Sports cars are often produced in low volumes for various reasons. Sometimes, manufacturers deliberately limit production to enhance exclusivity and desirability, ensuring that only the most dedicated clients can own them.
Other times, the scarcity is unintentional, as some models simply failed to attract buyers when they were new, leading to limited sales and subsequent rarity. Regardless of the reason, these low-volume cars remain elusive and often go unnoticed by most enthusiasts.
Due to their rarity, such sports cars are easily forgotten, as they are seldom seen at car shows or even in museums. However, many of them deserve more recognition, not just for their unique backstories but also for their impressive performance.
These overlooked models often have fascinating histories that make them worth remembering, highlighting the passion and innovation that went into their creation.
1. Bizzarrini Europa
Bizzarrini was an Italian sports car manufacturer that originally operated for a brief period in the 1960s before financial troubles forced its closure. Founded by Giotto Bizzarrini, a former Ferrari engineer responsible for legendary models like the 250 GTO and 250 TR, the brand aimed to create high-performance cars but struggled to stay afloat.
Giotto’s departure from Ferrari in 1961, following a dispute with Enzo Ferrari, led him to establish his own company, which produced some of the era’s most stunning vehicles before running out of funds.
Among Bizzarrini’s creations was the 5300 Strada, a timeless sports car, but the brand also experimented with lesser-known models like the Europa. Designed as an entry-level GT to compete with Alfa Romeo and Lancia, the Europa utilized Opel GT components to maintain affordability.
However, the car never had the opportunity to succeed, as Bizzarrini went bankrupt just a few years after its launch. With only a handful of Europas built, the brand faded into obscurity until its recent revival with a limited run of modern hypercars.
2. Callaway C12
Callaway, known for modifying Corvettes and GM vehicles, has also produced its own cars, including the C12. Based on the C5 Corvette, the C12 retained only the roof and windows from the original model. It featured a powerful V8 engine producing up to 433 hp, making it a standout among performance cars.
The C12 attracted high-profile buyers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Rick Hendrick, and Otis Chandler. With only around 20 units built, each was customized to its owner’s specifications, making it a rare and exclusive piece of automotive history.
3. TVR Typhon
The TVR Typhon is a prime example of the brand’s wild sports car designs. Only three were built, each slightly different, with power ranging from 400 to 440 hp and a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
Originally intended for Le Mans homologation, the project faced delays and was ultimately abandoned, leaving just the road cars as proof of its development. Sadly, TVR went bankrupt a few years after the last Typhon was produced.
4. Orca Engineering C113
Orca Engineering, based in Liechtenstein, was founded by René Beck and produced the C113, a coupe powered by a 641 hp modified Audi V8. With a claimed top speed of 224 mph, it was an impressive machine, but its unconventional design likely contributed to low sales.
Only three units were built between 2003 and 2007, each costing around $280,000. Despite its rarity and speed, the C113 remains an obscure supercar in automotive history.
5. Bolwell Nagari 500
The Bolwell Nagari 500 is an Australian sports car with a rich legacy. Known for lightweight, high-performance vehicles, Bolwell utilized founder Graeme Bolwell’s composite manufacturing expertise to build some of the country’s most powerful cars.
Announced in 2019, the Nagari 500 featured a 500 hp 6.3L LS3 V8 paired with an Audi-sourced six-speed transmission. It embodies the spirit of classic sports cars while proving that true performance machines are still made in Australia.
Also Read: 10 Best European Sports Cars That Rival High Performance Supercars
6. Pegaso Z-102
Spanish automaker Pegaso, known for commercial vehicles, briefly ventured into sports cars in the 1950s with the Z-102. Debuting in 1951, this grand touring coupe boasted remarkable performance, surpassing rivals like the Jaguar despite Pegaso’s inexperience in the segment.
However, high development costs led to financial losses on every unit sold. By the late 1950s, Pegaso abandoned sports cars and returned to producing trucks and buses, leaving the Z-102 as a rare but impressive chapter in its history.
7. Leblanc Caroline GTR
The Leblanc Caroline GTR was a true race car for the road, resembling a Le Mans prototype with performance to match. Built by Swiss manufacturer Leblanc, it featured a mid-mounted V8 producing 512 hp and weighed just 1,730 lbs.
Capable of reaching 212 mph, the Caroline debuted in 1999. Plans to launch it in the U.S. in the mid-2000s never materialized, as financial difficulties seemingly halted the company’s ambitions.
8. Bentley Silverstone
The Bentley Silverstone was an ultra-exclusive model built for the Sultan of Brunei between 1994 and 1995. With only eight units produced, all remain in his private collection, making details scarce and images rare.
Reportedly based on the Continental R, some versions featured aftermarket exhausts and reflective privacy glass. This level of secrecy is unusual for a major manufacturer like Bentley, but it reflects the Sultan’s influence during his peak car-collecting era in the 1990s.
9. Gillet Vertigo .5 Spirit
Belgian racing driver Tony Gillet founded his sports car company in 1992, launching the first Vertigo a year later. The design evolved over the years, culminating in the Vertigo .5 Spirit in 2010.
Weighing just 2,094 lbs and producing 440 hp, its performance rivals a Ferrari 458 Italia. With a starting price of €130,000 ($136,750), it was more affordable than many rivals, yet it remained niche, with only a few units ever produced.
10. Ken Okuyama Kode 0
Ken Okuyama, known for designing the Honda NSX and Ferrari Enzo at Pininfarina, later established his own studio, creating striking low-volume specials. One such creation, the Kode 0, debuted at the 2017 Monterey Car Week based on a Lamborghini Aventador but with a unique, futuristic design.
Production numbers remain unclear, with reports varying between one and five units. Regardless, the Kode 0 stands as a remarkable, exclusive sports car that deserves to be remembered.
These rare and often overlooked sports cars showcase the creativity, ambition, and engineering excellence behind automotive innovation. Though they may not have achieved mainstream success, their unique designs, remarkable performance, and compelling histories make them deserving of recognition.
Whether built for exclusivity, experimentation, or pure passion, these low-volume models highlight the dedication of their creators. Remembering them ensures that their contributions to the world of performance cars are not forgotten.
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