Top 10 Sports Cars 1970 — Best Overall + Best Value

1Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z ranks first for delivering Porsche-level engagement and modern engineering at a fraction of the cost, with a $3,526 MSRP. Its 2.4-liter inline-six made 151 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in about 8 seconds and a top speed near 125 mph. All-independent suspension and reliable construction embarrassed costlier European rivals. Pristine Series 1 examples have since sold for over $300,000.

This car suits the enthusiast who wants a genuine sports car experience without British maintenance headaches. It trades away the raw, visceral feel of the 911S for superior everyday usability and dependability. Against the Porsche 911S directly below, it offers roughly 90% of the driving thrill for about 40% of the price, making it the most complete package of the era.

2Porsche 911S 2.2

The Porsche 911S 2.2 ranks second for unmatched steering feel and chassis communication, which set 1970's standard for driver engagement. Its 2.2-liter flat-six made 180 horsepower, enough for a 0-60 mph time of about 8 seconds, but the 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 will pay a premium for it. It trades away the value and reliability of the Datsun 240Z for a more intense, demanding experience. While the 240Z is the smarter all-rounder, the 911S offers a level of connection that remains the gold standard, though its tail-happy handling demands respect.

3Chevrolet 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. That 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 race-bred LT-1 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 noticeably less rewarding on a twisty back road.

4Jaguar 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. 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.

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.

5Triumph 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.

6Porsche 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.

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, and it now commands serious collector money.

7Mercedes-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. At $8,351, it was the priciest car here, but that bought limousine-like durability.

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.

8Alfa 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. It gained lasting fame in the film The Graduate.

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 and accessible.

9Lotus 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.

This Lotus is for the purist who chases handling above all else and accepts 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, making it a specialist's car.

10MG 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 era's best-selling British sports car, it enjoys unbeatable parts support.

This MGB is for the first-time buyer or budget enthusiast who wants a simple, charming, 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

Each car was scored against period standards using weighted criteria: driving fun and handling at 30%, measured performance at 20%, value in period at 15%, reliability at 15%, style and legacy at 10%, and current collectibility at 10%. Data came from period road tests in Road & Track and Car and Driver, Hagerty valuation tools, Bring a Trailer auction results, Sports Car Market reports, and Wikipedia model pages for specification cross-checks.

Deliberately ignored: modern safety and emissions standards, which did not exist in 1970 and would unfairly penalize period-correct engineering. Muscle cars and grand tourers were excluded because they are not true sports cars. Modern restoration costs and rarity-driven speculation were also left out, so the ranking reflects what each car offered buyers 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. For a daily-drivable classic with strong parts support, the Datsun 240Z or Triumph TR6 are the smart picks. For 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.

The mistake most buyers make is falling for a shiny restoration without checking for rust in floors, sills, and frame rails. They also overlook parts cost and availability: British cars like the Lotus and Jaguar can become money pits, while MGB and TR6 parts stay cheap and plentiful. Ignoring originality is another error, since numbers-matching engines and correct trim command big premiums. Always get a specialist pre-purchase inspection.

Related questions

What was the best sports car of 1970?

The Datsun 240Z. Its 151-hp inline-six, fully independent suspension, strong reliability, and $3,526 price made it the most complete sports car of the year. It delivered Porsche-level engagement for roughly 40% of the cost and forced European rivals to rethink their pricing and build quality.

What was the best value sports car of 1970?

The Triumph TR6 at $3,275, the cheapest route into a genuine six-cylinder open roadster. It paired handsome Karmann styling with four-wheel independent suspension and excellent parts support. Running costs stay low, and a strong owner community makes DIY maintenance realistic for first-time classic buyers.

Why did the 1970 Datsun 240Z change the market?

It offered performance on par with far costlier European cars at roughly half the price, backed by Japanese reliability British roadsters could not match. Buyers noticed immediately. Rivals were forced to improve quality and pricing, and sports-car ownership became realistic for ordinary buyers rather than wealthy enthusiasts only.

Which 1970 sports car was the fastest?

The Chevrolet Corvette C3 with the LT-1 engine. Its 370-hp solid-lifter 350 small-block pushed the fiberglass coupe from 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, comfortably quicker than every other car on this list. Nothing else here matched its straight-line violence.

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. The finest examples now reach deep into six figures, with Series 1 240Zs and E-Type roadsters leading the market.

Were these cars reliable when new?

By 1970 standards the Datsun 240Z and Mercedes 280SL were notably dependable, and the Porsches felt solid. British cars including MG, Triumph, Jaguar, and Lotus needed more attention, especially their electrical and cooling systems. That gap drove buyers toward Japanese and German alternatives.

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

Rust is the biggest issue across every model. Inspect floors, sills, frame rails, and suspension mounts carefully. Originality and numbers-matching engines command real premiums. Parts availability varies widely: MGB, TR6, 240Z, and Corvette have excellent support, while Lotus and 914/6 parts are scarcer and pricier.

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 around $8,700 versus the 240Z's $3,526. The 240Z delivers roughly 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 151-hp inline-six, fully independent suspension, strong reliability, and $3,526 price made it the most complete sports car of the year. It reshaped the affordable sports-car market and embarrassed far costlier European rivals on both performance and dependability.

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. It offered handsome Karmann styling, four-wheel independent suspension, and excellent parts support. Those traits still make it one of the most affordable and usable classic sports cars today.

Why did the 1970 Datsun 240Z change the market?

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

Which 1970 sports car was the fastest?

The Chevrolet Corvette C3 with the LT-1 engine. Its 370-hp solid-lifter 350 small-block launched the fiberglass coupe from 0-60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, comfortably quicker than every other car on this list. Nothing else here matched its straight-line acceleration.

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. The finest examples now reach deep into six figures, with Series 1 240Zs and E-Type roadsters leading the market.

Were these cars reliable when new?

By 1970 standards the Datsun 240Z and Mercedes 280SL were notably dependable, and the Porsches felt solid. British cars including MG, Triumph, Jaguar, and Lotus needed more attention, especially their electrical and cooling systems. That reliability gap pushed buyers toward Japanese and German alternatives.

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

Rust is the biggest issue across every model. Inspect floors, sills, frame rails, and suspension mounts carefully. Originality and numbers-matching engines command real premiums. Parts availability varies widely: MGB, TR6, 240Z, and Corvette have excellent support, while Lotus and 914/6 parts 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 around $8,700 versus the 240Z's $3,526. The 240Z delivers roughly 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 rear spring mounts closely. Repairing structural rust can be expensive, so a thorough inspection before purchase is essential.

Which 1970 sports car is easiest to live with today?

The Datsun 240Z and MG MGB MkII are the easiest. Both have strong parts availability, large owner communities, and simple mechanicals. The 240Z adds real performance, while the MGB offers the lowest running costs and the most forgiving learning curve for new classic owners.

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

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