Top 10 Sports Cars 1970 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z ranks first for delivering Porsche-level performance and modern engineering at a fraction of the cost, with a $3,526 MSRP. Its 2.4-liter inline-six produced 151 horsepower, propelling it to 60 mph in about 8 seconds and a top speed near 125 mph. The all-independent suspension and reliable construction made it a benchmark that embarrassed costlier European rivals. Today, pristine Series 1 examples have sold for over $300,000, proving its lasting legacy.

This car is for the enthusiast who wants a genuine sports car experience without the maintenance headaches of its British contemporaries. It trades away the raw, visceral feel of a 911S for superior everyday usability and dependability. Compared to the Porsche 911S above, it offers 85% of the driving thrill for roughly 40% of the purchase price. Its blend of performance, value, and collectibility makes it the most complete package of the era.

2. Porsche 911S 2.2

The Porsche 911S 2.2 ranks second for its unmatched steering feel and chassis communication, which set the standard for driver engagement in 1970. Its 2.2-liter flat-six made 180 horsepower, enough for a 0-60 mph time of about 8 seconds, but the car's magic lay in its telepathic feedback. The five-speed gearbox and superb brakes completed a package that rewarded skilled drivers like nothing else.

This 911S is for the purist who prioritizes driving dynamics above all else and is willing to pay a premium for it. It trades away the value and reliability of the Datsun 240Z for a more intense and demanding experience. While the 240Z is the smarter all-rounder, the 911S offers a level of connection that remains the gold standard. Its tail-happy handling demands respect, but for those who master it, the rewards are immense.

3. Chevrolet Corvette C3 LT-1

The Chevrolet Corvette C3 LT-1 ranks third for being the outright performance king of 1970, with its 370-horsepower solid-lifter small-block V8. This power propelled the fiberglass coupe from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, making it the quickest car on this list by a significant margin. The dramatic Coke-bottle styling and the LT-1's race-bred internals made it a coveted collector's item.

This Corvette is for the American buyer who values raw power and iconic styling over finesse and cornering agility. It trades away the nimble handling of the Porsche 911S for brute-force acceleration and a more visceral, heavy-footed experience. Compared to the 911S above, it is faster in a straight line but less rewarding on a twisty back road.

4. Jaguar E-Type Series 2

The Jaguar E-Type Series 2 ranks fourth for its timeless beauty and effortless grand-touring capability, a combination few cars have ever matched. Its 4.2-liter DOHC inline-six produced around 240 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of roughly 7 seconds. The four-wheel disc brakes and independent rear suspension provided a refined, capable ride that belied its 1970 origins. At roughly $5,725, it undercut the Porsche 911S while offering a more elegant and romantic driving experience.

This Jaguar is for the romantic who wants the most beautiful car money could buy, with enough performance for spirited touring. It trades away the razor-sharp handling of the Corvette C3 for a softer, more luxurious ride and a higher risk of electrical gremlins. Compared to the Corvette above, it is slower in a straight line but far more graceful and sophisticated. Its blue-chip collectibility and stunning design make it a worthy investment for those who prioritize style.

5. Triumph TR6

The Triumph TR6 ranks fifth as the Best Value pick, offering the cheapest entry into a genuine six-cylinder open roadster at just $3,275. Its 2.5-liter OHV inline-six made 106 horsepower in US spec, good for a 0-60 mph time of about 10.7 seconds. The Karmann-styled body gave it a distinctive, square-jawed look that has aged gracefully.

This Triumph is for the budget-conscious buyer who wants an authentic classic roadster experience with a real six-cylinder engine and a folding top. It trades away the performance and sophistication of the Jaguar E-Type for a much lower price and simpler mechanicals. Compared to the E-Type above, it is slower and less refined but far more affordable to buy and maintain.

6. Porsche 914/6

The Porsche 914/6 ranks sixth for its near-perfect mid-engine balance and razor-sharp handling, which made it a giant-killer on twisty roads. Its 2.0-liter flat-six, borrowed from the 911T, produced 125 horsepower and allowed a 0-60 mph time of about 8.7 seconds. The mid-engine layout gave it exceptional agility that humbled cars with far more power. The removable targa top added open-air appeal, and its engineering pedigree was pure Porsche.

This 914/6 is for the handling fanatic who values balance and cornering ability over straight-line speed and badge prestige. It trades away the brute force of the Corvette C3 for a more delicate and rewarding driving experience. Compared to the Corvette above, it is significantly slower but far more nimble and communicative. Long dismissed as the cheap Porsche, it has finally earned respect and now commands serious collector money for its unique driving dynamics.

7. Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda

The Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda ranks seventh for its peerless build quality and refined, fuel-injected power, making it the most luxurious car in this group. Its 2.8-liter M130 inline-six produced 180 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque, delivering brisk, unstressed performance. The iconic concave removable hardtop gave the car its nickname and added to its timeless appeal. At $8,351, it was the priciest car here, but that price bought limousine-like durability and craftsmanship.

This Mercedes is for the buyer who wants a sports car with the quality and refinement of a luxury sedan, not a raw back-road weapon. It trades away the sharp handling of the Porsche 914/6 for a more comfortable and isolated cruising experience. Compared to the 914/6 above, it is less agile but far more solid and prestigious. Its strong collector values and legendary reliability make it a superb modern classic for those who appreciate understated elegance.

8. Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce

The Alfa Romeo Spider 1750 Veloce ranks eighth for its intoxicating Italian character, highlighted by a free-revving twin-cam engine and a delightful five-speed gearbox. Its 1.8-liter four-cylinder produced roughly 130 horsepower, enabling a sub-10-second 0-60 mph sprint. The Pininfarina-designed body was pure Italian elegance, and the chassis delivered nimble, communicative handling. This car gained lasting fame in the film The Graduate, cementing its cultural icon status.

This Alfa is for the driver who values engagement, charm, and style over outright performance and reliability. It trades away the solidity and refinement of the Mercedes-Benz 280SL for a more passionate and involving experience. Compared to the 280SL above, it is less powerful and more prone to rust, but far more charismatic. Its accessible price and strong enthusiast following make it a rewarding and characterful classic to own.

9. Lotus Elan S4

The Lotus Elan S4 ranks ninth for its featherweight construction and astonishing handling, which defined the sports car ideal for a generation. Weighing only about 1,420 pounds, its 1.6-liter Ford-based twin-cam made 105 horsepower, enough for a 0-60 mph time of about 7.1 seconds. Colin Chapman's 'add lightness' philosophy made the Elan feel telepathic on a twisting road, directly inspiring the Mazda Miata decades later. Its fiberglass body and backbone chassis were revolutionary for the era.

This Lotus is for the purist who chases handling above all else and is willing to accept significant compromises in comfort and reliability. It trades away the everyday usability of the Alfa Romeo Spider for a more intense and focused driving experience. Compared to the Spider above, it is quicker and more agile but far more fragile and cramped. Its demanding nature and high maintenance requirements make it a specialist's car, but its driving purity is unmatched.

10. MG MGB MkII

The MG MGB MkII ranks tenth as the everyman's sports car, offering classic British roadster fun at the most affordable price on this list. Its 1.8-liter inline-four made 92 horsepower, providing a cheerful pace and a top speed around 105 mph. It was reliable by British standards, easy to maintain, and endlessly charming with its top down. As the best-selling British sports car of its era, it enjoys unbeatable parts support and a massive owner community.

This MGB is for the first-time buyer or budget enthusiast who wants a simple, charming, and affordable entry into vintage open-top motoring. It trades away the performance and sophistication of the Lotus Elan for a more practical and user-friendly experience. Compared to the Elan above, it is slower and less agile but far more robust and easier to live with.

How we ranked these

We scored each 1970 sports car against period standards, weighting driving fun and handling at 30%, performance at 20%, value in period at 15%, reliability at 15%, style and legacy at 10%, and collectibility now at 10%. Sources included period road tests from Road & Track and Car and Driver, Hagerty valuation tools, Bring a Trailer auction results, Sports Car Market, and Wikipedia model pages.

We deliberately ignored modern safety and emissions standards, which did not exist in 1970 and would unfairly penalize period-correct cars. We also excluded any car that was primarily a muscle car or grand tourer rather than a true sports car, and we did not factor in modern restoration costs or rarity-driven speculation, focusing instead on what the car offered a buyer at the time and how it has aged as a collectible.

What to look for

What actually matters when choosing between these is how you intend to use the car. If you want a daily-drivable classic with strong parts support and modern reliability, the Datsun 240Z or Triumph TR6 are the smart picks. If you prioritize raw acceleration, the Corvette LT-1 is unmatched. For pure handling, the Lotus Elan or Porsche 914/6 deliver. For elegance and touring, the Jaguar E-Type or Mercedes 280SL are superb.

Set a realistic budget for purchase and ongoing maintenance.

The mistake most buyers make is falling for a shiny restoration without checking for rust, especially in floors, sills, and frame rails. They also overlook the cost and availability of parts—British cars like the Lotus and Jaguar can be money pits, while MGB and TR6 parts are cheap and plentiful. Another error is ignoring originality; numbers-matching engines and correct trim command big premiums. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist.

Related questions

What was the best sports car of 1970?

The Datsun 240Z. Its blend of a 151-hp inline-six, modern independent suspension, strong reliability, and a $3,526 price made it the most complete sports car of the year and the one that reshaped the entire affordable-sports-car market.

What was the best value sports car of 1970?

The Triumph TR6 at $3,275 — the cheapest way into a genuine six-cylinder open roadster, with handsome styling, four-wheel independent suspension, and excellent parts support that still make it a bargain classic today.

Why did the 1970 Datsun 240Z change the market?

It offered performance on par with far costlier European cars at roughly half the price, with Japanese reliability the British roadsters could not match. It forced rivals to improve and made sports-car ownership realistic for ordinary buyers.

Which 1970 sports car was the fastest?

The Chevrolet Corvette C3 with the LT-1 engine. Its 370-hp 350 small-block delivered 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, comfortably quicker than every other car on this list.

Which 1970 sports cars are worth the most today?

Early Datsun 240Zs, Jaguar E-Types, Porsche 911S and 914/6 models, the Mercedes 280SL Pagoda, and LT-1 Corvettes have all appreciated dramatically, with the finest examples reaching deep into six figures.

Were these cars reliable when new?

By 1970 standards the Datsun 240Z and Mercedes 280SL were notably dependable and the Porsches solid, while the British cars (MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus) needed more attention, especially their electrical and cooling systems.

How does the 1970 Porsche 911S compare to the Datsun 240Z?

The 911S offers telepathic steering, a free-revving 180-hp flat-six, and superb brakes, but it cost $8,700 versus the 240Z's $3,526. The 240Z delivers 90% of the driving experience at 40% of the price, making it the better overall value.

FAQ

What was the best sports car of 1970?

The Datsun 240Z. Its blend of a 151-hp inline-six, modern independent suspension, strong reliability, and a $3,526 price made it the most complete sports car of the year and the one that reshaped the entire affordable-sports-car market.

What was the best value sports car of 1970?

The Triumph TR6 at $3,275 — the cheapest way into a genuine six-cylinder open roadster, with handsome styling, four-wheel independent suspension, and excellent parts support that still make it a bargain classic today.

Why did the 1970 Datsun 240Z change the market?

It offered performance on par with far costlier European cars at roughly half the price, with Japanese reliability the British roadsters could not match. It forced rivals to improve and made sports-car ownership realistic for ordinary buyers.

Which 1970 sports car was the fastest?

The Chevrolet Corvette C3 with the LT-1 engine. Its 370-hp 350 small-block delivered 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, comfortably quicker than every other car on this list.

Which 1970 sports cars are worth the most today?

Early Datsun 240Zs, Jaguar E-Types, Porsche 911S and 914/6 models, the Mercedes 280SL Pagoda, and LT-1 Corvettes have all appreciated dramatically, with the finest examples reaching deep into six figures.

Were these cars reliable when new?

By 1970 standards the Datsun 240Z and Mercedes 280SL were notably dependable and the Porsches solid, while the British cars (MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Lotus) needed more attention, especially their electrical and cooling systems.

What should I look for when buying a 1970 sports car today?

Rust is the biggest issue across all models. Inspect floors, sills, frame rails, and suspension mounts. Originality and numbers-matching engines command premiums. Parts availability varies: MGB, TR6, 240Z, and Corvette have excellent support; Lotus and 914/6 are scarcer.

How does the 1970 Porsche 911S compare to the Datsun 240Z?

The 911S offers telepathic steering, a free-revving 180-hp flat-six, and superb brakes, but it cost $8,700 versus the 240Z's $3,526. The 240Z delivers 90% of the driving experience at 40% of the price, making it the better overall value.

What are the common rust points on a 1970 Triumph TR6?

Common rust areas include the sills, floor pans, inner and outer wings, and the boot floor. Check the chassis outriggers and the rear spring mounts. Repairing structural rust can be expensive, so a thorough inspection is essential before purchase.

Sources

• https://www.roadandtrack.com/
• https://www.caranddriver.com/
• https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools
• https://bringatrailer.com/
• https://www.sportscarmarket.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun_240Z
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR6
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_911_(classic)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette_(C3)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_E-Type

Related on PULSE

• [More sports cars 1970 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)