46 Supercars You Likely Forgot Existed
Back in high school, a kid in my neighborhood swore his uncle once owned a Vector W8.
No one believed him, of course, until he brought a photo to school showing a young version of said uncle standing proudly next to the angular spaceship of a car.
It looked more like a prop from a sci-fi film than something you could actually drive. The weird part? Most of us had never even heard of it.
Supercars have a way of dazzling briefly before vanishing into obscurity, lost between headlines and horsepower wars.
1. Vector W8
The Vector W8 is a relic from the age of excess, blending the exotic with the eccentric. This American beast roared with a twin-turbocharged V8 capable of 625 horsepower.
Inside, its cockpit resembled a jet fighter’s, with more buttons than you’d care to press. Yet, its flamboyant looks couldn’t mask reliability woes.
Despite its shortcomings, the W8’s daring design and audacious power make it unforgettable, if not entirely practical. A supercar that flirted with speed but danced with disaster.
2. Cizeta-Moroder V16T
There’s a musical heritage behind the Cizeta-Moroder V16T—famed music producer Giorgio Moroder had a hand in its creation.
This supercar’s defining feature? A transversely mounted V16 engine, a unique engineering feat.
Its distinctive silhouette was captivating, reminiscent of a Lamborghini, yet unmistakably its own. The V16T was a symphony of design and performance.
While production was limited, those fortunate enough to glimpse it on the road witnessed a masterpiece of innovation and collaboration, a true automotive aria.
3. Lotec C1000
The Lotec C1000 is not just a car; it’s an engineering marvel built for speed. Commissioned by an oil baron with a penchant for the extraordinary, it features a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine.
Encased in carbon fiber, it delivered a staggering 1000 horsepower, rivaling modern supercars in performance.
Its rarity and mystique make it a legend among enthusiasts. While it may not grace the streets often, the C1000’s tale is one of ambition and unyielding pursuit of speed.
4. Isdera Commendatore 112i
Isdera’s Commendatore 112i is a vision of eccentric elegance. Its gullwing doors are an ode to Mercedes’ classics, but its heart, a Mercedes-Benz V12, roars with modern might.
The car’s design was daring, an embodiment of 90s innovation and flair. Despite financial hurdles, Isdera crafted something truly unique.
This supercar’s rarity and craftsmanship make it a collector’s dream. Its presence is a reminder of what passion and creativity can achieve, even when the odds are stacked against.
5. Jaguar XJR-15
Born from a racing pedigree, the Jaguar XJR-15 is a testament to pure performance. Crafted by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, it was the first road car made entirely from carbon fiber.
Its heart—a 6.0-liter V12 engine—delivered a symphony of power and precision. Limited to 53 units, it remained an exclusive beast.
While it lacked comfort, its raw driving experience was unparalleled. A rare gem, the XJR-15 was a precursor to Jaguar’s supercar legacy and remains a racing legend.
6. Mosler Consulier GTP
The Mosler Consulier GTP defied convention, focusing solely on performance over aesthetics. Its lightweight composite body housed a turbocharged Chrysler engine.
It excelled on the track, often outperforming more glamorous competitors. However, its looks were polarizing, a mix of function over form.
Despite its divisive design, the Consulier GTP’s legacy is undeniable—a supercar that proved power isn’t just about appearance, but engineering prowess and speed.
7. Spice SE88P
The Spice SE88P is a race-bred machine, often forgotten outside motorsport circles. Designed for endurance racing, its aluminum honeycomb monocoque was ahead of its time.
Powered by a potent V8, it was a force on the track but remained elusive to casual enthusiasts.
Though not street-legal, the SE88P’s contribution to motorsport was significant, a reminder of engineering excellence in pursuit of racing glory.
8. Vector M12
The Vector M12 was America’s bold attempt to crash the exotic car party in the 1990s. Born from wild ambition and chaotic management, it mashed a Lamborghini V12 into an angular, spaceship-like body.
The result? Fast, strange, and temperamental. Only 14 production models were made before the company spiraled into obscurity.
With its outrageous styling, questionable build quality, and bizarre backstory, the M12 is the kind of forgotten supercar that feels more like a fever dream than something that actually hit the road.
9. DeTomaso Guarà
Italy’s flair met American muscle in the DeTomaso Guarà. Its Ford-sourced V8 offered raw power cloaked in elegant Italian styling.
The Guarà was a rare sight, with only a handful made, each exuding a unique charm. Despite its potential, it never achieved mainstream success.
Yet, the Guarà’s blend of style and substance left an indelible mark, showcasing a marriage of cultures and engineering ideals.
10. Dome Zero
The Dome Zero was a concept that captivated with its futuristic allure. This Japanese wonder was a vision of tomorrow’s technology and design.
Although it never reached production, its impact was undeniable, inspiring future automotive innovations.
The Dome Zero remains an icon of what could have been, a glimpse into a bold automotive future that still fascinates enthusiasts.
11. Bristol Fighter
The Bristol Fighter is a hidden gem, blending British craftsmanship with brute force. Its Chrysler V10 engine delivered jaw-dropping speed, wrapped in an understated body.
Despite its power, the Fighter was more than just a speed demon—it offered a rare elegance and exclusivity.
A true British sports car, it remains a collector’s dream, embodying the spirit of a bygone era of motoring excellence.
12. Lamborghini Jalpa
Before the Gallardo or Huracán, there was the Jalpa—Lamborghini’s lesser-known, “entry-level” V8 model from the 1980s.
With a targa roof, angular lines, and a mid-mounted 3.5L V8, it was meant to be a more livable Lambo.
Though it had real charm and a throaty exhaust note, it was overshadowed by its bigger V12 siblings and struggled to find an audience.
Just over 400 were built before Lamborghini pulled the plug. Today, it’s a fascinating glimpse at a very different era for the brand.
13. Panther Solo
The Panther Solo was a fusion of innovation and ambition, featuring a rare twin-engine setup. Its futuristic design was a statement of intent.
Despite its promise, production was limited, and the Solo never quite captured the market’s heart.
Yet, its pioneering spirit and bold aesthetics ensure the Solo remains a captivating chapter in automotive history, a reminder of what might have been.
14. Maserati Boomerang
The Maserati Boomerang never really hit the streets, but its impact on design can’t be overstated. This 1970s concept looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, all sharp angles and wedge-shaped bravado.
Designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, it previewed styling cues that would influence sports cars for decades.
With its futuristic dash and dramatic silhouette, the Boomerang was pure spectacle. Only one was ever made, making it more of a design icon than a supercar—but unforgettable just the same.
15. Bugatti EB110
The Bugatti EB110 was a resurrection of a storied name, a blend of luxury and performance. With a quad-turbocharged V12, it was a powerhouse.
Its design was elegant, a tribute to Bugatti’s illustrious past. The EB110 redefined supercars in the 90s.
Despite financial woes, it remains a legend, a beacon of what happens when engineering meets artistry.
16. Gillet Vertigo
Belgium isn’t exactly known for supercars, but the Gillet Vertigo is proof it should be on the radar.
With its lightweight carbon fiber construction and Ferrari-sourced V6, the Vertigo offered razor-sharp handling and explosive performance.
It also looked like nothing else on the road—compact, insect-like, and aggressive. Built in tiny numbers since the mid-1990s, the Vertigo remains a niche marvel known mostly to hardcore enthusiasts.
It’s weird, rare, and totally worthy of a spot in the forgotten supercar hall of fame.
17. Qvale Mangusta
The Qvale Mangusta was an Italian-American collaboration, featuring a unique triple-folding roof. Its American engine offered muscle, while its Italian design added flair.
Despite its innovative features, it struggled to find a market niche.
Yet, the Mangusta’s blend of style and engineering remains a quirky footnote in automotive history, a car that dared to be different.
18. Panoz Esperante GTR-1
The Panoz Esperante GTR-1 is a rarity—a front-engine supercar that took on the racing elite. Its distinctive looks and thunderous V8 made it a force on the track.
While it was built for racing, a few street versions were crafted, merging track prowess with road legality.
The GTR-1’s bold design and racing pedigree ensure it remains a fascinating chapter in motorsport history.
19. Gumpert Apollo
The Gumpert Apollo is a beast bred for speed, with a design focused on downforce and aerodynamics. Its Audi-sourced V8 engine delivered blistering performance.
Despite its raw power, the Apollo was as practical as a racing suit at a wedding.
Still, its focused approach and track dominance earned it a cult following, a supercar that wore its racing heart on its sleeve.
20. TVR Cerbera
The TVR Cerbera was a British thriller, combining style with raw power. Its lightweight body and potent engine made it a joy to drive.
Though notorious for its quirks, the Cerbera’s character and performance endeared it to enthusiasts.
TVR’s craftsmanship and bold design choices ensure the Cerbera remains a beloved example of British sports car engineering.
21. Ascari KZ1
The Ascari KZ1 was a supercar crafted with precision and passion. Its BMW-sourced V8 offered thrilling performance wrapped in an elegant body.
Despite its capabilities, it flew under the radar, overshadowed by flashier rivals.
Yet, the KZ1’s blend of engineering excellence and understated elegance make it a connoisseur’s choice, a gem waiting to be discovered by discerning enthusiasts.
22. Ginetta G33
The Ginetta G33 is a British roadster that marries simplicity with speed. Its lightweight frame and Ford V8 engine deliver a punchy performance.
While it lacked the opulence of other supercars, its honesty and charm captivated those who valued driving purity.
The G33’s straightforward approach and engaging drive make it a cherished choice among classic car aficionados.
23. Lotus Esprit V8
The Lotus Esprit V8 combined British engineering with turbocharged excitement, offering a unique supercar experience.
Its sharp lines and mid-engine layout made it a head-turner, while its twin-turbo V8 ensured thrilling performance.
Though it had its quirks, the Esprit V8’s charm and agility solidified its place in automotive history, a beloved icon of British motoring.
24. Vector WX-3
The Vector WX-3 was the follow-up to the infamous W8, and somehow managed to be even wilder.
Sleek, low, and dripping with aerospace-inspired design, it debuted in the early ’90s as a concept with massive twin-turbo V8 power.
The goal was to build both a coupe and a convertible version, but only two prototypes were ever made before the dream fizzled.
Still, the WX-3 remains one of the boldest, most out-there American supercar ideas—equal parts fascinating and forgotten.
25. Bitter CD
German precision meets Italian flair—that was the idea behind the Bitter CD, an amazing GT car based on the Opel Diplomat.
Designed in the early 1970s by Erich Bitter, the CD looked like a Maserati but had GM underpinnings, including a Chevy V8.
It wasn’t quite a supercar in performance, but its styling and rarity give it serious exotic car vibes.
Fewer than 400 were built, and today it lives in that strange gray zone of forgotten Euro-luxury oddities with sports car spirit.
26. Mitsuoka Orochi
If supercars were judged purely on looks, the Mitsuoka Orochi would win for weirdest. This Japanese creation featured a fish-like face, cartoonish curves, and styling that defied convention.
Under the hood, it ran a mid-mounted Toyota V6—not exactly hypercar stuff—but its dramatic design made it a showstopper. It was meant to evoke mythical Japanese creatures, and it certainly achieved that.
Often dismissed as ugly or odd, the Orochi is nonetheless unforgettable and proudly bizarre—a true cult favorite among eccentric car lovers.
27. Morgan Aeromax
The Morgan Aeromax is a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering. Its BMW engine delivers performance, while its classic design exudes elegance.
With only 100 units made, the Aeromax is a rare sight, a collector’s dream.
Its blend of old-world charm and new-age engineering ensures it remains an icon, a bridge between past and future.
28. Artega GT
The Artega GT had everything going for it—lightweight aluminum chassis, mid-mounted V6 from VW, and design by Henrik Fisker.
Built in Germany and introduced in 2009, it promised Porsche Cayman-rivaling dynamics in a more exclusive package.
But financial troubles cut its run short, and the brand quietly faded into the background.
With just a few hundred units produced, the GT is rarely seen, but highly admired by those in the know. Graceful, competent, and a bit mysterious, it’s a forgotten gem of the boutique supercar world.
29. Sbarro Challenge
The Sbarro Challenge was a concept that pushed the boundaries of design and innovation. Its radical aesthetics were matched by its advanced engineering.
Though it was never intended for production, its impact on design philosophy was profound.
The Challenge remains an inspiration, a daring vision of the future that continues to influence modern automotive design.
30. Tramontana R
The Tramontana R is a Spanish supercar that fuses art with engineering. Its open cockpit and fighter jet-inspired design are striking.
Powered by a Mercedes V12, it offers performance to match its bold looks.
Embodying innovation and exclusivity, the Tramontana R is a supercar for those who dare to be different, a masterpiece of modern motoring.
31. Zenvo ST1
The Zenvo ST1 is Denmark’s entry into the supercar arena, a blend of power and poise. Its 6.8-liter V8 engine delivers earth-shattering performance.
Despite setbacks, Zenvo’s commitment to perfection is evident in every inch of the ST1.
A symbol of ambition and excellence, the ST1 represents Danish engineering prowess, a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
32. Caparo T1
The Caparo T1 is a street-legal race car, pushing the limits of what’s possible for a road vehicle. Its lightweight design and aerodynamic profile ensure incredible speed.
With a Formula 1-like experience, the T1 is not for the faint-hearted.
Its radical approach and performance make it a unique entry in the supercar world, a thrilling ride for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
33. Lancia Stratos Zero
The Lancia Stratos Zero is a concept that redefined design boundaries. Its wedge shape and low profile were revolutionary, influencing generations of cars.
While it remained a concept, the impact of its design was profound, a visionary leap in automotive aesthetics.
The Stratos Zero remains an icon, a masterpiece of innovation that continues to inspire designers worldwide.
34. Pagani Zonda C12
Everyone remembers the wild Zondas of the mid-2000s, but few recall the humble origins: the Zonda C12.
Pagani’s debut model, the C12 packed a 6.0L V12 from Mercedes-AMG and a shape that looked like it belonged in a wind tunnel.
Built almost entirely by hand, it signaled the arrival of a new supercar artisan.
While later Zondas stole the spotlight, the C12 remains an unsung hero—a quieter, more elegant version of what Pagani would become. Understated, but no less exotic.
35. SSC Ultimate Aero
The SSC Ultimate Aero once held the title of the world’s fastest car, a testament to American engineering. Its turbocharged V8 offered blistering speed.
Though it lacked the luxury of European rivals, its raw power was undeniable.
The Ultimate Aero remains a symbol of what happens when ambition meets engineering, a record-breaking marvel.
36. Koenigsegg CC8S
The Koenigsegg CC8S marked the beginning of a legacy, combining innovation with performance. Its supercharged V8 engine offered thrilling speed.
With only six units made, it remains a rare sight, a collector’s dream.
The CC8S’s pioneering spirit and engineering excellence paved the way for future Koenigseggs, a cornerstone of modern supercar design.
37. Ruf CTR Yellowbird
The Ruf CTR Yellowbird is a legend among enthusiasts, known for its blistering performance. Based on the Porsche 911, it offered unparalleled speed and handling.
Its lightweight construction and turbocharged engine made it a force on the track.
The Yellowbird’s legacy is one of engineering prowess and unbridled performance, a supercar that continues to inspire.
38. Marcos TSO GT2
The Marcos TSO GT2 is a blend of British tradition and modern performance. Its Chevrolet-sourced engine delivered impressive speed.
Although its production was limited, its impact remains, a car that captivated with its engaging drive.
The TSO GT2’s combination of style and substance make it a cherished part of British automotive history, a car that thrilled with every turn.
39. Caterham SP/300.R
Caterham is known for its featherweight roadsters, but the SP/300.R was a different beast entirely.
Developed with Lola, it was a track-only speed machine powered by a supercharged 2.0L Ford Duratec engine and capable of blistering lap times.
With refined bodywork, advanced aero, and insane agility, it was built purely for thrills. Yet because it was never road legal and made in very limited numbers, few remember it.
The SP/300.R is a track-day monster that quietly vanished before most even knew it existed.
40. Ford GT90
The Ford GT90 was a concept that reimagined what a supercar could be. Its futuristic design and advanced technology were ahead of their time.
Under the hood, a quad-turbo V12 promised earth-shattering performance.
Though it never saw production, the GT90 remains a symbol of innovation, a glimpse into a future that still captivates the imagination.
41. 1996 Bizzarrini BZ-2001
Oh, the Bizzarrini BZ-2001—where dreams and reality took a joyride together. Born in the mid-’90s, it was a mad scientist’s experiment with a roar like a lion.
Surprisingly, its creators included a Japanese design firm and an Italian engineer, Giotto Bizzarrini.
This beast possessed a 6.3-liter V8 engine, capable of making even the most stoic of drivers giggle like children.
Though only a handful were produced, its legacy lives on in whispers among car enthusiasts. For those who seek adventure, the BZ-2001 was a ticket to thrill-ville.
42. 1993 Schuppan 962CR
In the realm of rare supercars, the Schuppan 962CR stands as an enigmatic entity.
Created by the Australian race car driver Vern Schuppan, this car was essentially a street-legal version of the Porsche 962 Le Mans racer.
With its carbon-fiber body and heart-pounding top speed, it was a nod to those who craved both luxury and racing prowess. Only six were ever made, making it as elusive as a unicorn.
If you ever spot one, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack, a shiny needle with a turbocharged engine that is!
43. 1991 Cizeta V16T
Looking for a car with twice the cylinders and twice the charm? Enter the Cizeta V16T.
A collaboration between music producer Giorgio Moroder and engineer Claudio Zampolli, this supercar boasted a whopping 16-cylinder engine.
Its design was as bold as its ambitions, capturing the hearts of those who believed more is more. The V16T was built in Modena, Italy, the heart of automotive artistry.
Though its production run was short-lived, its audacious spirit continues to inspire. After all, who wouldn’t want to drive a symphony on wheels?
44. 1995 Spectre R42
The Spectre R42, a delightful blend of British engineering and American muscle. It wasn’t just a car; it was a rebellion on wheels.
Created in the mid-’90s, it aimed to challenge the status quo of supercars with its gutsy Ford-sourced V8 engine.
Designed to be a more practical alternative to the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, it offered both performance and comfort. Alas, the production was short-lived.
Yet, in those fleeting moments, the R42 left a mark, a reminder that sometimes, underdogs can indeed roar the loudest.
45. 1989 Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1
Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1—a name that rolls off the tongue like a fine wine. This Italian-Japanese fusion was designed to turn heads and make statements.
Under the hood, a turbocharged V6 engine purred like a satisfied cat. It was luxury redefined, though its quirky design wasn’t everyone’s cup of espresso.
The AZ1 was rare, and finding one today is akin to discovering a lost piece of art. But for those who appreciate bold design, it’s a masterpiece worth seeking.
46. 1988 Jiotto Caspita
Dubbed the “F1 for the road,” the Jiotto Caspita was Japan’s ambitious leap into the supercar arena. Conceived in the late ’80s, it was a harmonious marriage of cutting-edge engineering and futuristic design.
Powered by a flat-12 engine, its performance was nothing short of exhilarating. Yet, despite its promise, the Caspita never reached mass production.
However, its legend lives on as a testament to Japan’s daring spirit in automotive innovation. For those who seek what could have been, the Caspita remains a dream worth chasing.