Sports-Car Challenge: Uncovering Gems Under $40,000

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Sports-Car Challenge: Uncovering Gems Under $40,000 - Image for illustration purposes only
01-24-2025caranddriver
Welcome back to Window Shop for its third week, where we tackle the challenge of finding the best sports car for $40,000 or less. This week's adventure brought unexpected twists, heated debates, and a few eyebrow-raising picks.

The Contenders

John Pearley Huffman's Bold Entry


- Car: 1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
- Highlight: Rare overhead-cam V-8 engine
- Outcome: A strong contender, but ultimately lost due to unforeseen precedents.

Elana Scherr’s Unique Choice


- Car: 1950 Crosley Hotshot
- Features: 26 horsepower and a quirky "engine hole"
- Outcome: Unconventional, not your typical sports car choice.

Joey Capparella’s Japanese Pick


- Car: New Mazda Miata
- Perks: Affordable and still on the dealership floor
- Outcome: Reinforces the saying, "Miata is always the answer."

Jonathon Ramsey’s Unorthodox Option


- Car: Bentley Continental GT Speed
- Argument: Claims it does all the sports car things
- Outcome: Failed to convince due to its AWD system and supercar status.

K.C. Colwell’s Classic Play


- Car: Porsche Boxster (manual, white-over-tan)
- Reputation: Beloved by auto scribes
- Outcome: A solid choice, a crowd favorite for purists.

Tony Quiroga’s Bold Throwback


- Car: 1994 Dodge Viper
- Debate: Questions about its build quality as a sports car
- Outcome: Divided opinions among the panel.

The Verdict

Despite engaging discussions, the jurors are still undecided. Interestingly, this episode questioned the very essence of what defines a sports car. Join us in evaluating the contenders and determining what truly makes a car a "sports car."

Summary

This week's Window Shop delved into the complexities of finding a sports car under $40,000. From classic icons to unconventional contenders, the journey highlighted diverse perspectives and sparked an ongoing debate about what constitutes a sports car.

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