwebster84

      Ding ding ding!

      Reply
  3. Kamil_K Avatar
    Kamil_K

    I got several:
    – BMW M3 – room for four, trunk, folding rear seat for skis, bike, etc.
    – Porsche Boxster/Cayman – two trunks and you can add a roof rack on the Cayman or a hardtop-equipped Boxster.
    – Pick a hothatch, I'm partial to the Integra as I had six people in it once, can fit skis, two bikes, etc.

    Reply
  4. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    <img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6066/6070662413_c5cb34b6b4_o.jpg&quot; width=500 /img>
    Although, if Mazda could ever take all they learned from the reliable, economical (but small) MX-5 and the roomy enough (but thirsty and finicky) RX-8, they'd rule the world (by which I mean my wallet).

    Reply
    1. erikgrad Avatar
      erikgrad

      To add to your suggestion, I'm suggesting the V70R – it had a great blend of power, MPG, and decent reliability.
      Handling? I dunno about that one… but still a sports car in my mind.
      <img src="http://www.volvo-cars.co.jp/photo-car/0022-2.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. curlypaul924 Avatar
        curlypaul924

        Great car. Not sure it counts as a sports car. The AWD system prefers the front wheels, iirc.

        Reply
        1. plecostomus Avatar
          plecostomus

          It is a 95/5 split.
          related: is it a family wagon? or a sportkombi?
          [youtube 158eggdKNBI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=158eggdKNBI youtube]
          It is fast, handles well enough to be considered sporty, seats seven, has a roof rack, all three rows of seating can fold flat, so you can carry a longboard INSIDE the car using the front pass seat folded down…
          and yes, that is my V70R in the video.
          yes. i shot it myself. yes. it is terrible. do i care? no. i enjoy the hell out of my car regardless of what anyone else thinks.

          Reply
          1. curlypaul924 Avatar
            curlypaul924

            It's a sportwagon. I loved mine, until this happened:
            http://www.importandvintage.com/hallofshame2
            I was never convinced that the extra weight of the AWD on the R model was worth it. My 850 turbo had a tighter turning radius and seemed to handle better in general.

      2. Jay_Ramey Avatar
        Jay_Ramey

        Only if combined with truck tires, otherwise you're gonna need a chiropractor after every trip in that car.

        Reply
    2. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      Well, that's the jackpot then. Let me add something relevant to please the eye:
      <img src="http://gaycarboys.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/1972-1973-volvo-p-1800-es-06.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
      1. Maymar Avatar
        Maymar

        Honestly, the P1800/1800ES is actually a pretty great answer. Perhaps a little bit staid Swede in sexy clothes, but it's undeniably practical. Plus, worthy of inclusion on most topics around here, just for the hell of it.

        Reply
        1. Sjalabais Avatar
          Sjalabais

          Reposting Volvo propaganda on the Hooniverse is my new purpose in live. That said, I totally agree that the "sports-" in sportscar covers the P1800 only in a liberal way.
          http://m.youtube.com/watch?client=mv-google&g…

          Reply
    3. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
      BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

      Basic idea pushed closer to the limit
      <img src="http://volvoforums.com/forum/members/somthngfrce-18563-albums-volvo-vox-@sema-52-picture-a-340.jpg&quot; >

      Reply
    4. M44Power Avatar
      M44Power

      All Mazda needed to do to fix the RX-8 was add the engine from the Mazdaspeed 3. I'll admit that the one I drove (my first rotary experience) was smooth, but that chassis deserved better.

      Reply
      1. CABEZAGRANDE Avatar
        CABEZAGRANDE

        I completely agree. If the RX-8 had offered the DISI MZR in place of the rotary, there would be one in my driveway right now. It really is the best daily driver chassis I can imagine, but the Renesis is just so dissapointing. Now that the LS swap is getting more common for the 8, I think this may be happening in my near future. A brilliantly handling RWD chassis with plenty of space for 4 real adults, but now with torque, engine reliability, cheap maintenance, and 30 mpg highway? Sign me up!

        Reply
        1. MJMCG Avatar
          MJMCG

          I know. It is sickening that they let purity stand in the way. They could have wiped BMW 3 coupe sales into the ditch with that.
          We would def have one too. As it is, we have a car you can't shut off when warm if yo are just popping into the shops…

          Reply
        2. Maymar Avatar
          Maymar

          I'm admittedly sort of on the fence – I've driven enough of them at low speeds that I want to spend much more time with it, and the rotary's part of it. And as an added bonus, it's certainly helped grenade resale values of the things. Really, with the packaging and weight, no piston engine would maintain the same balance (no doubt the LS1 would come close enough, but not quite), and it's a vital part of the RX8's character.
          But, I'm also in a place where I can't have a car that gets 18mpg, and could randomly be out of commission for a couple days. If I change jobs, sure, but not right now. That's where the Miata comes in, at least for a year or two until I have kids and need a back seat.

          Reply
    5. ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
      ˏ♂ˊ mzs zsm msz esq

      I am happy, thanks you're right, the lot of you! Rover SD1 3500 ties with Volvo's BMW fighter 960 too.

      Reply
  5. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    I'm seeing a theme but the RS2 has quattro.
    <img src="http://cdn.carthrottle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/carsourcing.com_.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. SSurfer321 Avatar
      SSurfer321

      because Lambo V10 in a station wagon
      <img src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/photo_gallery/9246362+w623+h388+cr1+ar0/112_0801_01l%2B2009_audi_RS6_avant%2Brear_view.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        An actual Lambo V10 vs Porsche tuned Audi 5… I can see your point.

        Reply
      2. scponder Avatar
        scponder

        Yes this one too. I still have the episode where Hammond lashed this model up a mountain saved on my tivo for when my blood pressure gets low.

        Reply
  6. Bryce Womeldurf Avatar
    Bryce Womeldurf

    <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-tesla-model-s-fd.jpg"&gt;
    It's a gamble, given that it takes at least an hour to recharge, but lots of storage space and possibly better dynamics than something carrying an internal combustion engine.

    Reply
    1. JayP2112 Avatar
      JayP2112

      The Model S is getting more of my attention.
      20 minute supercharger recharge or a 90 second battery change out.

      Reply
      1. Bryce Womeldurf Avatar
        Bryce Womeldurf

        Has recharge time gotten down that low? I guess it's more practical than I thought, given that the owner can afford it.

        Reply
        1. JayP2112 Avatar
          JayP2112

          Only at the Tesla supercharger stations. Pretty cool stuff.

          Reply
          1. Maxichamp Avatar
            Maxichamp

            I've had a Tesla Roadster for a week (am returning it today). I have something to say about all this, from a practicality point of view. Maybe I'll make a post out of it.

          2. Bryce Womeldurf Avatar
            Bryce Womeldurf

            I'd be interested in reading that.

          3. Maxichamp Avatar
            Maxichamp

            I'll be tweeting today at @TamerlaneBlog. I have 152 miles of range left. I have to drive 100 miles with headlights, wiper, defrost, and radio on in a few hours. My blood pressure is already rising.

          4. MVEilenstein Avatar
            MVEilenstein

            Do tell.

        2. Maxichamp Avatar
          Maxichamp

          I think it's 20 minutes to recharge it 50%.

          Reply
          1. JayP2112 Avatar
            JayP2112

            I can't remember where that 20 minutes came from but Tesla's site says 200 mile range on 30 minutes of charge.

  7. Vavon Avatar
    Vavon

    <img src="http://photos.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_1103/car_photo_551923_25.jpg&quot; width="660/">
    Goes rallying in the weekend and does the shopping during the week.

    Reply
    1. Kamil_K Avatar
      Kamil_K

      The steelies totally make it.

      Reply
    2. Jay_Ramey Avatar
      Jay_Ramey

      THANK you!
      And those steelies rock bigtime

      Reply
      1. Vavon Avatar
        Vavon

        The video is in French, but you can listen to the engine…
        [youtube vpRkSn2IdTw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpRkSn2IdTw youtube]

        Reply
    3. quijoteMike Avatar
      quijoteMike

      It does have to be the French one. Compared to UK on different engine, suspension pick up points and a whole lot more.

      Reply
      1. Vavon Avatar
        Vavon

        Yes indeed, it needs to be the 1.3 with 2 double barrel Webers!!!

        Reply
  8. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    Being liberal with the term "car"…
    <img src="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/1991-GMC-Syclone-14.jpg&quot; width="600">
    <img src="http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/501/medium/2003_Ford_Lightning.jpg&quot; width="600">
    <img src="http://www.bjmotors.biz/images/inventory/2005BlkViperTruckSRT_7905/large_01.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      I would have to say the Typhoon might be more practical than the Syclone.
      <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/typhoon1_opt.jpg"width=500&gt;

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        I didn't add the Typhoon since I couldn't haul a refrigerator in it.
        Not that the Syclone payload is anything special.

        Reply
      2. OA5599 Avatar
        OA5599

        It's also more of a compromise, being a couple hundred pounds heavier. The Syclone is definitely a better hoon, despite not having that word in its name.
        Besides, a true sports car doesn't have a full back seat.

        Reply
    2. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
      BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

      Closer to subject and practical depends on the needs.
      <img src="http://www.thetorquereport.com/2010_g8_sport_truck2.jpg&quot; width="600">

      Reply
      1. sporty88au Avatar
        sporty88au

        Interestingly, in their homeland they are often called the "blue collar sports car".

        Reply
  9. Modeleccentric Avatar
    Modeleccentric

    Speaking from Experience, I'd have to nominate the '85 Corolla GT-S and the Celica Supra of the same vintage. I used the GT-S as a courier vehicle- it never failed to start and always delivered the goods, while the Supra is my current Asian stalwart.
    From getting groceries to grabbing bags of soil and material from the gardening and home improvement store,then handling the twisties on 49, 1 and sundry other lovely roads, those two are the most practical in my book ( Even if the Supra is more properly a GT).

    Reply
  10. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    Miata is too easy, probably the all time, grand slam sports car. So, I'd also consider the Austin Mini, the 240Z, the first gen RX7, and the Datsun, 510 wagon. For starters.
    For our purposes here, it might be helpful to restrict the definition of a sports car to the classic characteristics: small, sporty, two seat, convertible. Otherwise, the Porsche Cayenne might win.

    Reply
    1. bhtooefr Avatar
      bhtooefr

      If we're restricting to a 2-seat convertible, the Coxster wins every time. (Or the 914 if you prefer old-school.)
      I mean, the Miata's cheapness and reliability makes it quite practical, but… the Coxster has more cargo room.

      Reply
      1. Van_Sarockin Avatar
        Van_Sarockin

        Well, if we don't have some bounds on 'sports car', then we're just talking about 'cars I like'. Boxster and 914 are great entries. But, at root, there's a real conflict between the concept of 'sports car' and 'practical'. Sprots cars are essentially impractical and frivolous.

        Reply
        1. Maymar Avatar
          Maymar

          To be fair, practical's relative. 99% of the time, I haul around nothing more than a couple days worth of groceries (for two), or a week's laundry and a couple backpacks. There are few cars that won't fit into. Sure, I took full advantage of driving a hatchback last time I moved, but two seats and a bit of trunk space isn't entirely impractical for my meagre needs.

          Reply
    2. name_too_long Avatar
      name_too_long

      As someone who drives a Miata, I can assure you that practicality is not one of its strong points.
      I can either carry a passenger or my laptop bag; doing both requires a special type of small, highly understanding, passenger.

      Reply
      1. bhtooefr Avatar
        bhtooefr

        Oh, come on, it's not that bad. The trunk isn't *THAT* small, and even if it's full, you've got the parcel shelf (and with a sufficiently thin laptop bag, that option might even work if you're putting the top down).
        I've brought most of my retrocomputers (I have a sizable collection) with me on a roadtrip in a Miata, complete with everything for about half a week. For that, I ended up using every trick up my sleeve except for the trunk rack – trunk was full of equipment (including some stashed between the bulkhead and spare tire), luggage was on the parcel shelf, and more equipment was in the main cabin where the passenger seat was.

        Reply
  11. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar
    BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ

    Golf Mk1 GTi this was where sport and practical all started
    <img src="http://www.16v.net/wallpaper/golf_1_7.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  12. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Corvette's had an optional towing package until at least the early 1980s.
    <img src="http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy280/AndyT_2009/VettepullingBoat.jpg"width=500&gt;

    Reply
    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      I'd also mention the C5 Corvette – plenty of space for two, 702L of cargo space, reliable, and fairly easy 30mpg on the highway (even the EPA numbers aren't far removed from contemporary V6 sedans.

      Reply
      1. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        From the C4 on up the Corvette has been fairly practical for a sports car. The C2s and C3s with no exterior luggage access were sort of a pain though. The cargo space on my 77 Vette is pretty limited. If you did get the optional exterior luggage rack, it covered the fuel door.

        Reply
        1. Maymar Avatar
          Maymar

          Oh, definitely – I just threw out the C5 as it was the Corvette's pinnacle of fuel economy and cargo space. I was playing around with an '80 that got traded in to a dealer I represent, and I don't exceptionally mind accessing the cargo hold through the passenger compartment (it's no worse than tossing stuff in the back seat of my two-door compact), especially since the seatback folds so flat.

          Reply
  13. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    <img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRErzNYUjjP77MWNiyPqSiBysDX90Wo1TqgHxAbRVabcpAq_uMR"&gt;

    Reply
  14. scroggzilla Avatar
    scroggzilla

    Here's a couple of contenders…
    <img src="http://flameroad.com/pics/Datsun/fa/b2/6604_Datsun-240-Z_1.jpg"&gt;
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/4179096644_94b7cae63b.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  15. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
    Dean Bigglesworth

    Cayman, Corvette, Boxster, 240Z, clownshoe, RX-8, RX-7, Miata and NSX are sports cars. The rest are just sporty versions of family cars.
    Still, I'd say it's the 911. It has a reasonable boot and a backseat you can use for storage or short trips with four people or taking the kds to school. For me it would more practical than the Cayman or the Corvette. And also the RX-8 because I can't reach the dipstick to check the oil on them.
    <img src="http://boman993.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cruise3-3.jpg"width="600"</img&gt;
    image from <a href="http://boman993.com/” target=”_blank”>http://boman993.com/

    Reply
    1. TurboBrick Avatar
      TurboBrick

      Why yes, it's so good for taking the kids to the school that they made an advertisement out of it:
      [youtube 9oFZS-sEa0Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFZS-sEa0Q youtube]
      I take my child to school with my antique-plate-eligible Volvo. The curbside helpers couldn't figure out at first how to open the doors at first, since every new car has pull handles instead of the old timey squeeze handles.

      Reply
      1. Dean Bigglesworth Avatar
        Dean Bigglesworth

        Hah, the inside door handles on the 740 are fun too. Everyone who hasn't been in one before takes a while to figure out how to open the doors from the inside..

        Reply
        1. TurboBrick Avatar
          TurboBrick

          Or the front seat belts that have only like 10 cm of slack on the top and you have to reel them from the bottom. That one gets people tugging on the belts like the retractor is jammed and fooled me to the point where I tore the interior apart trying to figure out why it's stuck. I'm planning on upgrading my front seats to the more comfortable 960 style while retaining the old style belts and gigantic seat controls just for WTF factor.
          I think there was some kind of an European award issued for the most incomprehensible door handle design in the 80's. The completely hidden pull-up handle ala Alfa 75 or Renault 25 is my favorite.

          Reply
  16. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    <img src="http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/simontibbett/DSC_0054.jpg&quot; width="500">
    1991-94 Sentra SE-R. Never the fastest thing on the road, but pretty damn zippy for the time and more importantly, legitimately sporty handling, shifting, etc. An unholy blast in tight twisties. Also managed to be reasonably comfortable for four full-sized humans. Affordable to buy, maintain, and fuel, plus reliable as a hammer.

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      This got downvoted? Really?

      Reply
      1. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        It was at the time advertised as the spiritual successor to the 2002tii. It's also one of the better-styled Sentras.

        Reply
  17. James Avatar
    James

    Sports cars with hatchbacks….
    -MkIII/MKIV Supra: 2 vestigal rear seats that fold flat, liftgate
    -Acura RSX Type-S: banzai K20, 6-speed rifle bolt shifter, you can move your whole apartment in it
    -Acura Integra Type-R: see above
    -Nissan 240SX S13 hatchback: same
    etc etc!

    Reply
  18. MVEilenstein Avatar
    MVEilenstein

    In terms of practicality and versatility, it's really hard to argue against a minivan, especially an Odyssey.
    <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Honda_Odyssey_2007.jpg&quot; width=600>
    Between the jillion cupholders, storage bins, removable seats, flat loading floor, big sliding doors, and excellent driving position, it's almost the perfect car.
    No, it's not flashy or fast, but for a truly useful car, this is one of the best.

    Reply
    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      My wife will be pleased to know that her beast of burden has been upgraded to sportscar status.

      Reply
    2. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Let me guess: you live in Lineland, and therefore cannot grasp the concept of a curve.

      Reply
    3. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      I would agree, so long as it's an Odyssey Touring, or one of the new Sienna SEs, with the big wheels and Altezza LED taillights.

      Reply
    4. Devin Avatar
      Devin

      This was the closest a minivan got to being a sports car:
      <img src="http://www.motorstown.com/images/renault-espace-f1-03.jpg&quot; width="500">
      But it wasn't built in numbers, alas.

      Reply
      1. pj134 Avatar
        pj134

        <img src="http://www.turbovan.net/byronburn.jpg&quot; width=500>
        The turbo Caravan finds your lack of faith disturbing.

        Reply
      2. MVEilenstein Avatar
        MVEilenstein

        Shame, that.

        Reply
      3. Maymar Avatar
        Maymar

        <img src="http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/1413/ms5a.jpg&quot; width=500 /img>
        If only enough nutters would see the light for Mazda to make a business case for this one.

        Reply
  19. Steve Scarpato Avatar
    Steve Scarpato

    Being the proud owner of a Mini Clubman, i would nominate it wholeheartedly.<img src="IMAGE URL" width="600">

    Reply
  20. wisc47 Avatar
    wisc47

    Anything on the more exciting end of Subaru's lineup.
    <img src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2011/10/08/00/39/2011_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti_hatchback-pic-292652650327762354.jpeg&quot; width="600">
    <img src="http://www.part-box.com/images/p1.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  21. name_too_long Avatar
    name_too_long

    I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the WRX wagon.

    Reply
  22. Tomsk Avatar
    Tomsk

    Room for two people and a large, hatchback-accessed trunk. Stellar fuel economy. Stellar reliability. Simple. Lightweight. Easy to park. And fantastic (at least by front-drive standards) handling.
    The defense rests, Your Honor…
    <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyWYGMs074o/Tqp0vV7gjrI/AAAAAAAACg4/3ZC8y7z_56E/s1600/0506_01z%252B1990_honda_crx_si%252Brear_side_view.jpg&quot; />

    Reply
    1. jaseman Avatar
      jaseman

      ^^^^
      Winner, right there. Spent 6 years with an 88 Si as a daily driver.
      Sporty? Yep! Even stock, it could buzz up and down canyon roads with the best sport bikes out there. Deep Recaro buckets kept you and your passenger firmly locked in place, even under the highest of G-loads. And that little d18 just loved to sing in the upper stratosphere of the RPMs, while you worked that wonderful 5 speed.
      Practical? Check! Small enough to zip through traffic like a scooter through downtown during rush hour. The hatchback could easily hold a weeks worth of groceries, enough luggage for two to get lost for a month, or a 42" CRT TV you found on Craigslist for your bachelor pad. 30+ MPG (even driven hard) and Honda reliability were icing on the cake.
      A true hoon could do a lot worse for a DD, that's for sure.

      Reply
  23. jeepjeff Avatar
    jeepjeff

    “The Jeep is America's only real sports car.” – Enzo Ferrari
    <img src="http://www.aemintakes.com/images/press/teamatk2.jpg&quot; width=500>
    It's not practical compared to most SUVs, but it's pretty practical when compared to a Ferrari. Also, goes over speed bumps more gracefully.

    Reply
    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      To be fair, the TJ and KJ Unlimiteds are practical enough (my wife was asking me if I'd want one as our future kiddie hauler in light of having to get rid of my long neglected project YJ – if it wasn't for the fuel economy, I'd definitely be pushing for it).

      Reply
  24. quijoteMike Avatar
    quijoteMike

    If we are puting said car in its historical context, its this
    <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3401/5700440949_c6303a1a86_z.jpg&quot; width="600">
    A Meadowes engine Frazer Nash. Up to town for a show, get the groceries, then take the lights and wings off and win at Prescott.

    Reply
  25. vaujot Avatar
    vaujot

    Porsche 944.

    Reply
    1. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
      Rust-MyEnemy

      Probably not far wrong, here.

      Reply
  26. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
    Rust-MyEnemy

    <img src="http://www.nexus6.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Ford_Sierra_RS_Cosworth_2.jpg&quot; width=450>
    Sierra Cosworth is the official "I grew up in Essex" answer.

    Reply
  27. Rover1 Avatar
    Rover1

    <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bk_cLBF1ZJ4/TaMlUqzf_7I/AAAAAAAAAWc/Xct056K15Yw/s1600/IMG_5813%2Bps.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/InterClubHCR-475.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gryRbyQ-ZYs/TD2j39RVF8I/AAAAAAAAAH0/SKJCkxy2OJQ/s1600/scimitar3.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.luxist.com/media/2010/07/1972-ferrari-daytona-shooting-break.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3840911830_4764326fc9.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://forum.avtoindex.com/foto/data/media/44/Lynx_Eventer_1983_30.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://www.findaporsche.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/porsche944cargo12dpmotorsport-vi_4GN_PakWheelscom.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/gallery/porsche/19709.jpg
    <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8D930_x0PdY/UTXquI1UMaI/AAAAAAAAEn0/nkNVTOBcPK4/s1600/NISSANEXACANOPY+1.jpg"width="600"&gt;
    <img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/g3e_1.jpg"width="600"&gt;

    Reply
  28. salguod Avatar
    salguod

    This came immediately to mind:
    <img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u16/capedcadaver/IMG_0239.jpg&quot; width=600>
    <img src="http://www.dragtimes.com/images/1084236943maxfront.JPG&quot; width=600>
    BTW – Googling 'four door sports car' also led me to this, uh, thing:
    <img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lTVfb4qUtJk/TSDfO2z__8I/AAAAAAAABEA/ycrrrdyvABc/s400/Wings-of-Nike-Sport-Cars-Concept-4.jpg&quot; width=600>
    It's called the 'Wings of Nike Sports Car Concept', I guess. Silly car, silly name, why not.

    Reply
  29. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    Umm. Half of the cars above are not sports cars, IMHO. My answer would be this:
    <img src="http://img13.exs.cx/img13/8174/456wagon.jpg&quot; width="655">

    Reply
    1. Manic_King Avatar
      Manic_King

      Or
      <img src="http://www.pestalozzi.net/sb/am_virage/virage_400.jpg"&gt;

      Reply
  30. craigsu Avatar
    craigsu

    All of these posts and no one has mentioned the other Swedish contenders.
    Saab 900 hatchback (any vintage)
    Saab 9000 Aero

    Reply