Soaring prices and expensive restorations have turned many retro and classic cars into investments, often kept in pristine conditions to prevent any deterioration.
While this approach is understandable no one wants to see rust take over and value diminish classic cars were made to be driven, and that’s exactly what they should be doing.
Sports cars, like the iconic Porsche 911, are especially sought after due to their dynamic performance, which made them so desirable from the outset.
This is why we’ve curated a list of 10 classic sports cars that are still up for the challenge today and should be driven whenever possible.
For a car to be considered a classic, it must be at least 30 years old. The cars listed here are arranged by age, with the oldest appearing first.
We’ve included any model that demonstrates clear sporting characteristics. If your favorite classic sports car isn’t listed, feel free to share it in the comments, and let us know what makes it a great daily driver.
1. 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S
Key Specifications
- Engine: 1.3-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Power: 77 horsepower
- Torque: 79 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Compact dimensions ideal for city driving
- Room for four adults
- Excellent fuel efficiency
Before you object, hear us out. Much like the modern John Cooper Works models that elevate the Mini to sporty heights, the original Cooper S deserves a spot.
Although the classic Mini wasn’t initially designed with motorsport in mind, its compact size and playful handling caught the attention of the legendary race car designer, John Cooper.
The Cooper S came after the initial model, featuring upgrades such as larger inline-four engines, ranging from 970 cc to 1275 cc. Additionally, the suspension and brakes were improved, resulting in a significantly more powerful and agile car.
The Mini Cooper S proved itself in motorsport, excelling both as a rally and touring car. It became a popular choice for everyday driving, offering room for four, a surprisingly spacious trunk, and endless fun behind the wheel.
While it may not be a traditional ‘sports car,’ it remains one of the most enjoyable to drive and is certainly more practical than many other performance-focused vehicles.
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2. 1965 MGB GT
Key Specifications
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive
- Power: 95 horsepower
- Torque: 110 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Practical rear hatch for extra storage
- Agile handling characteristics
- Small engine size offering great fuel efficiency
For the quintessential British sports car experience, the MGB GT is the ideal candidate. It embraces the classic design of a sports coupe, with a long, sloping hood, a low-slung body, and an abundance of chrome think of it as the affordable alternative to the E-Type Jaguar.
For daily use, the GT stands out as the best option, especially with its 2 + 2 seating configuration (as opposed to the Roadster’s strictly two-seater design). The rear seats can also be folded down to provide a large, flat cargo area.
While some might be deterred by the relatively modest engine size and output, the 95 horsepower is more than sufficient for a car weighing just 2,310 lbs.
The lightweight build and moderate power allow for a fun and nimble driving experience. Additionally, the car’s fuel consumption, while not matching modern standards, is still reasonable enough for regular use.
3. 1971 Triumph GT6
Key Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-six
- Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive
- Power: 104 horsepower
- Torque: 117 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Practical rear hatch
- Compact and nimble proportions
- Overdrive transmission to lower revs during cruising
The Triumph GT6 was essentially Triumph’s answer to the MGB, though it offered a notable upgrade by replacing the MG’s four-cylinder engine with a smooth inline-six.
Like the MG, the GT6 features a practical rear hatch that opens to reveal a spacious trunk, which can be expanded further by folding down the rear seats.
Inside, the GT6 offers less room than the MG, making the use of the rear seats more challenging. Despite this, the GT6 retains many of the same characteristics that make it a great daily driver.
4. 1982 Lotus Excel
Key Specifications
- Engine: 2.2-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Power: 162 horsepower
- Torque: 160 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Seating for four
- Relatively spacious trunk for a sleek coupe
- Light curb weight contributing to respectable fuel efficiency
Another British classic, the Lotus Excel, deviates from its predecessors by forgoing chrome bumpers in favor of the popular wedge-shaped design of the 1980s.
Powered by a 2.2-liter inline-four, the Excel produced 162 horsepower, which was more than sufficient for the lightweight car, allowing it to reach 60 mph in just over seven seconds.
While Lotus may not have been known for reliability during the 1980s, a well-maintained Excel can be relatively easy to service, cost-effective to operate, and certainly sharp enough to provide a fun daily driving experience.
Also Read: 10 Budget Sports Cars Perfect for Custom Modifications
5. 1982 Porsche 944
Key Specifications
- Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
- Power: 147 horsepower
- Torque: 159 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Affordable running costs for a premium-brand sports car
- Renowned reliability
- Room for four
Moving away from British classics, we now turn to one of the greatest sports cars with daily driving potential the Porsche 944.
Though overshadowed by the iconic 911, the 944 has remained relatively affordable for years, but its prices have begun to climb as more people recognize its value.
It’s not unusual to see these cars with over 200,000 miles on the odometer, a testament to the 944’s legendary build quality and durability, a trait shared by all Porsche models from this era.
Unlike the more powerful 911, the 944 offers a very reasonable budget for running costs, with affordable maintenance and insurance.
The cabin, especially the front seats, is spacious and comfortable, making it an excellent option for daily driving.
6. 1984 Chevrolet Corvette
Key Specifications
- Engine: 5.7-liter V8
- Transmission: 4-speed manual or automatic
- Power: 205 horsepower
- Torque: 290 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Excellent availability of parts and spares
- Low purchase and maintenance costs
- Choice between manual and automatic transmissions
While many of the vehicles on this list offer respectable fuel efficiency as part of their appeal for daily driving, this entry cannot boast such qualities, thanks to its powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine.
As a result, you’ll likely be stopping for gas more often. However, in exchange, you’ll receive over 200 horsepower, which we think makes the trade-off worth it.
The C4 Corvette has long been the affordable entry point into Corvette ownership, though it lacks the classic styling of earlier models and doesn’t match the high-performance capabilities of later models.
It might be considered the ‘ugly duckling’ of the Corvette lineup, but it remains an exciting car to drive, with a soundtrack that is downright addictive.
Since the C4 was so popular when it was first released, there is a vast supply of spare parts and a wealth of knowledge available, making it relatively inexpensive to maintain.
7. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
Key Specifications
- Engine: 5.6-liter V8
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Power: 227 horsepower
- Torque: 287 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Indestructible drivetrain
- Comfortable and luxurious interior
- Galvanized bodyshell
When considering a classic car for daily driving, reliability is key no one wants to be late for work because their car broke down again.
That’s why a late-model R107 560 SL could be the perfect choice. It comes from an era when Mercedes-Benz was renowned for over-engineering their vehicles to last.
The 560 SL is not only incredibly reliable but also stylish and offers the added bonus of open-top motoring, which can make even the most mundane commutes more enjoyable.
8. 1989 Mazda Miata
Key Specifications
- Engine: 1.8-liter inline-four
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Power: 116 horsepower
- Torque: 100 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Low running costs
- Impressive reliability
- Excellent fuel efficiency
At this point, we all know that the Miata is always the answer when it comes to choosing a classic sports car for daily driving and for good reason. These cars remain relatively affordable to purchase, with running costs that are extremely low.
They are an absolute blast to drive, incredibly reliable, and come with the added benefit of a convertible top. What more could you ask for?
The Miata was and still is a beloved classic, reigniting the world’s passion for simple, back-to-basics, drop-top motoring. With millions sold, it’s clear that this car has earned its place in the hearts of car enthusiasts.
Don’t let the humble exterior fool you this little car has enough power to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. And let’s not forget those iconic pop-up headlights need we say more?
9. 1991 Audi S2 Avant
Key Specifications
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-five
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Power: 230 horsepower
- Torque: 228 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Spacious, large trunk
- Room for five passengers
- Comfortable and well-equipped interior
Sports cars don’t always have to come in the form of low-slung roadsters or coupes, as Audi has demonstrated with its performance wagons. The Audi S2 Avant is a prime example of this, equipped with the heart of a rally car.
Under the hood, it houses Audi’s legendary turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which emits a distinctive and captivating exhaust note that will surely win over any car enthusiast.
The engine produces 230 horsepower, and power is transferred to all four wheels through Audi’s renowned and incredibly effective quattro all-wheel-drive system. These engines are also well-known for their ability to handle substantial power outputs when tuned.
As a daily driver, the S2 Avant makes no compromises. It offers a large, practical trunk, seating for five passengers, and a comfortable interior packed with period-correct features.
While you won’t find modern amenities like Apple CarPlay, it still provides electric windows, mirrors, air conditioning, and heated seats making it a perfectly capable and enjoyable car to use every day.
10. 1995 BMW M3 Coupe
Key Specifications
- Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Power: 240 horsepower
- Torque: 225 lb-ft
Daily Driver Qualities
- Good availability of parts
- Comfortable, well-equipped interior
- Strong support from clubs and enthusiasts
It would be impossible to complete a list of sports cars suitable for daily driving without mentioning the BMW M3.
Across all generations of the 3 Series (except the early E21 generation), there has always been an M3 on offer, and each has proven to be an exceptional daily driver in addition to being a true driver’s car.
While prices for the E30 model continue to rise, the E36 remains relatively affordable, making it a sensible choice for a daily driver.
With plenty of power, celebrated driving dynamics, and the overall appeal of a high-performance 3 Series, there’s no reason why the BMW M3 E36 can’t be a daily driver whether you’re commuting, running errands, or simply enjoying a spirited drive.