Four well-documented examples show why overlooked two-seaters can be more interesting than their reputations suggest: the Toyota MR2, Honda Civic Del Sol, Fiat X1/9 and Porsche 914. This is a selection, not a definitive ranking; the available evidence supports these four, not a responsibly verified list of ten.
What makes these cars worth a second look?
“Forgotten” is a judgment, not a measurable category. These cars are worth revisiting for their distinct layouts and roof designs—and because each occupied a less obvious place in the sports-car market. The MR2 and X1/9 put the engine behind the cabin; the Del Sol paired a removable roof with front-wheel drive; and the 914 combined a mid-engine layout with a practical targa body.
Toyota MR2: a mid-engine sports car with two different identities
Toyota showed the SV-3 mid-engine concept at the 1983 Tokyo auto show, and the production MR2 debuted the following year. Its name stands for “Midship Rear-drive 2-seater.” In the first generation, a 1.6-liter twin-cam four-cylinder sat ahead of the rear axle, giving the compact Toyota an unusual layout without making it a high-powered exotic.
From compact to more powerful
A supercharged version arrived for 1987. MotorTrend’s 2020 history reports that model at 145 hp and 140 lb-ft. The U.S.-market second-generation MR2 arrived for the 1991 model year, with a Turbo version rated at 200 hp in the same account. That shift—from small, relatively accessible mid-engine car to a more powerful and upscale sports car—makes the MR2’s evolution part of its appeal.
#1 Best Overall
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Highly detailed 1:36 scale die-cast metal replica of the Lamborghini Veneno supercar with striking finish and Italian flag striping
- FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: Working doors that open and close, plus pull-back action motor for interactive play value
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Die-cast metal body with plastic components and rubber tires for durability and realistic appearance
- PERFECT SIZE: Compact 5-inch length makes it ideal for display or play while maintaining impressive detail and proportion
- QUALITY MATERIALS: Constructed using high-grade die-cast metal and quality materials for long-lasting performance and safety
Reception and handling
MotorTrend reports that Toyota changed the U.S.-market car’s suspension for 1993 to reduce lift-throttle oversteer concerns. The same 2020 history reports 96,666 first-generation MR2s and 33,111 second-generation cars sold in the United States and Canada. Those figures describe two generations in those markets, not worldwide production.
Honda Civic Del Sol: a targa that didn’t follow the roadster script
The Del Sol launched in the United States as a 1993 model. MotorTrend’s 2023 history describes it as Civic-based, with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and a removable targa roof. The U.S. car was called the Civic Del Sol at launch; other markets used CRX Del Sol or CRX naming.
Rank #2
- V8 POWER: The model features a 400 cubic inch V8 engine, reflecting the muscle and power that defined the GTO's reputation.
- DETAILED SUSPENSION & EXHAUST: The kit incorporates separate rear suspension and exhaust detailing, adding to the realism of the model.
- BUCKET SEATS & CONSOLE: The model's interior features bucket seats and a floor shifter with a console, capturing the iconic look and feel of the GTO.
- OPTIONAL SUPERCHARGER: For those seeking more power, the kit offers an optional supercharger, allowing you to customize your model.
- CLEAR & COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS: The included instructions are clear and user-friendly, making the kit accessible to modelers of different skill levels, from beginners to experienced hobbyists.
A different kind of open-air car
In Japan and Europe, some versions had a TransTop system that mechanically moved the roof into the rear compartment. That was not the U.S. arrangement. The Del Sol’s front-drive format also set it apart from the rear-drive roadster expectations shaped by the Mazda Miata, one of its key competitors according to MotorTrend.
Why it slipped from view
MotorTrend points to the Del Sol’s less conventional layout and roof-leak complaints as factors in its reception. U.S. production ended after the 1997 model year. The publication reports 74,936 U.S. sales across the five model years listed, including 5,603 in the final model year. Its VTEC trim used a 1.6-liter engine rated at 160 hp in the U.S.-market history. The removable roof and mechanized system available in some other markets give the model a more distinctive identity than its Civic roots alone suggest.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Package size:7.05*3.4*3.46inch,package weight:0.68prounds,outer packing:exquisite color translucent packaging box.
- Materials: Zinc alloy die-cast metal body with ABS plastic details and rubber tires. Highly detailed chassis and interior
- Cool light and sound function: Car doors and trunks can open, accompanied with lights and sounds. Press the front wheel to have kinds of realistic sound and light.
- Awesome Gift: The car toy is perfect for birthdays, Christmas gifts, party and cake decorations. It can be a valuable reward gift for kids. It is also good for model car collectors.
- Interesting pull back car: Put the car on the ground, press and hold the car body, then pull back, it will drive forward. Very funny.
Fiat X1/9: Italian mid-engine design in an affordable package
The Fiat X1/9 brought a mid-engine layout and sharply creased styling to an affordable 1970s sports car. It also had a targa roof, giving it an open-air character without the full-convertible format.
MotorTrend’s targa retrospective describes the X1/9 as entertaining when functioning well, while noting reliability concerns and rapid rust as drawbacks. That is a publication’s retrospective assessment, not a measured failure-rate study. The same weaknesses help explain why surviving examples can be less visible than the car’s distinctive engineering and styling might suggest.
Rank #4
- 1:36 Scale, 36 times smaller then the real Lambo.
- Openable Wingdoors (just like real car)
- Pull Back and Go Action
- Officialy Licensed By Lamborghini
Porsche 914: a practical take on the mid-engine targa
The 914 paired a mid-engine layout with a removable targa roof and Volkswagen mechanical components. MotorTrend’s retrospective characterizes it as a practical alternative to the X1/9, with a roomy cabin. The car took years to gain wider appreciation as a desirable classic, according to the publication.
MotorTrend also calls the 914 awkward to look at; that is a subjective styling judgment, not a settled fact. Its less conventional appearance sits alongside a useful cabin and an unusual engine placement, a combination that helps explain both its initial reception and its later appeal.
Best Value
How the four differ
| Car | Layout and roof | Notable version or feature | Reported reason it was overlooked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota MR2 | Mid-engine, rear-drive; first-generation account places the engine ahead of the rear axle | First-generation supercharged model; second-generation Turbo | Its identity changed from compact mid-engine car to more powerful, upscale sports car; MotorTrend reports suspension changes intended to reduce lift-throttle oversteer concerns. |
| Honda Civic Del Sol | Front-engine, front-wheel drive; removable targa roof | VTEC trim; TransTop roof-stowing system in Japan and Europe, not the U.S. | MotorTrend cites its less conventional front-drive layout, Miata competition and roof-leak complaints. |
| Fiat X1/9 | Mid-engine; targa roof | Affordable 1970s Italian sports car | MotorTrend’s retrospective notes reliability concerns and rapid rust. |
| Porsche 914 | Mid-engine; removable targa roof | Volkswagen mechanical components and a roomy cabin, as described by MotorTrend | MotorTrend says wider appreciation came years later and describes its styling as awkward. |
The comparison is about character, not a universal winner. The MR2 stands out for its changing performance identity; the Del Sol for its front-drive targa concept; and the Fiat and Porsche for bringing mid-engine engineering to different interpretations of an open-roof sports car.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
