Top 10 Sports Cars 1967 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 earns the top spot as Best Overall for delivering near-Ferrari performance and timeless beauty at a 1967 price of about $5,580. Its 4.2-liter twin-cam straight-six produced 265 horsepower, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in roughly 7 seconds and on to a genuine 150 mph top speed. With independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, it offered handling and stopping power that embarrassed far more expensive rivals.

The E-Type is for the enthusiast who wanted exotic style and pace without the exotic upkeep of an Italian thoroughbred. It trades away the ultimate exclusivity and quad-cam V12 of the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 below it, but it undercuts that car by nearly three times in period price. Compared to the 911S below, it offers more power and a more dramatic presence, though its Lucas electrics and cramped cabin demand a patient owner.

2. Ferrari 275 GTB/4

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 ranks second as the apex of the field, its quad-cam 3.3-liter V12 producing a claimed 300 horsepower for a 0-60 time of about 5.5 seconds and a 163 mph top speed. The rear transaxle gave it superb balance, and the Scaglietti-bodied Pininfarina design remains a masterpiece of the era. Its rarity and pedigree make it the most coveted front-engine Ferrari of the 1960s.

This Ferrari is for the well-heeled collector seeking the ultimate front-engine Ferrari, trading away any pretense of affordability or everyday usability. Compared to the Jaguar E-Type below, it offers more power, higher top speed, and far greater collectibility, but it demands a stratospheric purchase and maintenance cost. Its rarity makes it a museum piece rather than a driver, and its performance edge over the E-Type is marginal in real-world terms.

3. Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 427

The Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 427 ranks third as the best American sports car of 1967, its final C2 year and most refined form. The L71 427 with triple two-barrel carburetors made 435 horsepower, launching the car to 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds—supercar pace for a base price of $4,241 plus options. Independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes gave it handling that belied its muscle-bound reputation.

This Corvette is for the American buyer who wanted brutal speed and head-turning looks without European import prices. It trades away the finesse and balance of the Porsche 911S below it, as the big-block nose-heaviness blunts cornering precision. Compared to the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 above, it offers comparable straight-line performance for a fraction of the cost but lacks the Italian's exotic pedigree and transaxle balance.

4. Porsche 911S

The Porsche 911S ranks fourth as the driver's choice of 1967, its 2.0-liter flat-six producing 160 horsepower with a 0-60 time of about 8.3 seconds. Numbers alone undersell it: the steering feel and balance defined the sports car for decades, and it introduced the iconic Fuchs alloy wheels. At a 1967 MSRP of $6,990, it cost more than the Corvette but less than the Ferrari.

This Porsche is for the precision-focused driver who values engineering over outright muscle, trading away the raw acceleration of the Corvette above it. Compared to the Toyota 2000GT below, it offers sharper handling and a more established pedigree, though its early short-wheelbase chassis could bite at the limit. It is pricier than many faster rivals, but its balance and steering reward a skilled hand in ways raw power cannot.

5. Toyota 2000GT

The Toyota 2000GT ranks fifth as Japan's announcement that it could build a world-class GT, debuting at $7,150—more than an E-Type, 911, or Corvette. Its Yamaha-developed 2.0-liter twin-cam six made 150 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in about 10 seconds and topping 130 mph, wrapped in a sensuous body and beautifully finished cabin. Only 351 were built through 1970, with just a sliver coming to the United States.

This Toyota is for the connoisseur who wanted the rarest, most exotic newcomer of 1967, trading away real-world pace for exclusivity. Compared to the Porsche 911S above, it offers less performance and higher cost but far greater collectibility and a more exotic presence. Its modest 150 horsepower and 10-second 0-60 time lag behind nearly every rival here, yet its scarcity and historical significance make it a blue-chip investment.

6. Datsun 2000 Roadster

The Datsun 2000 Roadster ranks sixth as the Best Value pick of 1967, arriving mid-year with a 2.0-liter SOHC four making 135 horsepower through a slick five-speed gearbox—rare at this price. For roughly $3,000, it could outrun MGs and Triumphs that cost about the same, making it a genuine giant-killer at autocrosses and on back roads. It was quick, tossable, and reliable, qualities that endeared it to budget enthusiasts.

This Datsun is for the budget enthusiast who wanted to embarrass expensive cars, trading away the build and trim quality of European rivals. Compared to the Toyota 2000GT above, it offers less exotic styling and prestige but delivers more performance per dollar and far greater usability. Its 135 horsepower and five-speed gearbox outran costlier British roadsters straight off the showroom floor, and it remains reliable and tunable today.

7. Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider 1600

The Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider 1600 ranks seventh as the romantic's choice, its 1.6-liter all-alloy twin-cam four making about 109 horsepower with a 0-60 time of roughly 11 seconds. It revved sweetly to a 116 mph top speed, and its five-speed gearbox and disc brakes were standard, wrapped in a Pininfarina body that gained fame in The Graduate. The all-alloy engine and balanced chassis made it a joy on winding roads.

This Alfa is for the romantic who wanted Italian style and a singing twin-cam, trading away straight-line speed for charm and character. Compared to the Datsun 2000 above, it offers less power and a slower 0-60 time but far more style and a more rewarding engine note. Its 109 horsepower made it the slow car of the bunch, and rust was a lifelong enemy, yet its timeless design and film fame keep it desirable.

8. Lotus Elan S3

The Lotus Elan S3 ranks eighth as the handling champion of 1967, its featherweight 1,420-pound curb weight making it one of the finest-handling cars of any era. The Lotus-Ford 1.6-liter twin-cam made 105 horsepower, enough to scoot the tiny roadster to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. With a backbone chassis and fully independent suspension, it set a handling benchmark that engineers still cite today.

This Lotus is for the purist who valued handling above all else, trading away comfort, reliability, and practicality for cornering magic. Compared to the Alfa Romeo Duetto above, it offers sharper handling and a faster 0-60 time but a more spartan and cramped cabin. Its fragile fiberglass body and fiddly electrics demand a patient owner, and its lightweight ethos means it lacks the Alfa's charm and style.

9. Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III

The Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III ranks ninth as the last and best of the Big Healeys, its 2.9-liter straight-six making 150 horsepower with a glorious exhaust note. It was a rugged rally veteran with genuine touring ability, a roll-up-window cabin, and old-school charm, all for a 1967 MSRP of $3,570. The trade-off was a hot cockpit and a low-slung body that scraped on rough roads.

This Austin-Healey is for the buyer who wanted big-bore British muscle and rally heritage, trading away the nimble handling of the Lotus Elan above for muscular shove and touring comfort. Compared to the Elan, it offers more power and a more civilized cabin but is heavier and less agile. Its 150 horsepower and rugged build make it a capable grand tourer, though hot footwells and low ground clearance are drawbacks.

10. MG MGB

The MG MGB ranks tenth as the everyman's sports car, its 1.8-liter four making 98 horsepower—modest on paper but delivered with light weight and easy handling. At a 1967 MSRP of $2,615, it was the most affordable real sports car of the year, and its bulletproof simplicity made it endlessly enjoyable and easy to live with. A vast parts and club network means it remains one of the cheapest and easiest classics to own today.

This MG is for the first-time sports-car buyer who wanted affordable, dependable fun, trading away performance and style for simplicity and low cost. Compared to the Austin-Healey 3000 above, it offers less power and a slower 0-60 time but a lighter, more nimble feel and far lower running costs. Its 98 horsepower left it the slowest of the group, and its build was basic next to pricier rivals, yet it taught a generation to love driving.

How we ranked these

We ranked these cars by blending period road-test impressions from Road & Track and Car and Driver with modern auction data from Hagerty, RM Sotheby's, Gooding, and Bring a Trailer. We weighted driving fun and handling at 30%, performance at 20%, value in period at 15%, style and legacy at 15%, reliability at 10%, and current collectibility at 10%. This balanced how the cars felt then with what they became.

We deliberately ignored modern-day usability, fuel economy, safety features, and emissions compliance, as these were not relevant to the 1967 buyer. We also excluded any car that was not a true sports car, such as grand tourers with back seats or muscle cars with fixed roofs. We focused on the driving experience and the cultural impact each model had, not just its spec sheet or current auction price.

What to look for

When choosing between these 1967 sports cars, what matters most is the driving experience you want. The Jaguar E-Type offers a blend of beauty, performance, and value that is hard to beat. The Datsun 2000 gives you the most fun per dollar with its five-speed and 135 horsepower. For pure handling, the Lotus Elan is the benchmark. Consider your budget for maintenance and restoration, as some cars like the Ferrari are far more expensive to own.

The mistake most buyers make is obsessing over horsepower numbers and 0-60 times rather than considering the car's character, reliability, and parts availability. A 98-horsepower MGB can be more enjoyable to drive than a 435-horsepower Corvette if you value agility and simplicity. Also, many buyers overlook the importance of rust and originality, which can dramatically affect both the driving experience and the car's long-term value.

Related questions

What was the best overall sports car of 1967?

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 was our Best Overall pick. It combined near-Ferrari performance—265 horsepower and a 150-mph top speed—with the most beautiful body of the era, all for about $5,580. It undercut rivals by thousands while offering disc brakes and independent rear suspension, making it the most car for the money in 1967.

Which 1967 sports car offered the best value?

The Datsun 2000 Roadster (Fairlady SR311) was our Best Value. For roughly $3,000, it delivered 135 horsepower and a five-speed gearbox, outrunning MGs and Triumphs that cost about the same. It was quick, reliable, and tossable, making it a genuine giant-killer on back roads and at autocrosses.

Why was the Toyota 2000GT so significant in 1967?

The Toyota 2000GT proved Japan could build a world-class grand tourer. It debuted at $7,150, more than an E-Type or 911, with a Yamaha-built twin-cam six making 150 horsepower. Only 351 were built, and it became the first Japanese car to break $2 million at auction, cementing its legacy as a rare and exotic icon.

What made the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 so special?

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 was the apex of the field, with a 3.3-liter quad-cam V12 making 300 horsepower, a 163-mph top speed, and a rear transaxle for balance. Its Scaglietti body is a Pininfarina masterpiece. It cost nearly three times an E-Type, but as a driving and collecting object, it has few peers, with values averaging $3.25 million.

How did the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 427 perform in 1967?

The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray 427 was the final and most refined C2. The L71 427 made 435 horsepower, hitting 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds. With independent rear suspension and four-wheel discs, it handled far better than its muscle-bound reputation implied. It was the best-driving and best-looking American sports car of the year.

What was the driving experience of the Porsche 911S in 1967?

The 1967 Porsche 911S offered a jewel-like 2.0-liter flat-six with 160 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in about 8.3 seconds. Its steering feel and balance defined the sports car for decades, and it introduced the iconic Fuchs alloy wheels. It was the driver's choice for those who valued precision over outright muscle.

Why is the Lotus Elan considered a handling benchmark?

The Lotus Elan S3 weighed only about 1,420 pounds, and its featherweight ethos made it one of the finest-handling cars of any era. With a backbone chassis and fully independent suspension, it set a benchmark that engineers still cite. Its 105-horsepower twin-cam was plenty to make it a joy through corners.

What are the pros and cons of the Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III?

The Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III had a 150-horsepower 2.9-liter straight-six with real shove and a glorious exhaust note. It was a rugged rally veteran with touring ability. However, it had a hot cockpit and low ground clearance, making it less nimble than lighter rivals. It remains a strong, well-loved classic.

FAQ

What was the best overall sports car of 1967?

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 was the best overall. It paired near-Ferrari performance—around 265 horsepower and 150 mph—with the most beautiful body of the era, all for thousands less than its exotic rivals. It offered disc brakes and independent rear suspension, making it a blue-chip classic today.

Which 1967 sports car was the best value?

The Datsun 2000 Roadster was the best value. For about $3,000, it gave you 135 horsepower and a five-speed gearbox, enough to outrun British roadsters that cost roughly the same. It was quick, tossable, and reliable, making it a genuine giant-killer and still an attainable collector car.

Was 1967 really the last year of the Corvette C2 Sting Ray?

Yes, 1967 was the final year of the second-generation Sting Ray, widely considered its most refined form, before the C3 arrived for 1968. The 435-horsepower L71 427 was the headline engine, and the car featured independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, making it a fitting farewell.

Which 1967 sports cars are the most valuable today?

The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 leads by far, averaging around $3.25 million, with alloy cars past $6 million. The Toyota 2000GT, blue-chip E-Types, and big-block Corvettes also trade into six and seven figures. Rarity, originality, and condition drive these values, with matching-numbers cars commanding large premiums.

Why was the Toyota 2000GT so significant?

It proved Japan could build a world-class grand tourer in 1967, debuting at a higher price than an E-Type or 911. With only 351 built, it became the first Japanese car to break $2 million at auction. Its Yamaha-built twin-cam six and exquisite body made it a rare and exotic icon.

Which 1967 sports car is the easiest to own today?

The MG MGB is the easiest to own today. It is the most affordable to buy, mechanically simple, and supported by an enormous parts and club network. Its 98-horsepower engine is modest but reliable, and its light weight makes it fun to drive. It is the friendliest vintage sports car to live with.

What should I look for when buying a 1967 sports car?

Check for rust, especially on British roadsters, the Alfa Duetto, and the Datsun, as it can be severe. Verify originality and documentation, as matching-numbers cars command premiums. Inspect mechanical health, including overheating on Jaguars and Ferraris, and weak synchros on British gearboxes. Provenance is key.

How did the Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider perform in 1967?

The Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider had a 1.6-liter all-alloy twin-cam four making about 109 horsepower, reaching 60 mph in roughly 11 seconds. It was never the quickest, but it offered a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, and a chassis that loved winding roads. Its Pininfarina body gained fame in The Graduate.

What was the top speed of the 1967 Jaguar E-Type?

The 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 had a top speed of about 150 mph, thanks to its 265-horsepower 4.2-liter twin-cam straight-six. This performance, combined with its stunning styling and relatively low price of $5,580, made it the best overall sports car of the year.

How many Toyota 2000GTs were built?

Only 351 Toyota 2000GTs were built through 1970, with just a sliver coming to the United States. This extreme rarity, along with its Yamaha-developed twin-cam six and beautiful body, made it the first Japanese car to break $2 million at auction, with a Solar Red example bringing $1,150,000 on Bring a Trailer.

Sources

• https://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools
• https://rmsothebys.com/
• https://www.goodingco.com/
• https://bringatrailer.com/
• https://www.roadandtrack.com/
• https://www.caranddriver.com/
• https://www.hemmings.com/
• https://www.classicdriver.com/

Related on PULSE

• [More sports cars 1967 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)