Car enthusiasts salivated the first time they glimpsed Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger from “The Fast and the Furious” franchise. 

The beast of a car with its menacing black exterior was the ultimate symbol of American muscle cars. A rarity, the Dodge Charger encompassed everything you’d want in a supercar, from the supercharged engine to the thunderous throttle.

Call it a childhood fantasy etched into our brains or a willful attempt to break the sound barrier. The fascination with high-performance sports cars has always been one of wonder and awe. The rarer they are, the more our curiosity piques. 

It’s interesting to note that the supercars of yesteryear are making a comeback. Below, we’ll delve into a few models being sought out by collectors.

Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight

According to Hyperbeast, only 19 models in the right-hand drive configuration remain.

Originally built for the South African market, the 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight was launched with minimal fanfare, making it a highly coveted find for avid Porsche collectors.

A model was auctioned at Sotheby's London sale in September last year. The car was expected to sell for $1,200,000 due to its pristine condition and just 81 miles on the odometer. This model was restored after decades in storage in Asia.

What Makes a Porsche Desirable?

Ferdinand Porsche had a vision. He didn’t only want a lucky few to own his covered supercars; he wanted to produce more accessible cars. It’s why the 911 model passed the 1 million mark a few years ago.

An obscure model is built occasionally in secrecy and hidden from the general public. Homologation specials, semi-racing models, and special-order cars are never advertised. Most Porsche customers have no idea they exist.

For all you know, you could be sitting on a potential goldmine. That model sitting under a tarpaulin cover in your garage might be more than just an ordinary Porsche.

A quick online search could be your Eureka moment. Car-buying services are always on the lookout for exotic supercars. Porsche vehicles are high on their list.

Instead of visiting a dealership or showroom, you can sell your car directly to them. There’s no need for the middleman and you’ll get the best price for your used Porsche.

Sell My Porsche suggests that Porsche models like the Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayman and the Porsche Cayenne are always in demand.

Manta Mirage

The Manta Mirage is America’s first real supercar. 

It disrupted the industry as it was one of the fastest cars and was relatively affordable. Unfortunately, the model was overshadowed by bigger European names like Lamborghini, Porsche and Maserati during the seventies.

Supercar Blondie says production on the long-forgotten supercar abruptly stopped, making it virtually impossible to come by today. 

Manufactured in the seventies by two brothers, Brad and Tim Levette, the Manta Mirage was more suited to the common person’s budget. 

Taking inspiration from the McLaren M8, the siblings jumped on the fiberglass craze and used a custom two-frame chassis to support a mid-engine V8. 

End of a Dream

The Manta Mirage was supposed to turn the supercar industry on its head. However, very few were made. 

Tragically, Brad Levette died in a racing accident before the car design became a commercial success, leading to the end of production. Only 1,000 cars were produced between 1974 and 1986.

The Future of Supercars

Increased wealth and self-indulgence could be why we are seeing a resurgence in rare supercars. 

Future restrictions on high-performance combustion engines, iconic designs, and limited production enhance exclusivity. Sales may be booming now for Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, but for how long?

Plans for autonomous vehicles are afoot while carmakers are cashing in on the electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid concepts. The Supercar Blog recently reported that Ferrari plans to launch its first EV in October.

The Ferrari EV is one of six new models planned for 2025. Prototypes of the EV have already been spotted in Italy. Without giving much away, CEO Benedetto Vigna said the company’s first EV will be “a true Ferrari” in every aspect.

Wanted notes that supercar brands have undergone a repositioning. Diversifying their business model could be a key factor in keeping their loyal customers while attracting new ones. Then there’s affordability. How much would a reimagined supercar cost?

It brings us back to the question: do supercars have a place in a more sustainable future? That depends entirely on the manufacturers and how far they are willing to go to pivot successfully from black to green.

When viewing it from an exclusivity angle, there will always be a demand for rare supercars.