10 Iconic Race And Rally Cars Chosen By You

1. Lancia 037

The successor to the Lancia Stratos, this beast of a machine raced in the World Rally Championship from 1982 to 1986. Sporting the classic Martini livery that has become so iconic around the world, the car only won six races but stole the hearts of many, won the 1983 manufacturers’ championship and took the fight to Audi’s Quattro.

2. Tyrrell P34

While not particularly successful, the P34 became so well-known because it was, well, so different to all the rest. The Tyrrell was raced in 1976 and 1977 with its classic six-wheeled configuration, winning one race and scoring 13 other podiums before the FIA ruled that all cars must only have four wheels. Killjoys.

3. Chrysler Viper GTS-R

Debuting in 1996, the Viper GTS-R quickly made a name for itself as a very quick sports car. It won a whole host of iconic events – like three Le Mans class wins, victories at the Nurburgring 24 Hours and the FIA GT Championship. With a roaring V10 engine and aggressive looks, it’s no surprise that the Viper GTS-R became so popular amongst motorsport fans.

4. Plymouth Superbird

Who can forget Richard Petty’s legendary blue Superbird? It was specifically designed for Nascar racing, before a road-going version hit garage forecourts. Despite only racing in 1970 and winning eight races, it has become truly iconic thanks to Petty’s success and stardom, as well as its striking looks led by dat wing. Sadly it was banned for 1971.

5. Peugeot 205 T16

The number of Group B rally cars fondly remembered just proves what a bonkers, crazy but amazing era it was for the World Rally Championship. The 205 T16 won 16 times between 1984 and 1986, dominating the final two years before Group B was banned to claim both of the 1985 and 1986 titles. It was the car every young teen who just passed their driving test wanted and is still held in high regard today.

6. BMW E30 M3

The E30 M3 was not only beautiful but was also a very successful race car in the late 1980s and early 1990s, where on the touring car scene it was one of the vehicles to race. It won numerous titles in DTM, the Italia Superturismo Championship, the BTCC and ETCC. The BMW even won the 1987 World Touring Car Championship , and was raced in several endurance events.

7. Ford Thunderbird

Another legendary racer from the world of Nascar, the Thunderbird was driven in the famous stock car series between 1977 and 1997. However, it was the 1987 to 1988 version that really turned heads. The super-slick, aerodynamic machine took the series to incredible top speeds – at Talladega in ’87 Bill Elliott (who enjoyed great success with the Thunderbird) topped 212mph.

8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Evo was a force to be reckoned with in the WRC, particularly in the late 90s with the IV and V versions. Finnish driver Tommi Mäkinen scored four consecutive titles from 1996 to 1999, with Mitsubishi taking its only constructors’ championship in 1998.

9. Lancia Delta

Through four versions of the Delta, Lancia took 46 WRC victories, six manufacturers’ titles and four drivers’ championships – making it one of the sport’s most successful cars. Through the early stages of the Group A era, the HF 4WD, Integrale, Integrale 16-valve and HF Integrale cemented the Delta as a true legend in the motorsport world.

10. Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R

‘Godzilla’ dominated the Japanese touring car scene in the 1990s, winning all 29 races it entered and taking every title from 1989 to 1993. It took the 1000km Bathurst victory twice and had immense success in the Japanese GT series and other sportscar series. It’s an all-round epic machine with one hell of a nickname.

Thanks for all of your comments in the original article. These are just a few of your suggestions; let us know which other cars would make it on your list!