Top 10 Sports Cars 1973 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The best sports car of 1973 was the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, the homologation special that crowned the air-cooled era at a 1973 MSRP of $25,000 and remains the most coveted classic 911 ever built. The smartest Best Value pick was the Datsun 240Z, a reliable, gorgeous, genuinely fast Japanese coupe that sold new for a 1973 MSRP of about $4,600 and rewrote the rules for what a sports car had to cost.

The year 1973 sat at the very end of the cheap-gas, free-breathing sports-car era. Within months the OPEC oil embargo and tightening emissions rules would choke output across the industry, which is exactly why the cars built before the storm — the Carrera RS chief among them — carry such weight today.

This is a past-tense retrospective: we are ranking what 1973 actually delivered, then noting where those cars stand now with collectors.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We graded every contender on six weighted criteria, leaning on period road tests and modern collector data rather than nostalgia alone.

• Driving fun and handling — 30%. How alive the car felt on a good road, measured against period *Road & Track* and *Car and Driver* impressions.
• Performance — 20%. Real horsepower, real 0-60 mph times, and top speed as recorded in 1973, not brochure optimism.
• Value in period — 15%. What you actually got for the 1973 sticker price versus rivals.
• Reliability — 15%. How well each car held together in daily 1973 ownership, a category where the Japanese and German entries pulled ahead.
• Style and legacy — 10%. Design significance and the mark each model left on the decades that followed.
• Collectibility now — 10%. Current market standing per Hagerty, Bring a Trailer, and Classic.com sale data.

Sources for the rankings include period *Road & Track* and *Car and Driver* tests, the Hagerty Valuation Tool, Bring a Trailer auction results, Classic.com market data, and Wikipedia model histories.

1. Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 🏆 BEST OVERALL

1973 MSRP: $25,000 | Best for: the driver who wanted the purest, fastest, most focused sports car money could buy

The Carrera RS 2.7 was a homologation special built to qualify the 911 for racing, and it became the definitive air-cooled Porsche. Its 2,687 cc flat-six produced 210 bhp, enough to push the lightest cars to 60 mph in roughly 5.6 seconds and on to about 150 mph, all through a five-speed manual driving the rear wheels.

The famous ducktail spoiler, flared rear arches, and Lightweight-spec thin steel made it a road-legal race car, and just 1,580 were built between late 1972 and mid-1973. Today it is blue-chip royalty: clean examples regularly trade well into seven figures, with the rare Lightweight cars among the most valuable 911s in existence.

Pros:

• Sublime, communicative handling that still defines what a sports car should feel like
• Iconic ducktail design and genuine motorsport pedigree
• Air-cooled flat-six character with a thrilling top end
• Towering collectibility that has only climbed for decades

Cons:

• Brutally expensive then and astronomically expensive now
• Lift-off oversteer demands respect and skill at the limit

Verdict: The car that everything else in 1973 was measured against, and the clear Best Overall.

2. Datsun 240Z 💎 BEST VALUE

1973 MSRP: about $4,600 | Best for: buyers who wanted European-style performance with Japanese reliability and a fair price

The 240Z is the car that broke the sports-car cost barrier. Its 2.4-liter overhead-cam straight-six made 151 hp, good for 0-60 mph in the high-7 to mid-8-second range through a five-speed manual and a sophisticated independent rear suspension. For roughly a fifth of the Porsche's price, buyers got a long-nosed, fastback coupe that looked like an E-Type costing four times as much, started every morning, and outran most of its pricier rivals.

It sold in huge numbers and made imports respectable. Once cheap, the 240Z has soared: Hagerty and recent sales put driver-quality cars around the high-$30,000s to mid-$40,000s, with concours examples passing $60,000 and beyond.

Pros:

• Unbeatable performance-per-dollar in its era
• Bulletproof reliability versus its British and Italian rivals
• Timeless long-hood fastback styling
• Strong and rising collector values today

Cons:

• Prone to rust, so honest survivors are getting scarce
• Emissions tuning softened later-year power slightly

Verdict: The thinking buyer's sports car of 1973 and a runaway Best Value.

3. Chevrolet Corvette C3 (Stingray)

1973 MSRP: $5,561 (coupe) | Best for: Americans who wanted big-cubic-inch muscle wrapped in fiberglass glamour

The 1973 Corvette was a transitional C3, the first with a body-color urethane front bumper and the last with a chrome rear. The base 350 (L48) made 190 net hp, the optional L82 350 made 250 hp, and the top 454 (LS4) made 275 hp, with the strong cars hitting 60 mph in under 7 seconds via a manual or automatic and rear drive.

It was loud, fast in a straight line, and unmistakably American. Values vary widely by engine and condition, with big-block and L82 four-speed cars commanding clear premiums over base automatics in the modern market.

Pros:

• Genuine V8 muscle at a relatively accessible price
• Big-block 454 option for serious straight-line punch
• Striking Coke-bottle fiberglass styling
• Plentiful parts and strong club support even now

Cons:

• Crude handling and brakes next to the European entries
• Build quality and interior fit lagged the price

Verdict: The all-American sports car of 1973, best in big-block, four-speed form.

4. Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12

1973 MSRP: about $7,400 | Best for: buyers chasing grand-touring beauty with twelve-cylinder smoothness

By 1973 the E-Type had grown into its Series 3 form, powered by Jaguar's new 5.3-liter V12 making 272 hp, enough for 0-60 mph in roughly 6.4 seconds through a four-speed manual and rear drive. The V12 was creamy and quiet, transforming the E-Type from a sharp sports car into a refined, fast grand tourer in its final years.

It remained one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Series 3 values have firmed up considerably, with good cars now trading in the $60,000s on average and the best roadsters reaching well beyond.

Pros:

• Silky 5.3-liter V12 with effortless thrust
• Enduringly gorgeous long-bonnet design
• Surprising grand-touring comfort and refinement
• Rising market for clean Series 3 cars

Cons:

• Heavier and softer than the earlier six-cylinder E-Types
• Complex V12 and Lucas electrics demand careful upkeep

Verdict: The most elegant way to cover ground fast in 1973.

5. De Tomaso Pantera

1973 MSRP: about $10,000 | Best for: the exotic-car buyer who wanted Italian mid-engine drama with Detroit reliability

The Pantera was a Ford-backed Italian supercar sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealers, pairing a steel mid-engine body with Ford's 351 Cleveland V8. US Pantera L cars made about 310 hp, with European GTS versions higher, sending power through a five-speed ZF transaxle for 0-60 mph in the mid-5-second range and 150-plus mph potential.

It looked like a Lamborghini, sounded like a muscle car, and was easier to service thanks to its readily available Ford V8. Driver-quality cars sit in the high five figures today, with sharp examples reaching into six figures.

Pros:

• Genuine mid-engine exotic looks at a relative bargain
• Stout, serviceable Ford 351 Cleveland V8
• Thrilling performance for the money
• Dealer-network parts access unusual for an exotic

Cons:

• Cramped cabin and serious cooling and rust concerns
• Heavy clutch and demanding low-speed manners

Verdict: The most attainable true supercar experience of 1973.

6. BMW 2002 tii

1973 MSRP: about $4,000 | Best for: the enthusiast who valued nimble, tossable real-world fun over outright power

The 2002 tii was the fuel-injected hot version of BMW's beloved boxy two-door, and it arguably launched the modern sports sedan. Its 2.0-liter four with mechanical injection made 130 hp, good for 0-60 mph in about 8.9 seconds and a 116 mph top speed through a manual and rear drive.

What mattered was the feel: tight, balanced, eager, and endlessly entertaining on a winding road. It was practical too, with four seats and a usable trunk. Clean tii examples have appreciated strongly, now trading in the $30,000s to $40,000s for the best cars.

Pros:

• Delightful, chuckable handling balance
• Crisp mechanical fuel injection and willing four-cylinder
• Everyday practicality with genuine sports feel
• Steadily climbing collector interest

Cons:

• Modest straight-line speed versus the V8 entries
• Rust-prone bodies thin out the survivor pool

Verdict: The sports sedan blueprint, and the most usable fun car on this list.

7. Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce

1973 MSRP: about $5,260 | Best for: the romantic who wanted a slick five-speed Italian roadster for spirited back-road drives

For 1973 the Alfa Spider grew to a 2.0-liter twin-cam four producing 129 hp, driving the rear wheels through a sweet five-speed manual for lively if not blistering pace. The Spider's appeal was never about numbers; it was the eager twin-cam soundtrack, the slick gearbox, the balanced chassis, and the open-top Pininfarina styling.

It was a car you drove for the joy of it. Values remain among the more accessible classic roadsters, which keeps the Spider a popular entry point into vintage Italian motoring today.

Pros:

• Glorious twin-cam engine that loves to rev
• One of the best manual gearboxes of its era
• Pretty Pininfarina roadster lines
• Affordable, usable classic even now

Cons:

• Rust and Italian electrics require diligence
• Outright performance trailed pricier rivals

Verdict: The purest open-top driving pleasure per dollar in 1973.

8. Mercedes-Benz 450SL (R107)

1973 MSRP: about $12,773 | Best for: the buyer who wanted a fast, solid, all-weather luxury convertible built to last

The R107 450SL arrived for 1973 as the definitive boulevard SL, powered by a 4.5-liter V8 making 190 net hp for a smooth 0-60 mph of about 8.4 seconds, typically through a three-speed automatic to the rear wheels. It was heavy and built like a vault, prioritizing refinement, safety, and durability over knife-edge sharpness.

With its removable hardtop and soft top, it was the rare 1973 sports car you could comfortably drive every day for decades. Values are firm and rising for well-kept early cars, which collectors prize for their cleaner chrome bumpers.

Pros:

• Tank-like build quality and long-term durability
• Smooth, torquey V8 and serene cruising
• All-weather usability with two roofs
• Steady, appreciating market for early R107s

Cons:

• Heavy and soft, more grand tourer than sports car
• Automatic dulls the driving engagement

Verdict: The most livable and best-built convertible of 1973.

9. Triumph TR6

1973 MSRP: about $4,095 | Best for: the traditionalist who wanted a muscular, honest British roadster on a budget

The TR6 was the last of the burly, body-on-frame British sports cars, with a handsome Karmann-styled body over a 2.5-liter inline-six. US cars by 1973 were carbureted and made roughly 104 hp, enough for a 0-60 mph of around 11 seconds through a manual and rear drive, but the appeal was the torquey six, the wind-in-your-hair character, and the rugged simplicity.

It was a proper old-school roadster you could fix in your own garage. Driver-quality TR6s remain affordable, with restored examples climbing as the supply of clean cars tightens.

Pros:

• Gutsy inline-six torque and great roadster character
• Handsome, masculine styling
• Simple, owner-serviceable mechanicals
• Affordable entry into classic British roadsters

Cons:

• Detuned US emissions engine blunted the performance
• Rust and aging electrics need ongoing attention

Verdict: The last great old-school British roadster, and a budget classic favorite.

10. Fiat X1/9

1973 MSRP: about $3,917 | Best for: the budget enthusiast who wanted a mid-engine chassis and razor-sharp handling

Launched into the market by 1973, the Bertone-designed X1/9 brought genuine mid-engine layout to the masses. Its transverse 1.3-liter four made just 75 hp, so straight-line speed was modest, but the mid-mounted engine, low weight, four-wheel disc brakes, and removable targa roof made it handle far above its price and power class.

It was the cheapest way to experience a true mid-engine sports car, and it taught a generation about balance and feel. Values stay modest, keeping the X1/9 one of the most affordable classic sports cars to enjoy today.

Pros:

• Real mid-engine handling at an entry-level price
• Clever targa roof that stows in the front trunk
• Sharp Bertone wedge styling
• Cheap, accessible classic ownership now

Cons:

• Genuinely slow with only 75 hp
• Notorious rust and parts-supply challenges

Verdict: The budget mid-engine gem that punched far above its price.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One Was Right for You?

What to Look For in a 1973 Sports Car (Then and as a Classic Now)

• Rust is the number one killer. Inspect floors, sills, rear arches, frame rails, and battery trays. The 240Z, Alfa, Fiat, and British cars are especially prone, and hidden corrosion can dwarf the purchase price.
• Originality drives value. Matching-numbers engines, correct date-coded parts, and factory colors command strong premiums, particularly on the Carrera RS, E-Type V12, and big-block Corvette.
• Parts availability varies widely. Corvette, 240Z, and BMW parts remain easy to source; Pantera benefits from shared Ford V8 components; the Carrera RS and E-Type V12 can mean expensive, slow hunts for correct pieces.
• Service history and provenance. Documented maintenance, especially on the complex Jaguar V12 and the injected BMW tii, separates a sound car from a money pit.
• Mechanical condition matters less than nostalgia implies. Engines and gearboxes on these cars are largely rebuildable, and a tired but rust-free, honest example is almost always a better buy than a shiny car hiding corrosion. Buy the body and the story first; the mechanicals can be sorted.

FAQ

What was the best sports car of 1973? The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. It blended the best handling, real performance, and a motorsport pedigree that has made it the most collectible classic 911, which is why it tops this retrospective ranking.

Which 1973 sports car was the best value? The Datsun 240Z. At roughly $4,600 it delivered performance and styling that rivaled cars costing several times more, plus reliability the European roadsters could not match, making it the standout value buy.

Why is 1973 considered the end of an era for sports cars? The OPEC oil embargo struck in late 1973 and tightening emissions rules followed, so cars built that year were among the last from the cheap-gas, free-breathing period before power outputs fell sharply across the industry.

Which 1973 sports cars have appreciated the most? The Porsche Carrera RS 2.7, the Datsun 240Z, and the Jaguar E-Type V12 have all climbed dramatically. The Carrera RS now trades in seven figures, while the 240Z went from cheap to a $40,000-plus collectible.

Was the 1973 Corvette fast? In big-block 454 or L82 350 four-speed form, yes, with 0-60 mph times under 7 seconds. The base 190 hp automatic was much milder, so engine choice heavily shaped both the performance and the value.

Is a 1973 sports car practical to own today? The Datsun 240Z, BMW 2002 tii, and Mercedes 450SL are the most usable, thanks to durability and parts support. The British and Italian roadsters reward owners who enjoy hands-on maintenance.

Bottom Line

The year 1973 captured the sports car at a turning point, delivering the immortal Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 just as the oil embargo and emissions era closed the curtain on cheap, free-breathing performance. The Carrera RS 2.7 stands as the Best Overall, a homologation legend that has only grown in stature, while the Datsun 240Z remains the Best Value, the car that proved a sports car could be fast, beautiful, reliable, and affordable all at once.

From the V12 elegance of the E-Type to the mid-engine bargain of the Fiat X1/9, 1973 offered a remarkable spread of character. For collectors today, the lesson is consistent: buy the rust-free, honest, well-documented example, and these cars will reward both the heart and, increasingly, the wallet.

Sources

• Hagerty Valuation Tool — 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, Datsun 240Z, Corvette C3, Jaguar E-Type SIII, De Tomaso Pantera L, BMW 2002 tii, Mercedes-Benz 450SL, Triumph TR6, and Fiat X1/9 listings (hagerty.com)
• Bring a Trailer — auction results for 1973-era Carrera RS, 240Z, E-Type V12, and Pantera (bringatrailer.com)
• Classic.com — Jaguar E-Type Series 3 and Mercedes-Benz 450SL R107 market data (classic.com)
• Supercars.net and Stuttcars.com — Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 specifications and history
• CorvSport and Conceptcarz — 1973 Chevrolet Corvette C3 specifications, engine options, and pricing
• Automobile-Catalog — performance figures for the 240Z, E-Type V12, 450SL, Alfa 2000 Spider, and BMW 2002 tii
• Wikipedia — De Tomaso Pantera, Fiat X1/9, Triumph TR6, and Jaguar E-Type model histories
• Period *Road & Track* and *Car and Driver* road tests (1972-1973 issues)
• Ultimatespecs and Auto-data.net — technical specifications and dimensions across the field
• CarGurus and JD Power — 1973 Triumph TR6, MGB, and Alfa Romeo Spider pricing and specifications

*Sports car review — 1973 sports car reviews, rating, best sports car 1973, and a retrospective review of the top vintage sports car picks for buyers and collectors.*