Table of contents
Introduction
From day one, car enthusiasts develop a love for legendary dream cars. These dream cars are often the highest performing, most expensive, and eye-catching examples of automotive perfection. As a kid, I was enamored with cars and owned my dream cars. At least, in the form of Hot Wheels and Matchbox Cars.
Dream cars play an important role in a car enthusiast’s world. Having a car to want to own one day that is so unreachable can inspire us to work harder to one day achieve that goal. Personally, I am fortunate enough to own one of my dream cars: a Chevy Chevelle. However, there are still some cars that I dream of owning one day, or at the very least, experiencing one behind the wheel.
In today’s segment, we’re going to cover some of the most popular dream cars amongst enthusiasts. Read on and see if your dream car made the list!
Most Popular Dream Cars
#1 Porsche 911
Since 1964, the Porsche 911 has been one of the most iconic sports cars ever created. Despite the car being around for decades, you can easily identify a 911 anywhere. The Porsche 911, whether air-cooled or water-cooled, is widely used in motorsports and has a pedigree of victory. Ranging from the base Carrera model to the legendary GT3RS, the 911 is a capable road car for any enthusiast.
What makes the Porsche 911 so special is Porsche’s mastery of the rear engine, rear wheel drive platform. While this layout may have caused a reputation with its “Widowmaker” 911 Turbo, it has allowed the car have incredible handling due to the weight placed on the powered wheels.
For me, the Porsche 911 has always been a dream car of mine. Specifically, I love the 964 model of the 911. The sound of the flat-six engine is iconic. The platform, overall, is raw and caters to the driving experience. Should I ever be lucky enough to own one, it may be the one car I never modify because it seems so perfect.
#2 Nissan GT-R
Since before the dawn of the Fast and the Furious saga, car enthusiasts have longed to own a Nissan GT-R. When Nissan crafted the GT-R, it became known for its winning racing history and driving dynamics. The RB Series inline 6 motors are sought after for those modifying their cars and those looking for a performance project car.
What makes the GT-R a popular dream car is its combination of eye-catching appearance and performance. The old gentleman’s agreement from the JDM manufacturers, while limiting production cars to 276 horsepower, reinforced the GT-R’s reputation because its performance seemed much greater than the advertised power number.
Personally, I love the R33 GT-R the most. While the majority will gravitate towards the R34 and R35, I prefer the lines of the R33 better. However, all enthusiasts need to give respect to the true Godzilla: The R32.
Regardless of your preferred generation, the GT-R stands the test of time as a popular dream car around the world.
#3 Toyota Supra
All across the world, you will hear enthusiasts of all age praise the Toyota Supra. While the most popular will always be the MK4 generation, the Supra has a history of being an amazing platform for modifying. Due to its universal dream car status, the MK4 Supra purchase point has skyrocketed. Fortunately, the lesser loved MK3 maintains as one of the coolest cheap sports cars on the market, as long as you address the head gasket issue.
The 2JZ Inline Six cylinder engine has an undeniable exhaust note. A knowledgeable enthusiast can hear this car and identify it from a mile away. In today’s world, the 2JZ is seen in project cars of all kinds. From 180sx/240sx drift car builds to Cressidas, the 2JZ powers many platforms in all kinds of motorsports. Known for its durability and aftermarket part availability, the 2JZ continues to be a go-to engine swap for many car owners.
I love the Supra, but I’m a hipster and prefer the MK2 and MK3. I just love the pop-up headlights and the boxy lines over the never ending curves of the MK4. Also, I’m sorry, but I can’t justify purchasing the MK4 for what some people are charging nowadays. If I’m going to spend 50k plus on a car, I’m looking at a 911.
#4 Chevrolet Corvette
Boomers across the US of A long to own their picturesque dream car. Chevrolet Corvettes have been the uniting symbol amongst middle aged Americans for decades, and for good reason. Despite the stereotypes of Corvette owners, it is a fantastic platform. The wide range of V8 engines, classic appearance, and street cred give buyers every reason to buy a Corvette. Even in today’s used car market, its hard to justify not considering a used Corvette for a project car.
If you are looking at the more desirable models, you will be searching for the Z06 and ZR-1 models. However, if you have big pockets, the split window C2 Corvette will be your target. However, Chevy is pushing its new C8 ZR1 Corvette to the market, so that might be the move to make.
While not every Corvette is a collector’s piece, the Corvette itself displays what you can do with a lighter weight chassis, a big V8, and a dream. If you choose to purchase one of these fine examples of Americana, I encourage you to embrace the stereotype. Be the person with the framed build sheet explaining that its the only Nassau Blue Corvette built on a Tuesday in April at 11am by a worker named Joe. Its an awesome meme and should I ever own a Corvette, you know I’m getting a framed build sheet.
#5 Mazda RX-7
The Rotary-Powered wonder is a great choice for a dream car. The Mazda RX-7 creates a unique driving experience for the owner with its high-revving motor. While some may think the 13B is not worth the hassle, I personally think the rotary engine is 90% the appeal of owning an RX-7.
The RX-7 comes in three generations: The FB, FC, and FD. Most people gravitate towards the FD, but there is a lot of love for the FB and FC. All three generations focus on nimble handling, top end power, and precision driving dynamics. This combination screams road racing domination!
As a kid, I heard tons of my friends lusting over “Han’s Car”, aka the Veilside FD RX-7. Fast forward to today, I have grown in appreciation for the FD, but I love the FC more. The FC is raw and the single turbo model is a fantastic car. One of my close friends is a true rotary enthusiast and is currently building a Turbo FC. I honestly cannot wait to see this car finished because I know its his dream car and his chance of living out his childhood fantasy of owning an FC.
Stef’s Personal Dream Cars
Dream Car #1 Aston Martin Vanquish
Whenever people talk about luxury cars, I’m always the one to introduce the Aston Martins into the conversation. The Vanquish is an iconic grand touring car that deserves its marks. A V12 powered coupe is a dream car of mine for sure. The coolest part of the Vanquish, other than the name, is its styling. Most notably, the side profile of the Vanquish is amazing.
Dream Car #2 Dodge Viper
Sticking with the large engine coupes, I am in love with the Dodge Viper. The roaring V10 and distinct styling is all I need to love the Viper. Also, in kind of a sadistic way, I love the idea of owning a car that commands respect or else it’ll overpower you. My preference is the first generation Dodge Viper as I feel its more driver focused than the later iterations. With that being said, I would never turn down a chance to own any generation of the Viper.
Dream Car #3 Honda NSX
On the other end of the spectrum is the Honda NSX. I love this car for its emphasis on providing a balanced driving experience. The engineers to so much time to develop this legendary sports car and it is everything I want in a dream car. If you ever get the chance, just listen to the NSX going flat out. The exhaust sound is absolutely fantastic.
Conclusion
Car manufacturers have created some truly amazing cars over the years. These cars have developed into personal dream cars of enthusiasts worldwide. Dream cars serve a necessary function as a means of motivating and inspiring enthusiasts into working towards their goal. If their dream car is truly out of reach financially, the dream car motivates the enthusiast to make their car as great as they can to turn their reality car into their dream car. What’s beautiful about the car world is there is always a new icon being built, or a new love for an old car will ignite. Work towards owning or building the car of your dreams and have no regrets with this amazing hobby!
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