It is unlikely that modern car owners think that the 60’s were the most “fruitful” years of the last century in terms of production of sports cars. But exactly in the 1960s, the world saw dozens of legendary models, which soon became world famous and coveted by true fans of motorsports. At the same time in those days there was no strict control of emissions and safety standards were almost non-existent.
Lamborghini Miura 1966
Since its release on the market in 1966 until today, the Lamborghini Miura has been one of the best-looking sports cars on the market. This Italian-built sports car stands out with its astonishing design, and the large radiator grille and thin “nostrils” made it distinctive against the rivals of the time. Earlier members of this line had been equipped with full-panel parts, but since 1966 it has been given exclusive Italian styling features.
Dual surfaces appeared here, separated by a middle inflection point, which created a sense of visual unity and smoothness of surfaces. In addition, the car got the most powerful V12 with four camshafts and transverse placement. It can deliver up to 350 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. With such a power unit on board the Lamborghini Miura 1966 was able to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 273 km/h.
However, despite the amazing dynamics and aesthetics, the car had shortcomings in aerodynamic properties, calibration and braking power.
Maserati Ghibli Spyder 1969
The 1969 Maserati Ghibli Spyder, another strikingly beautiful representative of the Italian assembly, became the exclusive representative of the brand’s lineup, embodying the best developments at the time. Only 20 copies of this model came out into the world, making it an extremely desirable acquisition for collectors. By the way, the designers were inspired by Daytona Ferrari when creating this car.
And although we are talking about the representative of the Italian car industry, he had a very atypical for the 60’s design of an American sports car. Maserati Ghibli Spyder 1969 used headlights hinged type, a massive grille with a crown and two non-standard deflectors rectangular shape.
At the same time, the series differed from the classic muscle cars by a narrow hood configuration with a characteristic scoop on the end. The car also had a miniature window at the front, which had not previously been seen in convertibles of that decade.
The 1969 Maserati Ghibli Spyder had a 4.9-liter V8 unit under the hood, developing 330 hp of power. The parameters and potential of this motor are still a mystery, but it is reliably known that the car used four vertical Weber double-throttle carburetors and a 5-speed transmission.
Maximum acceleration speed was 245 km/h. By the standards of 1969 Maserati Ghibli Spyder 1969 was the most affordable sports car class “grand tourismo”.
Porsche 911 1964
In compiling a selection of the best cars of the 1960s, it would be unfair to leave out the iconic 1964 Porsche 911. And although the car was inferior to competitors in terms of speed characteristics, it was justified by the amazing exterior. By the way, many motorists do not know that this name of the model appeared not at once, but after a legal dispute with Peugeot. Earlier the sports car was called Porsche 901.
In the 60s, sports cars had smaller dimensions than today’s current examples. Therefore, the model in question was very light and maneuverable, but it retained stunning aerodynamic superiority. The rear placement of the powertrain allowed for a lower hood landing, and the drop-shaped configuration improved streamlining. The 1964 Porsche 911 featured revolutionary fog lights and Fuchs rims for the time.
The interior design of the interior also looked very neat and laconic. Such asceticism was made intentionally, so that the driver was not distracted from driving his sports car. At the same time, the car used the best finishing materials and premium trim.
And although the car was slower to accelerate compared to other sports cars, it does not mean that it is not worthy to be called a powerful sports car. On board there is a 2-liter V6 unit, generating 158 hp of power with a top speed of 200 km/h. Acceleration to a “hundred” from zero took only 8.5 seconds, which is extremely good for that time.
Aston Martin DB5 1964
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is perhaps the most popular sports car from the ’60s, which gained worldwide fame after appearing in the James Bond movie Godfinger. It is a premium British-made grand tourer produced in conjunction with the Italian bodybuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
During the two years (1963 to 1965), the auto concern presented 1059 cars, but only 25 have survived to this day. The two-door coupe had a front-engine layout and rear-wheel-drive platform.
Among the interesting features of the model are mentioned:
- Magnesium alloy in the bodywork;
- electrically operated power windows;
- adjustable seats;
- dual gas tanks;
- full leather upholstery and a fire extinguisher.
The basic stuffing is impressive, but the key advantage of the Aston Martin DB5 is its engine. We are talking about a four-liter six-cylinder unit with 282 hp capacity and acceleration speed up to 230 km/h. The first “hundred” sports coupe takes only 8 seconds. A 5-speed manual transmission works together with the power plant.
Ferrari 330 P4 1967
Before you is one of the most exclusive cars that has survived only in a single copy. The probability of encountering this ultra-rare sports car in real life is extremely low, but that doesn’t stop you from familiarizing yourself with its outstanding features.
It was the 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 that won first place in the Monza 1000 km race, where two P4s took part.
For a long time, car manufacturers imitated and tried in every possible way to copy the success of this legend, but no one has ever managed to surpass the original.
Despite its impressive dynamic performance, the 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 remained a very light and agile sports car. Its body weight was only 790 kg. Its mid-mounted engine, a 4-liter atmospheric V12 with a 5-speed manual transmission, generated 450 hp of power with 520 Nm of torque. Such a unit was capable of accelerating the car to 337 km/h.
Ford GT40 MK 1964
In the sixties, automakers Ford and Ferrari were the main competitors, wanting to outrun each other in every way. Such rivalry was explained by unsuccessful commercial deal, on the background of which Ford has decided to take revenge on Ferrari. Thus was born the legendary GTO MK1 of 1964, which soon conquered the world by beating Ferrari in the races at Le Mans.
The line was styled like the Ford GT, with a wedge-shaped front end, square headlights with aerodynamic plastic covers, as well as a flip-up tailfin and a low roofline.
Under the hood of the GTO MK1 is a 380-horsepower V8, with a top speed of 320 km/h.
Jaguar E-type 1961
The 1961 Jaguar E-type was one of the fastest sports cars of the 1960s. It is an innovative line that, although it failed to pass extensive wind tunnel tests, became a competitive icon of the time. The car’s body was made through numerous mathematical calculations by the company’s famous aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer.
Certain notable features of the model appear in the form of unitary design, disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. The 3.8-liter engine has 265 horsepower, helping the car accelerate to 240 km/h. Acceleration from 0 to 100 takes 6.9 seconds.
By the way, Enzo Ferrari claimed that the 1961 Jaguar E-type is the most beautiful sports car ever to come to market.
Ferrari 250 GTO 1962
At the time of its appearance in the sale of Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 sold for only 18 thousand dollars. But just four years ago in 2018, it was sold at auction for a whopping $70 million. That check set a new world record, allowing the sports car to become the most expensive car of the ’60s.
In developing this line, the company was trying to surpass similar models in Group 3 GT Racing. Among the distinguishing features of the series was an oval tubular frame with front suspension, Watts linkage, and a rear drive axle.
The 3-liter V12 powertrain managed to perform at its best in the Tipo 168/62 races. Power of this engine with 5-speed transmission was 296 hp.