Supercars – History and Development

Most often, the word ‘supercar’ is used to describe an expensive, high-end car which is exotic, fast and has a very powerful engine. In general it can be stated that “the car must be very fast, having sporting handling”. Additionally there are several other desirable features, the most prominent of them being that it must be eye-catching, having a sleek look and having a price which is out of imagination of a common man. The high price range is a natural outcome of its high quality and finish, and it adds to its charm by making it exclusive to the higher income group. The above mentioned features and descriptions are subjective and can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

Supercars are one-of-a-kind vehicles. Usually these cars are very widely modified collectible muscle cars. A book which was published by “Research Institute of America” in 1944 previewed the changes which are said to have occurred after World War II in industrial and economic areas and used the term “supercar” to describe future vehicles merging advances in design & technology such as flat floor pans & automatic transmissions. The term “supercar” precludes the classification of muscle car to pronounce the “drag strip bred” inexpensive, mid-size cars of the 1960s and early 70s that were fortified with large, powerful V8 engines & rear wheel drive. The combination of a powerful engine in a lightweight car began with 1957 “Rambler Rebel” that was portrayed as a “veritable supercar”. In 1966, as the four domestic automakers “required to cash in on the supercar market” the 60s supercars developed an official industry vogue with eye-catching and heart-boggling cars.

The word supercar afterwards became to mean a “GT” or grand touring type of car. By the end of ’70s and in early ’80s of the 19th century, the phrase was in consistent use, if not exactly defined. In the late 20th century, the term supercar was accustomed to refer to a “very costly, fast or strong car with a centrally located engine”. Also, it was universally accepted that it must be smooth & eye-catching looks and its price must be one in a rarefied atmosphere of its own. The term supercar has also been applied to technically superior vehicles using new fuel sources, aerodynamics, power plants & lightweight materials to develop an 80 mpg family-sized sedan.

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