There are many great racing cars in the world. From time to time, a car appears that inspires the world of sports for many years to come. The glory of the exploits of these cars and the racers who drove them remains for centuries. Films are made about them, I write novels, they betray historical facts by word of mouth. In the long history of motorsports, there have never been race cars that were innovative, excellent, beautiful or iconic.
Formula 1, DTM, Rally - each of the different types had their own iconic cars, ingenious inventions of engineering thought have no boundaries. We present to the readers of the site 10 cars, which, as we assume, are the most legendary in the world of racing. Rating them, we consider useless, it is impossible to compare them, since their value is directly related to different disciplines of motorsport.
Let's leave everything as it is, just state the facts and present the Top 10 most legendary of all time in alphabetical order.
Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2
In the early 1980s, Audi largely dominated rally racing with its various versions of Quattro racing cars, despite the fact that the A1, A2 and Sport Quattro were formidable cars for their rivals, the Sport Quattro S1 E2 was the crowning achievement of Audi's rally efforts.
Powered by a 2.1 liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 470 hp, the S1 E2 was a true overgrown monster of the legendary Group B rally that managed to elevate the art of rallying to a new level. As if this were not enough, the madmen from "rocked" their ward to 600 hp. Probably a sign from above was the Group B ban, which did not allow this rally heavyweight to enter the competition.
Auto Union Type C/D Hill Climb and Type C Streamliner
In the mid-30s of the 20th century, Auto Union (which included) led a successful Grand Prix program in which Type A, B, C and D racing cars participated. These cars were unusual for that time due to the mid-central engine location. Cars Type A, B and C came with a 16-cylinder engine, Type D was distinguished by a more modest 12-cylinder block.
Of the total number of unusual Auto Union, two special Auto Union Type cars stand out. First of all, it was a completely faired model. Built around the Type C, the Streamliner was over-designed to get the most out of the 560 hp Type C engine. on public roads), the Streamliner reached 400 km/h, and that was in 1937!
The following year, the same crazy engineers decided to build a racing Type D with a Type C engine for hill-climbing racing. To make sure all the gigantic power went to the pavement, the car was equipped with a set of twin tires that were installed on each side at the rear of the car.
Chaparral 2J
In the wild world of Can-Am racing, Chaparral has redefined the standard approach to getting the upper hand on all competitors. On previous models of the company's racing cars, massive aerodynamic wings were used for this, in the future, the engineers decided to have fun to the fullest. Chaparral came up with an ingenious way to get optimal downforce, regardless of the speed at which his new 2J car was moving. He "stuck" to the canvas with the help of vacuum.
Two fans were installed at the rear of the car, powered by the snowmobile's engine, and sucked in air from under the bottom of the car. The skirts on the sides of the car were constantly located one inch from the ground thanks to the special design of the suspension. The 2J had really good downforce. It outperformed many of its competitors in this, but the 2J was horribly unreliable and was subsequently banned from racing for one year.
Ford GT40
The history of racing is constantly evolving, and at every stage of development, we can see our superheroes among the cars. Some we will never forget, probably never. One of them became. The supercar was conceived after an unsuccessful attempt by Ford to acquire Ferrari. The GT40 was built to knock Ferrari out of their own game of endurance racing. By 1966, the goal was achieved, with the GT40 finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. GT40 will win over the next three years.
Four different versions of the GT40 were made: Mark I, II, III and IV. The Mark I used Ford's 4.9-liter V8, while the Mark II, III, and IV had the larger 7.0-liter V8. To this day, the look of the GT40 is one of the most recognizable in motorsport history.
Lancia Stratos HF
In the 1970s, Lancia partnered with Bertone to create a new rally car. To get maximum traction to the rear wheels, Lancia came up with an exotic mid-engined layout. At the center of the Stratos HF was a 2.4-liter V6 borrowed from a Ferrari Dino.
More like than a rally car, the Stratos HF proved to be very successful in rally racing. He won the 1974, 1975 and 1976 World Rally Championships. While another Lancia enjoyed even more success in rallying a decade later, it didn't have the same visual impact that the Stratos HF was able to achieve.
Mazda 787B
Over the years, many cars have won Le Mans podiums and only a few have been able to do so more than once. So what makes the 787B so special? This is a classic story of a loser turned winner. First of all, the 787B is the only Japanese car ever to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. To this day, the much more powerful Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan or Honda have failed to replicate this feat.
Secondly, the Mazda 787B is the only car to win at Le Mans. The four-rotor engine was not only an excellent instrument of victory, but sounded like a heavenly harp. The 787B was not the fastest car at Le Mans, but it won thanks to its reliability and excellent fuel economy, it was economical. Yes, it owed its victory to reliability and economy, power in racing cars is not the main thing.
McLaren MP4/4
In 1988, arguably the best racing duo in Formula 1 history was formed. This was the year that Iron Senna joined Alain Prost on the team. In the same year, Honda became McLaren's engine supplier, installing a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in the new McLaren MP4/4.
To say McLaren dominated the 1988 season would be an understatement. Of the 16 races that year, McLaren took 15 pole positions and won 15 races! Senna, Prost and newcomer to McLaren, Gerhard Berger, will continue winning races over the next few years. But none of the Marlboro-coloured cars that will follow after the M4/4 will dominate the race so much.
Porsche 917
The Porsche 917 is an unusual car, because it has been successful in two. Originally designed for endurance racing, the 917 has entered many races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 917 cemented its success by winning the legendary race in 1970 and 1971, but 1972 gave the racing car an unpleasant surprise when the Le Mans rules changed, which automatically made the 917 obsolete.
Instead of relegating the car to the back of racing history, Porsche is turning its attention to the Can-Am racing series. By adding a turbocharger to its big V12, the 917 produced about 850 hp. and surprisingly won the new 1972 championship. In 1973, the engine was enlarged and now the 917 could "produce" 1500 hp. The car completely dominated the next season, but Can-Am's rule change in 1974 once again pointed to the Porsche 917's place in racing history.
But in the memory of the fans, he did not move to a landfill, on the contrary, he went to the Museum of Glory. Many consider the 1973 Porsche 917 to be the most powerful racing car ever built.
Suzuki Escudo Dirt Trail
The Pike Peak International Hill Climb competition is amazing. In Pike Peak racing there are essentially no hold-alls, competitors can compete against each other as they please. The competition allows drivers, engineers and manufacturers to push the limits of automotive engineering and technology. From 1992 to 2011, the mountain climb was dominated by Nobuhiro "Monster" Taima, who won the tournament nine times, including six in a row, from 2004 to 2011.
As an idea conceived in 1995. The car was named Suzuki Escudo Dirt Trail, the car became the owner of two turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 engines - one installed in the front, the other in the rear of the car. Total power - 981 hp Power went to all four wheels. , created all the downforce known to mankind, the Escudo was a monster made to control a monster. It may not be the fastest car ever to storm a hill, but it is simply one of the craziest stormtroopers.
The cementing foundation of the legacy was the inclusion of the Suzuki Escudo Dirt Trail in the Gran Turismo franchise.
Tyrrell P34
How to get more grip while racing? Very simple - add wheels. Along with the oversized rear wheels, the Tyrrell P34's main distinguishing feature was its four small front wheels. This strange at first glance move not only was able to reduce drag and increase the front contact patch, but also allowed to "acquire" additional braking power.
Prepared for the 1976 racing season, the six-wheeled mutant proved its racing competence with 10 podium finishes. He even won the Swedish Grand Prix that year with an impressive Tyrrell finish of 1st and 2nd. In 1977, the car took a dramatic backseat, and advances in aerodynamics made the six-wheel design redundant from the 1978 season.
Six wheels have become the hallmark of the Tyrrell and made it one of the most recognizable cars in motorsport, however, they could not make it the most productive.
As soon as the production of cars became massive, the manufacturers faced the question of whose car is better. There was only one way to find out - to arrange a race. Very soon, the founders abandoned the use of ordinary cars in speed competitions and began to create single-seat racing cars special for this.
Pioneers of racing can now only be seen in the museum, with wealthy collectors, but in the photo. Racing cars became more and more over time, their speed increased, and interest in them increased. Today, motor racing is one of the most legendary sports on the entire globe.
Race cars are the fastest cars built using the latest technology. By the way, these innovations are then applied in the production of conventional "iron horses". The weight of racing cars should be small, the shape should be streamlined. Therefore, the body of these cars is made from ultra-light raw materials used in space technology. Aerodynamic shapes allow you to minimize the resistance of air masses and develop the highest possible speeds.
The most famous brands of racing cars are Ferrari (Italy), Ford (Italy), Porsche (Germany), Lotus (Great Britain) and others.
Competitions vary, and cars are divided into four main types: for high-speed competitions on short straight tracks - dragsters, sports types, stock and open wheels.
The most popular racing cars with open wheels are Formula 1 and Grand Prix. Designed according to samples close to those established by the International Automobile Federation, Formula 1 cars weighing about 600 kg are based on a monocoque chassis and autonomous suspension. The place for the rider is located in the center, where he should be in a prone position. Immediately behind it is a 4- or 6-cylinder engine with up to 1200 horsepower, capable of reaching speeds of up to 360 kilometers per hour. The fight for the championship is contested exclusively on highways. Whereas the larger, heavier race cars of the Championship class, the Indies compete on oval-shaped tracks ranging from 1.6 kilometers in length. Their top speed can reach 368 kilometers per hour.
American models of the Sprint class weighing about 730 kg with a serial Chevrolet 550 engine are the most dangerous for racing due to their straight and high seating position, but these competitions are the most spectacular. Competitions are held on asphalt or cinder tracks with a length of up to 1.6 kilometers.
Racing small cars with 4-cylinder engines are like miniature Sprint cars. Three-quarter racers are even smaller.
Production cars, unlike the Formula 1 class, are consumer cars modified for racing, which are also popular and are held in many countries around the world. This converted "Iron Horse" of the "Grand National" class in the National Association of stock car racing is the best today.
And which one do you prefer?
Since its inception, car racing began to gather hordes of fans around the world. There are not so many of those who did not limit themselves to contemplation and became a professional race car driver - a thin school notebook with a dozen sheets is enough to enumerate. They fully quenched their thirst for high speeds and strong g-forces in competitions, while the rest could only lick their lips. But there were also enthusiasts among them who were ready to spend some of their time, money and effort on creating their own fast car. So, the salt lakes of California served as a testing ground for lovers of high speeds almost a hundred years ago. As we said in the article, by the middle of the last century, this phenomenon had become so massive that it was just right to compare it in scale with professional motorsport. The flight of fancy when building cars was often not even limited by common sense, but today we will tell about the other side of this tuning - copies of racing cars or replicas.
Why is this needed?
There are several reasons for the appearance of racing car replicas. The main one is the desire to touch motorsport and keep for oneself the most important part of it - the car. For example, among football fans, the ball and the uniform of the players who played their triumphant match are valuable; in hockey, sticks and helmets are such attributes. But if serious battles are played out for equipment at auctions, then it is almost impossible to buy a real car. In any case, for sane money. But creating a copy of such a machine is possible even in your own garage.
Such machines are also being prepared for participation in expositions and filming. In this case, budgets sometimes allow the use of genuine copies, but the difficulty in finding them pushes customers to make copies. Finally, this type of tuning is less common than others, due to which the replicas attract much more attention than their counterparts in the "regular" tuning.
Who are we copying?
Of course, we are not talking about recreating Formula class cars or sports prototypes, since they have practically nothing in common with production models. Therefore, the production of such a replica will require many times larger budgets and labor costs.
The "mainstream" of this tuning are the "body" classes of circuit and rally disciplines - WRC, WTCC and the like, as well as "charged" versions and limited series of popular models. The most banal example is to make a BMW 520i look and drive like an M5, and modify a Subaru WRX in the manner of Petter Solberg's rally car. If you're a fan of the 9,000 rpm cutoff and your Honda Civic doesn't have red badges, you'll probably want to turn it into a Type R. As with any style of tuning, there are no hard and fast rules, but we'll only look at typical examples when the final project resembles its prototype as a whole, and not by individual elements.
Where do they meet?
The final appearance and technical characteristics of replicas primarily depend on the goals that are set for them. If the project is destined to visit exhibitions, there is no need to interfere in the technical aspects, keeping the main units in native specification with a corresponding change in appearance and interior. Urban operation of the “artificial race” will require the preservation of the functionality of the cabin and the presence of comfort elements in it. The technique in this case is being finalized in accordance with the wishes and budgets of the owner. Finally, the replica can "beat" on the tracks, not inferior to the original fireballs, attacking the apexes and soaring into the air on the crest of the springboards. But the preparation of such a machine affects almost every element, with an eye to the regulations of the sports discipline for which it is being prepared. Below we will take a closer look at the main techniques used in the creation of such machines.
The technical side of the issue
As we said above, the "technical" is completely dictated by the scope of the car. In the case of rally and ring cars, everything is decided by the class regulations, which allow for quite definite changes not only in the engine and transmission, but also in all other components - from brake pads and tires to the thickness of anti-roll bars. There can be no question of a complete coincidence with the prototype, since the technical requirements change annually. One thing remains unchanged: the car is also focused on the minimum time to cover a given distance with maximum safety for the pilot. For this reason, an automatic fire extinguishing system is installed in all such machines, and an automatic fire extinguishing system is “on duty” under the hood.
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It follows from this that a city or exhibition replica can be even faster and more powerful than a real one - there are no restrictions! But even "vegetable" copies, with full external compliance with the original, must have "adult" brakes, a suspension adjusted to the desired clearance and sports tires. Otherwise, the substitution can be recognized without even lifting the hood.
Outside
Unlike, the concept of which requires the complete preservation of the standard appearance, a modified exterior is a mandatory attribute of any racing replica. Depending on which car and with what accuracy it is necessary to copy, the amount of changes also differs. The simplest scheme is when the race body differs only in a couple of elements: for example, air intakes and spoilers. In this case, you can limit yourself to changing the existing external parts without resorting to replacing them.
Another thing is when an expansion of the body is required. So, to turn the BMW E30 Coupe into the M3 Evo version, it is necessary to reshape the entire rear of the body, replace almost all elements in the front and install hubs with five-bolt wheels instead of the standard four-by-one. Fortunately, some companies have already launched the production of appropriate fiberglass parts, thanks to which tuners are spared the search for rare lots and save a lot of money.
Even more difficult when it comes to building a replica racing car. Indeed, on many of them, the wheels are fastened with a central nut, the glasses are replaced with lightweight polycarbonate ones without the possibility of lowering, and it is difficult to make copies of some parts. Thus, the exterior, being the "cover" of the replica, is often the most difficult stage of construction.
“What Russian does not like to drive fast!” This expression has long since left the borders of our Fatherland. Probably even the Negroes in Jamaica understand what it means. They also understand that fast driving is simply impossible without a fast car. But not everyone can distinguish a sports car from a racing car. Let's try to understand all the subtleties.
What is a sports car
Sports cars - this name includes a long list of different sports cars. The name itself consists of two parts - the English words "sport" and "car". A sports car is easy enough to figure out among the mass of other cars. As a rule, sports cars are predominantly two-seat cars, however, there are also four seats. The second way sports cars differ from cars for a wide audience is high speed. In addition, they have a special body shape and landing.
In everyday language, a sports car is the most ordinary car with increased speed and a somewhat specific look. These cars are purchased primarily to emphasize the position in society. Their cost is higher than that of simple cars, so this acquisition also indicates the financial condition of the owner.
Often such a car is a sports two-door roadster or coupe. However, there are deviations from the rule. It can be a hatchback (Ford Focus ST) or a sedan (Bentley Continental).
Reference! Despite the fact that such cars are intended for public roads, they are equipped with a stiffer suspension and an increased number of gears.
Sports car classification
Given the rather wide range of vehicles in this class, several groups have been identified. When dividing into them, such criteria as speed, cost, level of exclusivity are taken into account. There is no clear classification.
Separately distinguish "supercars" and "hypercars". But in most cases, no one will be able to highlight the fundamental differences between these machines.
sports cars
In this case, the name does not represent a generalized group, but only indicates the first step in the hierarchy of sports cars. They are quite affordable and have a clearly defined sports focus.
Family members:
Cars for city racing
This type of car is characterized by increased power. It's on the next level. However, the name "racing" is not entirely correct in this case, since it only defines cars for racing. Therefore, such cars are classified as a subspecies of sports cars.
Family members:
Supercars
The main features are shocking appearance and a speed ceiling above 300 kilometers per hour.
They shock, first of all, with their cost. Sometimes it is believed that they are deliberately overpriced to make them more exclusive.
Family members:
exotic cars
They are distinguished by their extreme characteristics and no less extreme cost. They are super coveted, especially since they are limited editions.
Family members:
hypercars
Very fast, rare and exclusive cars. To describe them, the definition of “the best in the whole world!” is more suitable. Just because you can light a cigar off a hundred bucks bill doesn't mean you can buy a hypercar. To buy such a “machine”, you need to stand in linefor several years. The model has not yet been launched into production, and there are already a huge number of applications from those eager to buy it.
Family members:
Racing car features
Racing cars are released only for participation in competitions. Despite this, a large number of manufacturers of this class of cars have models that organically combine comfort and design ergonomics with high speed performance. 
Racing cars are distinguished by a unique structure, a very light body. They lack a number of controls, as well as security systems. This makes the car lighter. While sports cars are meant for everyday use, racing cars don't drive on public roads.
Racing life requires very high speed and excellent aerodynamics. Therefore, only high-quality alloys are used in the design, and the weight is lightened to the maximum.
The best models of racing cars
There are quite a lot of racing-class cars that can fully satisfy all the needs of a professional pilot. In 2007, KTM introduced a unique model - X-Bow. The development was carried out jointly with the concern Audi. The car has a unique structure. It has a 240 horsepower engine. The speed ceiling is 250 kilometers per hour, and if you put special tires on it, then the speed can increase to 290 kilometers per hour. 
Differences between a sports car and a regular car
Under the name "sports car" lies a fairly large list of cars. They have distinctive features that you should be aware of.
One of the main ones is a powerful engine that has the ability to accelerate the car in a short time to huge speeds. In addition, in the classic version there are only two doors, a low seating position, and the body is several times lighter when compared with an ordinary city car. However, in recent years, more and more often you can find four-door sports cars.
It is a misconception that a sports car and a racing car are one and the same. Only the car that is mass-produced is called sports. In addition, each sports car must be registered, it must have a license plate.
The difference between a sports car and a racing car
The cars that take part in the races do not differ in their appearance from the production versions.
The body of a sports model for racing has practically no differences from models that are allowed on the streets of the city. But despite this, there are still differences. Let's look at the differences between sports cars and serial assembly models.
Representatives of the serial versions have an almost silent ride, but the racing ones have a loud roar. As they rush past the stands, they emit a sound of 100 decibels. 
Reference! Airplanes emit a sound of 140 decibels, and 150 decibels are dangerous for a person's hearing aid.
A serial production car is always under a window or in a garage. You can sit down and go to it at any time. Out-of-competition racing cars are taken apart so that technicians can service and repair them.
The racing version weighs much lighter than the regular version. This makes it possible to achieve high speed and fit into the turn without any problems. 
A sports car gets rid of all unnecessary details, and some cars are intentionally lightened.
Reference! The racing version of the BMW E90 has a mass of 1 t 200 kg, including the driver. And the serial version is two hundred kilograms more and without taking into account the weight of the driver.
Production versions are used to carry passengers and luggage. In a racing car there is only a place for the pilot.
Naturally, these are not all the differences. You can delve into all the technical characteristics of one and the other representative of the four-wheeled “horses” for a long time.
Racing car
a single-seat (monoposto) car designed to participate in car races, including for setting speed records (record-racing and ultra-fast cars - "fireballs").
Foreign firms began to build G. and. after 1900. Classification and technical requirements for G. a. are regulated by the rules of the International Sports Code, adopted in 1962, and its annexes, developed by the sports commission of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
According to the working volume of the engine (l) and its own weight (kg) G. a. are subdivided into groups ≈ racing formulas: 1 (up to 3 l, not less than 500 kg), 2 (up to 1.6 l, not less than 450 kg), 3 (up to 1 l, not less than 400 kg). Formula 4 is also used (motorcycle engine up to 250 cm3), which is not officially approved by the FIA. Record-G. A. with gas turbine engines are allocated in a separate class. The best engines of G. a. formulas 1 have a liter capacity of up to 110 kW / l (150 hp / l) at 12,000 rpm and a compression ratio of 11≈12 and a 4-valve scheme that provides high-speed engine with better cylinder filling. On all G. a. Formulas 1 and 2 use direct fuel injection devices. As a rule, G. and. have multi-stage (five-speed) transmissions. Clutches are usually double disc. Disc brakes, ventilated; the width of the rims of the wheels and tires is greater than that of ordinary passenger cars (more than 400 mm). G. and are made in the USSR. formula 4 of the Tallinn Automobile Repair Plant, sports cars ZIL-112S, record racing "Kharkov-7" and gas turbine cars "Pioneer".
The most famous for the construction of G. a. are foreign firms Lotus (Great Britain), Porsche (Germany), Ford, Italian. Ferrari factory, etc.
The absolute world speed record on land was set on October 23, 1970 by G. Gabelich (USA) on the Blue Flame rocket car ≈1014, 294 km/h. The absolute world speed record for a car belongs to R. Summers (USA) ≈ 658.5 km / h (1965).
Lit .: Beckman V.V., Racing cars, 2nd ed., L., 1967.
V. I. Martyuk.
Wikipedia
Racing car
Racing car- cars designed and built specifically for motor racing - both for mass racing and for setting speed records. Unlike mass-produced road sports cars, racing cars have the most lightweight body, which lacks many important control and safety components. These vehicles are generally not allowed on public roads.
Racing cars, unlike conventional serial cars, were created not for the transport of passengers, but for competitions, to determine the technical capabilities of the car and its driving.
Participation in races requires high speed and aerodynamic characteristics from such cars. Racing cars have a large engine power, low weight, respectively, they can quickly accelerate and reach high speeds, as well as steadily turn around.
Racing cars are produced both by the sports divisions of large automakers (such as Daimler-Benz's AMG) and by small private companies created to build a single model. As a rule, such companies design only the body of the car and some of its components, and the most important and difficult part to manufacture - the engine - is supplied to them by large car manufacturers.
