Cars come in all shapes and sizes. Different designs showcase different styles of vehicles and define the era in which the car was built. Some vehicles come in boxy designs; some are streamlined and aerodynamic. Some cars look out of place with their oblong and unique shapes.
The wedge design is almost synonymous with the 70s era when car manufacturers started experimenting with different aerodynamic designs. The wedge-shaped cars on this list embody the signature design featured on some of the most beautiful automobiles from the 1970s. Here are the top 10 wedge-shaped sports cars of all time.
10 BMW M1
This vehicle is as rare as it is sleek. It's one of the rarest BMW classics and a great car from the M division. BMW produced only 400 units when the car made it to the market back in 1978. The wedge design was a massive hit in the 70s, and the design concepts were developed to be stylish and catchy.
The mid-engine sports car has some elements of the Lamborghini design and a previous BMW model, the Turbo. A blend of German and Italian styles in the design vehicle produced a stunning exterior that is still iconic to date.
9 Ferrari/Dino 308 GT4
Would you believe that one of the most revolutionary Ferrari car designs was not actually recognized as a Ferrari until its third year of production? The Dino 308 GT featured a very new and unique wedge design that did not please most of the people in the Italian automaker.
Lead designer Bertone frowned upon the angular concept, and the company dismissed the new Dino. However, upon production, the Dino gained rave reviews from design analysts for its futuristic approach. Consistent sales volume proved Ferrari wrong and prompted the Italian stable to recognize the Dino as part of its line of cars. The design later inspired newer Ferrari generations.
8 Isdera Imperator 108i
Featuring a design concept that bears a striking similarity to the Lamborghinis of today, the Isdera Imperator was one of the most gorgeous car designs to have been unveiled when it hit the market in 1978. Mercedes called the design the CW311 concept.
The design was so advanced and forward-thinking that the car did not even have side mirrors. They were instead replaced by a pair of rearview periscopes that aided the driver in monitoring the road. A quick glance would make you think the car had the engine mounted at the back because of how the windshield stretched so far up to the vehicle's front.
7 Lotus Esprit
The Lotus had a long and streamlined hood to go with its angular styyling. It also featured a twin headlight style that was inspired by Ferrari. The pop-up headlights came up at night then closed during the day.
The vehicle remains legendary because it is one of the wedge design vehicles that endured the '90s change of design and persisted until the new century as the car was still sought after due to its cutting-edge design.
6 Vector W8
Imagine a car whose exterior is made out of carbon fiber and Kevlar material with aluminum finishes and a glossy stylish look with sharp curves and a very futuristic wedge design. The car is not folklore; it was produced in 1987 by American designer and motor enthusiast Jerry Wiegert.
The Vector W8 is very different from some of the wedge cars on this list. While other wedge-shaped vehicles in this list borrowed their design cues from the future, the W8 borrowed from the 1970s.
5 De Tomaso Pantera
Italian designers have consistently wowed the masses with their production of sleek, eye-candy cars that are a pure delight to drive. Though the Pantera was not an Italian purebred, the style aesthetics were evident in this mid-engine coupe.
The car's style was too good to ignore, and combined with a Ford V8 engine, the result was a Beauty and the Beast blend of a machine that produced 326 horsepower back in the 80s. Pretty cool!
4 Lamborghini Countach
No vehicle exemplifies the wedge design concept better than the Countach. Almost all vehicles fitted with the golden bull insignia have a wedge design. It is in the DNA of the company to produce streamlined, angular, and beautiful cars.
The Countach is a true icon for wedge design because it pioneered Lamborghini's use and later perfection of the wedge design. The Countach was unveiled in 1974, and it quickly became the talk of the town due to its sharp looks. It was also the first Lamborghini to feature the trademark scissor doors.
3 DeLorean DMC-12
A true 80s poster boy, the DeLorean was the dream car for many teenage boys at the time. The car was so recognizable and iconic that it featured in numerous movie productions in the era. Its sharp styling and design made it a dream car for so many people.
The vehicle featured a unique style and design concept from famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The engine was at the rear of the car in a VW sort of style. It had gullwing doors and sharp curves with a longer than usual windshield stretching to the car's hood.
2 Maserati Khamsin
The Maserati auto-company is often associated with beautiful high-end luxury cars, and the Khamsin was no different. The car was stylish, unique, and different in so many aspects. The wedges on this vehicle were sharper than in any other vehicle in the era.
When almost all automakers were flocking to the Giugario workshop for car designs, Maserati instead went with Marcello Gandini, and the gamble paid off big time. The Khamsin remains one of the best all-time wedges to have ever hit the market.
1 Lancia Stratos
The Lancia was a genuinely stunning wedge car that debuted in 1973. Astonishingly, this was one of the wedge cars that incorporated more rounded edges in its design, producing an almost modern streamlined automobile. What makes this car even better is the fact it also delivered terrific performances on the race track.
Based on the Stratos zero concept by Gandini, this vehicle features an exceptionally shorter length for a wedge car. Most wedge cars were longer with V edges on both the front and the end.