The existence of underrated or undervalued performance cars is a curious phenomenon, but not an uncommon one. These are the hidden champions that don’t always make the headlines or fetch high prices at auctions despite their status as all-time classics.

This list includes 14 performance cars that we think are grossly undervalued. We will base this on their various performance attributes and how rare they compare to the value that they command on the market.

Aston Martin DB9

2003 Aston Martin DB9
Image Credit: Aston Martin.

Including an Aston Martin might seem strange, but the DB9 is an excellent grand tourer that doesn’t sell for as much as you’d expect. The DB9 is possibly the most fabulous Aston Martin of the modern era, thanks to its incredible design and the 5.9-liter V12 engine under the hood, producing 450 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

That V12 produced an exceptional soundtrack, and it’s still one of the best engines to sit in an Aston Martin. The DB9 also had a gorgeous interior, which was comfortable even on continent-crossing European drives. Despite their rarity and prowess, the average value of a DB9, according to Classic.com, is just $51,495, with the lowest sale figure of $22,494.

2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
Image Credit: Chevrolet.

Figuring out which muscle car version to buy can be tricky, as there are so many. However, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 makes a good case for itself and is criminally undervalued. Under the hood, you will find abundant power thanks to the 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque.

The top speed is 184 mph, and the 0-60 mph time is just 3.6 seconds. The 2015 ZL1’s exterior design still holds up nicely, and it looks just as aggressive as the latest versions of the Camaro. Plus, it’s not expensive either. Classic.com states that the average value is $48,841.

2017 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Z06

2017 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Z06
Image Credit: Chevrolet.

Amongst the hype surrounding the current Chevrolet Corvette Z06, it is easy to forget just how good past versions are. The 2017 C7 Corvette Z06 is truly special and perhaps one of the most underrated sports cars on the market. Power comes from a vast 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces 650 hp and 637 lb-ft of torque.

An eight-speed automatic transmission allows for seamless gear shifts. The top speed is 205 mph, and 0-60 mph takes just 2.95 seconds. The C7 Z06 is still sleek, modern, and aggressive as it was when Chevrolet launched the car. Plus, it comes with plenty of tech, such as a Bose audio system and Apple and Android connectivity.

First-Generation Audi R8

Audi R8
Image Credit: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Audi R8 has now left the Audi lineup for good, yet the first-generation might still be the best. Thanks to market values, it won’t cost an arm and a leg on the used market. Initially, the R8 had the 4.2-liter Audi FSI V8 taken from the RS4, but Audi would later add a version of the 5.2-liter V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo.

While the V10 is a mighty powertrain, the V8 was still good enough for 414 hp, and the soundtrack was one of the best of any Audi. With more people leaning towards the later V10 models, first-generation V8 R8s are some of the most undervalued cars on the market.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Image Credit: nakhon100, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Top Gear race when Jeremy Clarkson drove the Ferrari 612 Scalgietti showed us how good the Ferrari four-seater could be. The 612 replaced the 456, arriving in 2004, and it had a mighty 5.8-liter V12 under the hood; however, the design of the 612 didn’t resonate as much as the 456.

Once you got behind the wheel of the 612, however, as Clarkson showed us, that changed. Despite its longer wheelbase, it still handled brilliantly, and it was the perfect Ferrari for long-distance driving. The odd styling meant it went unloved, but you can pick one up for under $100,000.

2015 Ford Mustang GT

2015 Ford Mustang GT
Image Credit: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Some generations of the Ford Mustang are a bit hit-and-miss, although the 2024 model might be one of the best yet. However, the 2015 Mustang GT is an excellent choice for those on a more budget thanks to the 5.0-liter V8 with 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

A look at Classic.com reveals how affordable the 2025 Mustang GT currently is. The average value is $41,857, which is extremely good for a V8 muscle car producing over 400 hp. Looks-wise, the 2025 Mustang is one of the best Ford has made, which is even more reason to snag a bargain while we still can.

Ferrari 348TB

Image Credit: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Amazingly, there is another Ferrari that you can pick up for less than $100,000: the 348TB. When the 348TB launched, it had a lukewarm reception, primarily because rivals from Lamborghini and Chevrolet could go faster and produce more power. Yet, slowly but surely, there is more appreciation coming the 348TB way.

Under the hood, you still get a fantastic V8 soundtrack thanks to the 3.4-liter 296 hp engine, and the power goes through a transverse manual transmission. This transmission has its roots in the one from the Ferrari 312T F1 car. The sleek, smooth proportions of the 348 are slowly winning it more and more fans, and the average value is only around the $69,000 mark.

TVR Tuscan Speed Six

TVR Tuscan Speed Six
Image Credit: The Car SpyCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

TVR’s reputation is well known. The British sports car manufacturer is famous for producing fast, powerful cars with vivid interiors and unusual design features, including no airbags. The Tuscan Speed Six is no different, yet under that wild design lies a fabulous performance car.

Under the hood is a range of the TVR Speed Six inline-six engines, producing up to 380 hp. The dramatic Tuscan has smooth, sleek lines, hidden door handles, and taillights at the bottom of the rear end, just above the exhaust. If you think that’s mad, the rear indicators at the top of the rear window are even crazier! With an average value of $28,454, according to Classic.com, you can’t go wrong.

Lotus Elan M100

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Later versions of the Lotus Elan are regularly overlooked due to the iconic status earlier examples attained. Yet the Elan M100 is easily one of the best, and, with its modernized design and superb handling, it might be the best Elan of the lot.

Under the hood was an Isuzu engine, which might not sound like much, but it was a twin-cam with turbocharging. With 167 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, this lightweight sports car was an absolute blast in the corners, made even better thanks to its independent suspension at the front and rear.

1961 Volvo P1800

1961 Volvo P1800
Image Credit: Staffan Andersson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

If you want a performance car from a different era, look no further than the 1960s Volvo P1800. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 100 hp, which increased to 120 hp. In 1968, Volvo added a 2.0-liter engine producing 118 hp.

It does not have much power compared to modern sports cars, but it is plenty for this icon of the 1960s. The P1800 would also appear in The Saint, starring legendary British actor Roger Moore, helping to increase Volvo’s popularity. It was so popular that Volvo made the P1800 ES, a shooting brake version that added practicality to the coupe.

Nissan 370Z

Nissan 370Z Clubsport 23
Image Credit: Nissan USA

The new 2024 Nissan Z means that some of the older Nissan Zs will become relics of the past, which is true of the Nissan 320Z. It was a significant improvement over the 350Z before it, and under the hood of the 370Z was a 3.7-liter VQ37 V6 engine with 332 hp, and you had either a choice of a seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission or the more popular six-speed manual.

Despite one or two flaws, the 370Z remains a sports car bargain. On average, you may only pay around $25,000 for one in good condition. You can expect to pay slightly more for a manual version because they are more desirable.

Third-Generation Dodge Viper

2004 Dodge Viper
Image Credit: Real Photo Services/Flickr.

The early versions of the Dodge Viper were monsters and often lacked crucial driving aids such as ABS and even airbags. By the time the third generation came around, Dodge had calmed down. The Viper was still a raw sports car, but it tried to look after the driver instead of killing them.

The ZB I generation underwent a massive redesign, with updated styling modernizing the Viper. Under the hood of the RoadstRoadster 500 hp 8.3-liter Viper V10 engine, which increased to 510 hp in the coupe version. According to Classic.com, you can pick up a third-generation Viper for around $62,505, with the lowest recorded sale of $33,000.

2004 Porsche 911 Carrera

2004 Porsche 911 Carrera
Image Credit: Porsche.

Nearly every generation of the Porsche 911 is a winner, but the 2004 911 Carrera often falls into the shadows thanks to the more modern versions. Under the hood of the 2004 Carrera is a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 325 hp and some of the smoothest power delivery of any sports car. It’s one of the cleanest designs of any Porsche 911, with soft lines and uncluttered bodywork letting it pop.

Depending on the version of the 2004 911, you can pay different amounts. The cheapest is the 4S Cabriolet, which can sell for around $16,900, while the most affordable you would pay for a Carrera coupe is roughly $27,000.

2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 55 AMG

2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 55 AMG
Image Credit: Mercedes.

While most famous for its luxury sedans, Mercedes also knows a thing or two about performance. From 2001 to 2011, it produced the SL-Class, which was a luxury grand tourer with a massive V8 under the hood. Thanks to AMG tuning, this stunning roadstRoadsterced 510 hp.

The speed figures are impressive, too. 0-60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds, while the top speed of the SL 55 AMG is 155 mph. An electronically adjustable rear spoiler aids in creating downforce, and for those summer days, the Mercedes also comes with an optional panoramic sunroof.

Author: Henry Kelsall

Henry is a freelance writer, with a love for all things motoring whether it be classic sports cars, or Formula 1 racing. He has freelanced for over eight years now, mostly in automotive matters, but he has also dabbled in other forms of writing too. He has a lot of love for Japanese classics and American muscle cars, in particular the Honda NSX and first-generation Ford Mustang. When not writing, Henry is often found at classic car events or watching motorsports at home, but he also has a curious passion for steam trains and aviation.

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