Words: Charlie Thomas
Back in the ’80s we started to see a number of virtually race-ready cars take to the streets, thanks to the homologation process of rally and circuit-based race series. Basically, in order to compete in a particular series, manufacturers were required to build road-going versions of their car which would go on sale to the general public. Such cars featured stripped-back interiors, highly tuned engines and radical styling, which were generally very similar to their racing counterparts.
Nowadays we’re unfortunately seeing less and less homologation specials, although with track days becoming more popular by the second, manufacturers are building cars designed especially for the race circuit, yet still drivable on the street. These are the best race cars for the road.
ARIEL ATOM 500 V8
With a preposterous 500bhp, and a slinky weight of just 550kg, the Atom V8 is one of the world’s quickest cars. It’s also one of the most hardcore, featuring an exposed chassis, two racing bucket seats and a giant fixed rear-wing, for maximum downforce.
FORMULA FORD ECOBOOST
The Formula Ford EcoBoost is barely road legal, although it does feature indicators, brake lights and all the garb necessary for it to pass restrictions. It only features a 1.0-litre Fiesta engine, but its 200bhp and light weight ensures it’s about as quick as anything on the road.
KTM X-BOW
The main rival to the Atom, KTM’s X-Bow is a force to be reckoned with on road or track. Its low centre of gravity, wide track and innovative carbon tub ensure its handling characteristics are pure and accessible to the less experienced racer.
ABARTH 695 BIPOSTO
Whilst not quite as hardcore as the rest of the cars in this group – it has a roof after all – the Abarth 695 Biposto is far from tame. Blisteringly quick, it features a dog-ring open-gate gearbox, perspex windows and burbling 190bhp, 4-cylinder engine.
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