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While 2 door hatchback cars are often considered sports cars, 2 door cars provide their drivers with a fast-paced, no-nonsense thrill while driving backcountry roads and city traffic.
Why Buy 2 Door
While it’s true that 2 door cars aren’t the most practical of the sports car models, the fact remains that those looking for a sedate family automobile traditionally aren’t looking at 2 door automobiles. Those who are seeking 2 doors are typically those who need less interior space and find performance numbers to be a more important deciding factor than leg room. Europe, North America, and Asia have all produced some exceptionally well-rounded sports cars, but there are a few that stand out among the crowd as being among the best of their class.
MGB
The MGB is seen by many as the quintessential road car of the British sports car genre. Initially coming into being during the 1960’s, the MGB was one of the most popular offerings by British Motor Corporation and British Motor Holdings. The MGB was offered in two incarnations, including both a convertible and a coupe. Many of these 2 door cars offered a 4-cylinder engine, while in later years this increased to a full V8 model in later models. The MGB had a number of creature comforts over its more austere counterparts, including windows that opened and closed with a crank and the inclusion of leather seats. The MGB boasted a 0-60 time of under 12 seconds, and was one of the most popular British car exports.
Morgan
The Morgan 4/4 is one of the iconic British 2 door cars. While Morgan Motors began in 1909, the first 4/4 wasn’t designed and produced until 1955. The 4/4 used a Ford engine and offered a four-wheeled automobile powered by a 4 cylinder engine. Prior to the 4/4, Morgan focused primarily on 3-wheeled cars, and the new 4/4 provided one of the most powerful base chassis with which to operate. Notoriously maneuverable, the 4/4 Series has long been one of the most widely recognized cars in the British repertoire. Morgan continues producing hand-built automobiles, typically producing less than 750 units per year.
Thunderbird
The Ford Thunderbird was first introduced in 1955. This new automobile refocused the attention of many Americans away from strictly utilitarian vehicles and gave them the option to enjoy a powerful, sporty 2 door car that was suitable for street racing and spirited weekend drives. While many Americans were enjoying 2 door imported cars prior to the introduction of the Thunderbird, the Thunderbird remains one of the longest-lived car franchises in history. Interestingly, though, the Thunderbird wasn’t initially sold as a sports car, but rather a car designed for single people. While the second row of seats was added in 1958, the Thunderbird continued production as America’s “personal automobile” until being rebranded a sports car and sales skyrocketed.
Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was designed to be the ideal American muscle car. First produced in 1967, it echoed the 2-door body style used in the Thunderbird, but was a rapid departure from any vehicle seen up to that point. Available with either a 6 cylinder or an 8 cylinder engine, the Camaro was customizable based upon the preference of the buyer, and Chevrolet has sold millions of units since the Camaro was first introduced. The most recent model of the Camaro, the 5th generation, features retro styling and engine sizes approaching 600 horsepower.
Mustang
When the Ford Mustang was introduced in 1964, it served as an excellent entry-level sports car for the driving enthusiast. Based on the idea that every person should be able to afford a fun, fast car to drive, the Mustang was priced low for a dedicated sports car, and sales have remained strong for the Mustang since its debut. Engine power in the Mustang has long been a topic of discussion, as models have been available in everything from 4 to 8 cylinders, and with a number of different displacements. The latest style of the Ford Mustang has proven to be one of the best selling designs of all time, and the “retro-futuristic” design has ensured the Mustang a place in sports car history. The Mustang has remained one of the most popular 2 door imported cars in Europe and Asia since its inception.
Aston Martin
With Aston Martin’s production of several memorable models over the years, it’s difficult to choose a single model that stands out above the rest. Aston Martin automobiles are, for many, the ultimate in luxury and sports car enjoyment. The company began production of its first automobile in 1913, and the hand-built automobiles produced in the Aston Martin workshops have long been considered by many to be works of art. Whether driving the DB Series, the Vantage, or the Vanquish, Aston Martin automobiles have been seen around the world in both movies and television, and were made wildly popular by the James Bond films in which they served as a centerpiece. Now owned by a consortium of investors who have partnered with Ford Motor Company, Aston Martin is poised to continue production of high-quality automobiles for years to come.
Regardless of the reason for purchasing a 2 door classic sports car, the fact remains that they are more than simply a pleasure to drive. 2 door cars have long served as the symbol for those who don’t need a family sedan or a responsible coupe to drive to work each day. 2 door cars have long served as the ideal getaway for those who want to experience the adventure and thrill of driving fast and running at the ragged edge of responsibility. The powerful engines of the 2 door sports cars produced throughout the years provide a mix of enjoyable experiences for those lucky enough to have one.
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