The name of this famous Lamborghini says it all. Legend has it that when the factory workers first saw the car, one of them exclaimed "countach" -- the local Piedmontese word for "wow." And "wow!" is right- the Countach was a real head turner, unlike anything else on the road when it was first produced in 1974. The wide, low, angular model featured scissor doors and was among the earliest super cars.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Lamborghini Countach
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #10 Lamborghini Countach
Image Credit: Kim Sayer/CORBIS
Nissan Skyline R32
Considering the computer power that goes into the Nissan Skyline, it’s no surprise that the car has been called "a Playstation on wheels." The driver can connect a laptop to the engine management system to tweak power and emissions controls for more horsepower and speed.
WATCH: Greatest Sports Cars Ever: Nissan Skyline R32
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #9 Nissan Skyline R32
Image Credit: Edwin Cheng
Corvette Sting Ray
When it comes to cars, the Corvette C2, also known as the Sting Ray, is the original American idol. For the last 50 years, the classic expression of the American love for driving has boasted a V8 engine and a lot of power. Unlike most European and Japanese sports cars, the Sting Ray goes for muscle over refinement; its critics call it "crude."
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Corvette Sting Ray
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #8 Corvette Sting Ray
Image Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Aston Martin DB5
Simply put, there’s a reason James Bond drives an Aston Martin. Totally unlike the Corvette, which exuded American muscle and power, the Aston Martin is the epitome of British elegance, with a touch of glamour added by 007. Too bad it’s hindered by a pretty basic flaw: a strong tendency to break down.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Aston Martin DB5
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of All Time: #7 Aston Martin DB5
Image Credit: Kevin Parry/WireImage
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Form and function rarely fit so well together as in the Mercedes Gullwing SL, also known as the 300 SL. Both aerodynamic and gorgeous, the car stunned the world upon its arrival. The gull wing doors were born out of practical need, but added what soon became a signature touch.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Mercedes Gullwing SL
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #6 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Image Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Enzo Ferrari
Ferrari may be the ultimate sports car company, and the Enzo is a big part of the reason why. It doesn’t have the smooth, sexy lines of most of Ferrari’s other models, but the Enzo packs a real punch.
WATCH VIDEO: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Ferrari Enzo
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #5 Enzo Ferrari
Image Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images
E-Type Jaguar
Born out of and defined by the groovy 1960s, the Jaguar E-Type is possibly the most beautiful car ever made, and definitely the most phallic. Among the first production cars, the E-Type, known in the US as the XK-E, boasted an improved form of the engine that powered its famous racing predecessor, the D-Type.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Jaguar E-Type
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #4 E-Type Jaguar
Image Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images f
McLaren F1
To cut to the chase, the McLaren F1 is the fastest road car in the world. The 627 horsepower engine powers an all carbon composite body that’s lighter than just about anything else on the road, so the F1 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The car is about function over form: It’s not as beautiful as the Jaguar E-Type or most Ferraris, but it beats the pants off them in a speed contest.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: McLaren F1
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #3 McLaren F1
Image Credit: Martyn Goddard/Corbis
Mazda Miata
Compared to names like Ferrari and Lamborghini, Mazda seems like an unlikely choice to take the second place spot on this list. But the best selling two seat convertible of all time may well be the most influential sports car of its time. Light and low with great balance and power to weight ratio, the Miata is fun to drive and handles well.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Mazda Miata
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #2 Mazda Miata
Image Credit: Car Culture/Corbis
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is legendary for a lot of reasons, and that’s what lands it at the top of this list. It's been around since 1964, and is perhaps best known for starring alongside Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, about the famed 24 hour race.
WATCH: Top 10 Greatest Sports Cars: Porsche 911
READ MORE: Top Classic Sports Cars of all Time: #1 Porsche 911
Image Credit: Car Culture/Corbis
Check out More Slideshows from Discovery.com...
How to Brew Your Own Beer (in an Apartment)
Best and Worst of Summer Blockbusters: What To See, What To Skip, Who To Watch for
8 Surprisingly Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars
The Wildest Places Left on Earth
-- Million: The value of jewels stolen from the hotel room of a Swiss luxury watchmaker and jeweller at the Cannes film festival
Big Quote
"I don't ever want to lose my kids."
-- Melissa Torrez who hopped in her car and gave chase after a man who had grabbed her 4-year-old daughter from her family's yard. The suspect was caught and charged with attempted kidnapping