The Origin and Evolution of the Supercar

In the world of automobiles, few terms evoke as much excitement and fascination as “supercar.” These high-performance machines have captivated enthusiasts for decades, but where did the term originate? In this article, we delve into the history of the supercar and trace its evolution over time.

Early Uses of the Term

Contrary to popular belief, the term “supercar” did not originate in Britain with luxury car dealer Tom Hartley. Instead, its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first recorded uses of the term, albeit hyphenated as “super-car,” can be found in advertisements in the mid-1910s. American manufacturer King introduced the concept of a super-car in 1915 with their new eight-cylinder model, claiming that riding in it would eliminate the mechanical presence in motoring. Other luxury car makers such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lanchester, and Farman also used the term during this period, often referring to a car’s size rather than its speed.

The Rise and Fall of the Term

While the term “super-car” enjoyed some popularity in the 1910s and 1920s, it eventually fell out of frequent use. However, it made a comeback in the late 1960s through an American writer’s review of 1968 model-year cars in Autocar. This reintroduction of the term coincided with the emergence of muscle cars like the Pontiac GTO, Ford Fairlane GT, and Mercury Comet Cyclone. Throughout the late 1960s and into the 1970s, “supercar” became a staple in Autocar’s Detroit Notebook column, describing the fastest variants of muscle cars.

The Birth of the Modern Supercar

In 1972, Autocar introduced the De Tomaso Pantera as a supercar, highlighting its “shattering performance and spectacular good looks.” This Italian car, with its Ford V8 engine, bridged the gap between American muscle cars and mid-engined European coupés. The term “supercar” became synonymous with high-performance vehicles like the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer and Lamborghini Countach, both capable of near-200mph top speeds. Despite concerns about speed limits and tightening legislation, the supercar phenomenon continued to thrive.

The Enduring Legacy

By 1975, supercars had become so common that they were considered an essential part of a prestige manufacturer’s range. The term had firmly established itself in the automotive lexicon and has shown no signs of slowing down since. In fact, a search of recent magazines returned over 200 results for the term “supercar” in 2022 alone.

The Future of Supercars

As the years have passed, supercars have continued to evolve and push the boundaries of performance. With advancements in technology and engineering, these machines keep getting faster and more powerful. However, the increasing commonality of supercars has led to the creation of an even more extreme term – “hypercar.” While the distinction between the two is still a topic of debate, it signifies the relentless pursuit of speed and performance in the automotive world.

In conclusion, the term “supercar” has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. From its early uses in the 1910s to its resurgence in the late 1960s, the term has become synonymous with high-performance vehicles that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the allure of the supercar shows no signs of waning, and we can expect even more thrilling innovations in the years to come.