This two-seater Italian vehicle was aerodynamically designed for speed with carbon fiber, aluminum, and Kevlar paneling. It was equipped with a 2.9-liter V8 engine capable of producing 471 hp and 426 lb-ft. 

The Ferrari F40 had a five-speed manual transmission with a reverse gear and a 31.7-gallon fuel tank. Additionally, this model was the fastest Ferrari at the time and could reach 62 mph in 4.7 seconds with an impressive top speed of 199 mph. 

2. Lancia Stratos HF

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The title for best rally car from the 1970s belongs to the Lancia Stratos HF. The Lancia Stratos HF is believed by many to be the first car to ever be developed solely for competing in the World Rally Championship. This Italian rally sports car impressively won the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975, and 1976. It also won the prestigious Tour de France Automobile a whopping five times. 

The Lancia Stratos HF was designed by Marcello Gandini from the prestigious design house Bertone. However, there were three other people heavily involved in this rally car’s production. These people were British racer and engineer Mike Parkes, Lancia team manager Cesare Fiorio, and factory rally driver Dandro Munari. 

Due to its success, this vehicle was manufactured from 1973 until 1978, and it is estimated that 492 units were produced, with many people still seeking to attain one of these units. Unlike many other models, the Lancia Stratos HF inspired many companies to build replicas and provide kit cars for people to build themselves. 

Additionally, this model featured a transverse mid-engine and was a rear-wheel drive. It was designed with a durable steel space frame and had an integral roll cage and a fiberglass body. The Lancia Stratos HF was equipped with a 2.4-liter engine and had a 5-speed manual transmission. Moreover, it could produce a hp rating of 190 and had a top speed of 147 mph.