If you’re a car enthusiast, you know the feeling of an adrenaline rush when a sports car zooms by with its engine roaring. The sleek design, the speed, and the power of a sports car are enough to make your heart race.
But sadly, not all sports cars are created equal. Some models have gone down in history for all the wrong reasons. From poor design to terrible performance, here are the 15 worst sports cars that ever existed.
Triumph TR7
The Triumph TR7 was a British sports car that was produced from 1975 to 1981. Its futuristic wedge-shaped design was a departure from the classic British sports car look, which was both its selling point and downfall.
Unfortunately, the TR7 was plagued by quality issues from the start. Mechanical problems were rampant, and the car’s electrical system was notoriously unreliable. The wedge-shaped design, while unique, was not well received by sports car enthusiasts, making the TR7 one of the most disappointing sports cars of its time.
Chrysler TC by Maserati
The Chrysler TC was a joint venture between Chrysler and Maserati, two reputable names in the automotive industry. The car was intended to be a luxury sports car, but it failed to deliver on both counts.
Despite being produced by Maserati, the TC was essentially a glorified Chrysler LeBaron with a higher price tag. The car failed to deliver the expected performance or luxury and was discontinued after just three years. The Chrysler TC is a prime example of how a collaboration between two giants can go wrong.
TVR Tasmin
The TVR Tasmin, a British sports car produced in the 1980s, was supposed to be a breakthrough for TVR. However, it ended up being a disaster.
The Tasmin was powered by a Ford V6 engine that was notorious for its unreliability. The car’s fiberglass body was prone to cracks, and the build quality was subpar at best. Despite its attractive design, the Tasmin’s reliability issues and poor performance earned it a spot on the list of worst sports cars.
Lotus Elite
The Lotus Elite was a sports car produced by Lotus Cars from 1974 to 1982. Despite its stylish design, the Elite was a major disappointment.
The car was plagued by numerous mechanical and electrical issues, making it one of the least reliable sports cars of its time. The Elite’s fiberglass body was prone to cracks, and the car’s overall build quality was poor. Despite its promising start, the Lotus Elite quickly gained a reputation as one of the worst sports cars ever made.
DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12 is best known for its role in the “Back to the Future” film franchise. But outside of its cinematic fame, the DMC-12 was a major flop.
The car was criticized for its poor performance and high price tag. The DMC-12’s gull-wing doors, while iconic, were impractical and prone to failure. Despite its cult following, the DeLorean DMC-12 is considered one of the worst sports cars of all time.
Maserati Biturbo
The Maserati Biturbo was an attempt by Maserati to create a luxury sports coupe. However, it ended up being one of the most disappointing cars in the brand’s history.
The Biturbo was plagued by reliability issues, with many owners complaining about the car’s frequent breakdowns. The car’s performance was also underwhelming, with its twin-turbo V6 engine failing to deliver the expected power. The Maserati Biturbo is a prime example of a promising concept that failed to deliver.
Porsche 914
The Porsche 914 was a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen. Despite its promising start, the 914 quickly gained a reputation as one of the worst sports cars ever made.
The car was criticized for its poor performance and high price tag. The 914’s quirky styling also failed to win over sports car enthusiasts. Despite its Porsche badge, the 914 was a major disappointment and is now considered one of the worst sports cars of all time.