Underrated Supercars The World Forgot About

February 9, 2023

Fast, expensive and lust-worthy supercars are what dreams are made of. Brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mclaren, and Bugatti have dominated the luxe automotive industry for years, but what about the others? Supercars aren't just about the need for speed and good looks, and there are bound to be some stellar ones that have fallen under your radar. These cars may have gotten fifteen minutes of fame, but it wasn't enough.

Here are some of the most underrated supercars that need your immediate attention.

1946-1952 Cisitalia 202 GT

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Cisitalia was founded after World War II by Italian industrialist and racer Piero Dusio. Dusio took his racing knowledge and formed a company whose road cars became revolutionary. The 202 GT was a beautiful grand tourer, sensational enough that one was bought for display by the Museum of Modern Art. There were around 170 202 GTs made by 1950, but Dusio's company was under constant financial woes and went under. By that time, Ferrari was making waves which put the 202 GT on the backburner for many. Some dedicated fans consider the Cisitalia to be one of Italy's first supercars.

Up next is one of the first ever mid-engined supercars.

1971-1992 DeTomaso Pantera

The DeTomaso Pantera, Italian for Panther, was built in Italy and was based on Ford's 351 Cleveland V8. There were over 7,000 units produced over 20-years. The Pantera's logo consisted of Argentina's flag turned on its side, with a T-shaped symbol implemented by Alejandro De Tomaso's ancestors for cattle ranching. Even though it was one of the first mid-engined supercars, the Pantera was barred from import to the US in 1974, when Ford discontinued the 351. While the company took a big hit, De Tomaso continued to buy 351s and selling Panteras to the European market. The vehicle returned to the US in the 80's, and their value has doubled over the past fifteen years.

In the next slide, we have a supercar with the interior of a fighter jet.

1989-1992 Vector W8

Gerald Wiegert is the businessman behind the machine that is the W8. Wiegert wanted to merge American horsepower with aerospace technology to compete with the European automobile industry. The W8 came to fruition in the 1970s after Weigert raised a decade of funds to create the supercar with the interior of a fighter jet, carbon fiber, kevlar body, and powered by a twin-turbocharged Chevy V8. There were only 22 cars built as Wiegert faced some heat from investors causing production to halt. A 1992 model was picked up at an auction in 2014 for $275,000.

Up next we have a supercar that had been backed up by a Disco legend.

1991-1995 Cizeta V16T

Music producer Giorgio Moroder was a financial backer for the Cizeta-Moroder. The $500,000 supercar was based off a rejected design for the Lamborghini Diablo. The Cizeta was banned from sale in the US due to poor safety and emissions testing, and the loss of market caused the company to close their doors after producing just twenty cars. That closure and US barring didn't stop people from appreciating the vehicles or smuggling one into the country. The US customs impounded an illegal Cizeta in 2009; the smuggled supercar was brought into the country from Puerto Rico.

Up next we have a vehicle that failed to earn much-needed respect.

1989-2005 Acura NSX

The NSX was first unveiled in an auto show in Chicago and took the world by storm. While lacking the prestige and luxe backing of a Ferrari or Lamborghini, it ran with the best of them. It was up to speed on performance, looks and was ultra modern and powerful for that time. While the NSX had its fair share of followers, it lacked the pomp and circumstance of its Italian competition and failed to earn respect within the elite supercar community. The NSX was in a league of its own for that period, and the next generation is as outstanding as the last.

In the next slide, this supercar was one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time.

1992-1996 BMW 850CSi

The 8 Series BMW's are recognized as some of the most capable grand tourers that were on the market. Regarded as a "gentleman's car," the 4-seater supercar boasted one of the best engines ever built, the same as was used in the Mclaren F1. The 850CSi was better modified than its predecessors, with reshaped front and rear bumpers for better aerodynamics, and round stainless steel tips on steel exhausts replacing the square tips. Models differed between countries; in the US, door handles had "BMW Motorsport" written on them, while European models came with four-wheel steering, two-tone interior, reshaped mirrors and sports seats.

Up next, is a gorgeous vehicle with a terrible reputation.

1992-1994 Jaguar XJ220

It was in 1988 when Jaguar unveiled a prototype that wowed the crowd, slated to be one of the most technologically advanced all-wheel driver cars that could go 220mph. To much dismay, there was a setback in production up until 1992. The vehicle started to earn a bad rep, and the company began to face lawsuits from customers who made down payments on a car that didn't exist. The modern supercar was a sight to see, but public disaster did not fare well, and sales were not as expected. Over time, the company regained its status, and a Jaguar XJ220 sold for $374,933 in 2014.

Coming up on the next slide is a rare vehicle, there were only 85 of them built.

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG

Considered to be a rare find, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG was one of the last hand-assembled AMGs to be built. There was popular demand to bring it back, so there was an updated version that was offered from 1998 to 2001. The SL73 was an excellent depiction of Mercedes tradition, modern elegance with dynamic automotive construction. A majority of the models in existence today are still owned by original owners, as most hesitant to have the vehicles pass through a secondary market.

In the upcoming slide, we have a handmade British supercar.

2010-Present Noble M600

This one hails from Britain, and is constructed of carbon fiber and stainless steel, and makes use of a twin-turbocharged Volvo V8. The Noble M600's production began in 2010 and is still going strong with a price around $450,000. If you're looking for a left-hand drive model, it will be considerably more. This supercar isn't chockful of the latest and greatest technology, but its appeal is to drivers who are not looking for such. Safety nets, traction control, and anti-lock brakes are nonexistent in this one since its primary target market are those who are serious about driving and have a dire need for speed without the frills.

In the final slide, we have a vehicle that costs about $1.8 million.

2009-2012 Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin is a name that is synonymous with luxury, so it's no surprise this supercar would come with a hefty price tag. Production of the vehicle was limited to 77 units, and the world caught a first look at a 2008 motor show in Paris. The One-77 was the fastest Aston Martin on the market, hitting top speeds of 220mph. The two-door coupe has a handcrafted aluminum body and carbon fiber monocoque chassis. When the vehicle was launched, it was offered alongside a free companion car, meant to help the owner reduce their carbon footprint and still get to enjoy their super limited supercar.

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