11 Of The Sleekest '90s Supercars

An Impressive Era

The '90s often remind us of iconic stuff like waffle crisps, boy bands, video game consoles, and blockbuster movies like Titanic. But that decade also brought supercars that broke speed records.

Ron Dennis

Most Dramatic-Looking Supercars In The '90s

The world fell in love with supercars when manufacturers tried to outdo each other. Their competition gave us exotic record-smashing speedsters like McLaren's F1, Bugatti's EB110, and the Japanese Honda NSX. These 11 supercars ruled the '90s and made history—some so exclusive that there's only one road-safe version worldwide.

Honda NSX 100yen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Pagani Zonda C12

Horacio Pagani confirms that nothing can stop a determined person. When the Argentine engineer faced issues with the suitable engines for his supercar dreams, he approached Mercedes-Benz for a partnership. They offered their powerful V12s, and Pagani successfully revealed the stunning Zonda C12 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Pagani Zonda C12 Chelsea Jay, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

It Wasn't Quite Built For Racing

The Zonda C12 was a fine blend of art, engineering, jet fighters, and racing cars. It even became an exclusive collector's item because Pagani produced only five between 1999 and 2002. Although this model had a 402–444 HP engine, it fell short at the Le Mans races.

Pagani Zonda C12 MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion

According to FIA homologation rules, Porsche had to build street-legal models of its racing cars. When Porsche wanted to participate in GT1 racing, it designed the 911 GT1 Strassenversion. This beauty had a front half resembling the Porsche 993 and a rear like the Porsche 962 sports prototype.

Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion Nunos porsche Museum, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Hybrid Supercar

Merging elements from two supercars created a distinct hybrid design—you can't resist. By 1997, there were about 20 meticulously hand-crafted units. Each had a 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine by Porsche, generating 536 HP. In 2017, a Strassenversion was auctioned for $5.665 million.

Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion The Car Spy, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jaguar XJ220

Jaguar publicized the XJ220 concept at the 1988 Birmingham Motor Show. Its futuristic design and plans for a V12 drew gasps and wows from the audience. However, due to cost and development constraints, Jaguar had to opt for a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. But nothing changed.

Jaguar XJ220 Jaguar MENA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

It Became The World's Fastest Production Car

By 1993, Jaguar started producing XJ220s with V6 engines, delivering a remarkable 542 HP. Despite the smaller engine, the XJ220 stunned enthusiasts in 1994. It reached a 213 mph top speed at the Nardo test track in Italy, and the XJ220 became the world's fastest production car.

Jaguar XJ220 Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Elton John Had This Jaguar

Jaguar attached a hefty price tag on the XJ220 before ending production with only 281 units. But $500,000 was loose change for Sir Elton John. Years later, in 2021, he auctioned his XJ220 for $329,706, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest car sale by a celebrity.

Elton John Had This Jaguar Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 and Jagvar, Wikimedia Commons

McLaren F1

When McLaren's CEO, Ron Dennis, got tired of the normal, he gathered a team—including Gordon Murray and Peter Stevens—to design a road-going version of F1 speedsters. They built a three-seat car with the driver sitting in the center, not left or right, and two passenger seats behind. It shattered a record.

McLaren F1 Chelsea Jay, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

One-Time World Fastest Production Car

Besides looks, the McLaren F1 was the first production car designed with a carbon fiber monocoque chassis. During its 1993 debut, this supercar covered a record-breaking 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. 627 HP and 240 mph were insane figures. David Beckham and Jay Leno couldn't resist.

McLaren F1 Eliot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

JaguarSport XJR-15

In 1988, Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) collaborated to create a road car inspired by the legendary Jaguar XJR-9 race car. By 1990, the Jaguar XJR-15 prototype debuted at the Birmingham Motor Show with a striking Peter Stevens design (the same one from McLaren F1). It was the first of its kind.

JaguarSport XJR-15 Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

It Was The First Of A New Breed

The XJR-15 had a carbon fiber monocoque chassis as the world's first mass-produced car built with only carbon fiber and Kevlar composites. The material made all 53 units weigh less with better structural integrity. Its 6.0-liter V12 performs well enough (450 HP) for the XJR Challenge series drivers.

JaguarSport XJR-15 Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ferrari F50

In 1989, Ferrari set out to create a successor to the iconic F40. They wanted Formula One technology on the streets. After hiring Pininfarina to handle designs, they displayed the Ferrari F50 at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show. As expected, it had a Formula One-inspired engine.

Ferrari F50 MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Celebrities Loved This Italian Speedster

Ferrari's 4.7-liter V12 could reach 202 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.87 seconds. Nicolas Cage and Michael Schumacher each bought an F50. And because Ferrari wanted to keep appealing to high-end consumers, they only released 349 units meticulously hand-built in Maranello.

Ferrari F50 Aécio Neves, CC BY 2.0 and Alexandre Prévot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bugatti EB110

After years of dormancy, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired Bugatti and decided to revive the brand with a stunning supercar. During its 1991 launch, the model's name honored founder Ettore Bugatti's 110th birthday. The EB110 debuted with a carbon fiber chassis, all-wheel drive, and a V12 with four turbochargers.

Bugatti EB110 Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

It Became The World's Fastest Car

The 603-HP EB110 Super Sport beat the Lamborghini Diablo's record after recording 212.5 mph in May 1992 at the Nardo test track. It was so fast that Formula One legend Michael Schumacher reportedly crashed his yellow Super Sport into a truck in 1994 due to inadequate brakes.

Bugatti EB110 Edvvc, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Nissan R390

'90s gearheads will remember the R390 as Nissan's FIA GT1 racer at the 1997 and 1998 Le Mans. Nissan launched this project with NISMO (Nissan Motorsport). The R390's aerodynamic form was complemented by a mid-mounted 3.5-liter twin-turbo BRH35L V8 delivering 650 HP.

Nissan R390 Morio, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The R390 Has A Rare Version

Nissan produced only one road-going version—the same twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the race car but detuned to 550 HP. It was never sold and is currently stored at NISMO's Zama warehouse. Former F1 driver Erik Comas's R390 is a racing variant made road-legal by Andrea Chiavenuto.

Nissan R390 Morio, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dauer 962 Le Mans

Here's another offspring of Porsche's 962 race car. In 1994, Jochen Dauer transformed the legendary 962 into the Dauer 962 Le Mans. He wanted a street-fit supercar that kept the thrill of its racing roots. His designers added a lightweight carbon fiber body, luxurious interiors, and incredible power.

Dauer 962 Le Mans Martin Lee, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

This Hand-Built Car Had A Hefty Price Tag

By 1995, Dauer had only five ready because they had to be meticulously hand-crafted. Each had a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine generating 730 HP with advanced features like adjustable hydraulic suspension. Fortunately, it was worth the time spent. Dauer sold each coveted supercar at a staggering $1.2 million.

Dauer 962 Le Mans Martin Lee, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

First-Generation Honda NSX

When Honda's president, Tadashi Kume, wanted a sports car that could rival Europe's best, Honda decided to build the first production car with an aluminum semi-monocoque. Then, they added Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) so the car could achieve a higher 8,000 RPM redline.

Honda NSX ed g2s • talk, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jerry Seinfeld Owns This Movie Star

Honda owes Ayrton Senna, though; he convinced them to stiffen the chassis after refining the suspension and handling. The NSX's innovative features were impressive enough to win Motor Trend's 1991 Import Car of the Year. Besides featuring in The Fast and the Furious, collector Jerry Seinfeld also owns one.

Honda NSX David Shankbone, CC BY 2.0 and Charles01, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lotus Elise GT1

While Lotus wanted to race in the FIA GT Championship, it also wanted a vehicle it could put on the streets. After a long glance at its Elise sports car, Lotus designed a prototype with a 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8, lightweight aluminum chassis, and carbon fiber body.

Lotus Elise GT1 Mariegriffiths at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Track Racer And Gaming Star

Sadly, all Elise GT1s at the 1997 Hockenheim debut exited early due to alternator issues. However, Lotus produced only one road version to meet homologation requirements. It had the Lotus Type 918 twin-turbo V8 with 360 HP. Gamers recognize this supercar from Forza Horizon 4, 5, and Motorsport 7.

Lotus Elise GT1 Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons