It was an electric time for the automotive industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The world of supercars were waged in a battle of ever-increasing speed, design, aerodynamics and engineering. It was a time before advanced aerodynamics, hybrid powertrains, and digital driving aids became the norm. Here’s a glance at a few of the fastest supercars to herald this golden age.
1. 1993 McLaren F1 — 240 mph
One of the most significant supercars in history remains the McLaren F1. At one point, it was the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 240 mph. With its naturally aspirated 6.1L BMW V12 powerplant, carbon-fiber monocoque and unique three-seat configuration, the F1 was designed purely as a performance vehicle. Constructed from 1993 to 1997, it was and still is a dream for many car enthusiasts.
2. 1995 McLaren F1 LM — 225 mph
A tribute to McLaren’s victorious race cars at Le Mans, the F1 LM was an even crazier impulse taken on top of the original F1. It weighs less and has a revised V12 engine delivering 680 hp and was fitted with firmer suspension and other track-friendly bits. The F1 LM is one of the rarest and most valuable supercars of all time, with just five units ever built.
3. 1989 Vector W8 TwinTurbo — 218 mph
The Vector W8 looked like it came out of a sci-fi film — and it had the performance to back it up. This was a world-beating American supercar capable of over 218 mph thanks to a 6.0L twin-turbo V8 and years ahead of its time. Constructed between 1989 and 1993, it’s still one of the most extreme supercars ever built.
4. 1993 Bugatti EB110 S – 217 mph
When Bugatti re-entered the supercar arena in the 90s, it brought us the EB110 S, an all-wheel-drive behemoth with a quad-turbocharged V12. Making 603 horsepower, it could blast to 217 mph and was among the fastest and most technically sophisticated cars of its age.
5. 1992 Bugatti EB110 S — 217 mph
The 1992 Bugatti EB110 S split the difference in the performance game, matching its 1993 counterpart for a Z-rated top speed of 217 mph. This meant a lightweight carbon chassis, aggressive aerodynamics and other good things that when you put them all together meant that no car in the early 90s blended speed with luxury quite as the Lambo.
6. 1992 Jaguar XJ220 – 213 mph
Jaguar shocked the world with the XJ220, a car that was once the world’s fastest production car. The Ultima was born to have a V12 but used a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 on the final version still managing to hit 213 mph. Built between 1992 and 1993, it is one of Jaguar’s most iconic supercars.
7. 1996 RUF CTR 2 — 211 mph
RUF made a name for itself by tuning Porsche 911s, and the CTR 2 was intended to be the successor to the legendary Yellowbird. With 520hp and a lightweight rear-wheel drive setup, this was one of the quickest road cars of the 90s, hitting 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds and 211 mph.
8. 1993 Bugatti EB110 – 211 mph
While maybe not quite as extreme as the EB110 S, the regular November was also good for a 211 mph V-max, courtesy of its quad-turbo V12 and all-wheel drive system. This vehicle established the groundwork for future Bugatti hypercars.
9. 1992 Bugatti EB110 — 211 mph
The car you see here is a 1992 example of the 1000-horsepower version of the EB110, which could hit a top speed of 211 mph, just like its successor. Every EB110 built was proof of Bugatti’s dedication to speed and engineering brilliance.
More: Specs, Performances of Bugatti EB110
10. 1987 RUF CTR (Yellowbird) 211 mph
Well before the CTR 2 RUF burst onto the scene, the Yellowbird—a heavily modified Porsche 911—had taken the world by storm. Its twin-turbo flat-six propelled it to 211 mph and its well-publicized Nürburgring lap solidified its place in the annals of automotive history.
More: Specs, Performances of RUF CTR Yellowbird
