Here Are The Fastest Street Legal Cars Since 1949
Just when you think cars can't get any faster, one manufacturer or another pushes the envelope even further. These cars are not only engineering feats with mind-blowing stats, but they're marvels of design and artistry as well. Sit back and enjoy this trip through automotive history as we revisit the fastest production cars over time.
Photo by Niranjan _ Photographs on Unsplash
1. 1949 Jaguar XK120
With a top speed of 126.5 miles per hour and the capability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in ten seconds, the XK120 was the fastest car in the world when it came out in 1949. The beautiful car was also famously driven by Clarke Gabel in 1953's Never Let Me Go.
2. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
With the capability of driving 141 miles per hour, the 300SL beat the Jag for fastest car in the world when it came out in 1955. This was mostly thanks to its innovative aerodynamics and direct fuel injection system that greatly increased its power.
Andrew Basterfield on Wikimedia
3. 1959 Aston Martin DB4
Beating the Mercedes-Benz with a top speed of 152 miles per hour, a record that would be held until 1963, was the DB4. It was one of only 16 cars to hold the record for more than a year since 1949.
4. 1963 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3/L 327
Finally taking the top spot for zippiest car in the world in 1963 with a top speed of 161 miles per hour was the Iso Rivolta Grifo.
It was unique for its combination of Italian design and American engineering, featuring a Chevrolet engine.
Thomas Vogt from Paderborn, Deutschland on Wikimedia
5. 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
The P400 was the world's first mid-engine layout car, meaning its engine was situated behind the driver, improving its aerodynamics and handling. That bold innovation paid off with the P400 reaching a top speed of 171 miles per hour.
6. 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
With a top speed of 174 miles per hour, the 365 GTB/4 beat the P400 by just three miles per hour, making it the fastest production car in the world. Its nickname "Daytona" commemorated Ferrari's 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona race the previous year.
7. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO
It took another Ferrari to finally beat the 365 for fastest car in the world. Built for a road racing series that never came to fruition, the car had a top speed of 189 miles per hour and could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds.
8. 1986 Porsche 959
This car might look too cute to be fast, but it has even more power than the aggressively-designed Ferraris. With a top speed of 197 miles per hour, it won the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally.
9. 1987 Ferrari F40
Ferrari couldn't give up the crown for long. They came back full swing in 1987 with the F40, the last car to be approved by Enzo Ferrari before his death.
The supercar had a top speed of 201 miles per hour and could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds.
10. 1991 Bugatti EB110 GT
Finally beating out Ferrari for the world's fastest road legal car, the EB110 GT could reach a top speed of 213 miles per hour. This impressive speed was largely due to its lightweight carbon-fiber body, an innovative material choice for the time.
11. 1992 Jaguar XJ220
The XJ220, with its elegant and aerodynamic design, achieved a top speed of 217 miles per hour, taking the crown from Bugatti. It featured a honeycomb aluminum chassis which kept the car super light.
Jagvar at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
12. 1993 McLaren F1
The F1 redefined the supercar category, well beating the XJ220 for fastest car in the world with a top speed of 240 miles per hour. It featured plenty of groundbreaking innovations including a three-seat layout that placed the driver in the middle, and a gold-lined engine bay designed to reflect heat.
PSParrot from England on Wikimedia
13. 2005 Bugatti Veyron
A true feat of engineering, the Veyron was the first production car to exceed 1,000 horsepower. It achieved a top speed of 253 miles per hour, making it the fastest street legal car in the world upon its release.
14. 2007 Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero
Built almost completely out of carbon fiber, this lightweight beast produced over 1,200 horsepower, a top speed of 256 miles per hour, and could accelerate from 0 to 60 in an astounding 2.
7 seconds. It was unbeaten as the fastest production car from 2007 to 2010.
15. 2010 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
As if the Veyron needed more speed, the 2010 Veyron Super Sport was unveiled as a yet more powerful version of the original. It's 1,200 horsepower engine could achieve a top speed 267 miles per hour.
16. 2011 Hennessey Venom GT
Built for driving, not for luxury, the Venom GT broke records when it reached a top speed of 270 miles per hour thanks to its cutting-edge aerodynamic design. Only 13 of these machines were ever built, making it highly sought-after and expensive, with prices starting at $1.2 million.
17. 2012 9FF GT9
The 9FF GT9, built by a German company that specializes in converting Porsches into street legal racers, is an extremely jacked-up 911, completely gutted and with a more agressive design. Its top speed is 272 miles per hour.
Neuwieser from Germany on Wikimedia
18. 2017 Koenigsegg Agera RS
Swedish manufacturer, Koenigsegg Automotive pushed the hypercar envelope to new levels with the Agera RS. It has the power to accelerate from 0 to 60 in a whopping 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 277 miles per hour.
Iorisrandombses5001 on Wikimedia
19. 2018 Bugatti Chiron
Another stunning hypercar by Bugatti that boasts both luxury and performance, the Chiron produces an exceptional 1,479 horsepower. Its top speed is 304 miles per hour
20. 2024 Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut
And once again taking the cake for fastest production vehicle is that pesky little Swedish manufacturer, Koenigsegg. Their Jesko Absolut has an incredible top speed of 330 miles per hour and it broke the acceleration record for the 0 to 249 to 0 miles per hour with a time of 27.
8 seconds. Beat that, Ferrari!
