When people think of sports cars, they often imagine wide bodies, long hoods, and big engines. Yet history shows that some of the most engaging cars ever built were not massive machines but pint-sized performers. These small sports cars relied on light weight, clever engineering, and nimble handling rather than brute horsepower. Their compact dimensions often made them more fun to drive on twisty roads and more affordable to own. Here are ten of the smallest sports cars ever made, each proving that size does not limit excitement.
Austin-Healey Sprite “Frogeye”
Debuting in 1958, the Austin-Healey Sprite quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts. Nicknamed the “Frogeye” in Britain and the “Bugeye” in America thanks to its protruding headlights, this car was barely 137 inches long and tipped the scales at under 1,500 pounds. Its small 948cc engine produced modest power, but the Sprite was never about speed. Its lightweight design and simple suspension made it wonderfully agile, and it could be repaired with basic tools, making it accessible for young drivers. For many, it was the gateway into British sports car culture and grassroots racing.
Lotus Seven
Few cars embody simplicity and lightness like the Lotus Seven. Introduced in 1957, it was essentially a lightweight frame with just enough bodywork to keep it road legal. The Seven was tiny, with a length of about 130 inches and a weight often under 1,000 pounds depending on specification. Colin Chapman’s philosophy of minimalism meant the car was designed purely for performance and feel. Its size made it razor sharp on corners, and its simplicity has allowed Caterham, who took over production, to continue building updated versions even today. The Seven remains one of the most direct and smallest sports cars ever conceived.
MG Midget
Launched in 1961, the MG Midget built on the success of the Sprite but carved out its own identity over time. It remained compact, just over 11 feet long, and typically weighed around 1,500 pounds. Early models came with a 948cc engine, but later versions grew to 1,500cc while still maintaining their lightweight charm. The Midget became an affordable entry into sports car ownership for a generation of drivers, offering spirited handling and the classic British roadster feel. Despite its small size, it was competitive in amateur racing and remains a beloved classic today.
Honda S600
Honda’s entry into the sports car market during the 1960s produced one of the most fascinating tiny machines of the era. The S600 was just over 11 feet long, weighed about 1,500 pounds, and housed a tiny 606cc four-cylinder engine that could rev past 9,000 rpm. That little motor produced just 57 horsepower, but it delivered thrills unlike anything else in its size category. With chain drive to the rear wheels and sharp handling, the S600 showed the world that Honda was serious about building engaging cars. Its small dimensions and advanced engineering made it one of the most impressive micro sports cars of its time.
Autozam AZ-1
In the 1990s, Mazda’s Autozam sub-brand launched one of the quirkiest and smallest sports cars ever, the AZ-1. As a kei-class car in Japan, it was limited to strict regulations on size and engine displacement. The AZ-1 measured only 129 inches long and came with a turbocharged 657cc three-cylinder engine mounted behind the seats. What made it even more outrageous was the inclusion of gullwing doors, giving it the look of a mini supercar. While it never sold in big numbers, the AZ-1 has become a cult classic, proving that a tiny footprint can deliver serious excitement.
Fiat 500 Abarth (Original)
The original Fiat 500 of the 1950s and 1960s was never intended as a performance machine, but the Abarth versions transformed it into a small giant killer. Measuring under 10 feet in length and weighing around 1,200 pounds, these little cars received tuned versions of the two-cylinder engine, which grew from 479cc to as much as 695cc in racing variants. On paper, the horsepower figures were tiny, but in practice the 500 Abarth was a fierce competitor in hill climbs and small-capacity racing. Its small size, short wheelbase, and cheeky character made it one of the smallest but most entertaining sports cars of its era.
Berkeley Sports SA322
Produced in England during the late 1950s, the Berkeley SA322 was one of the tiniest sports cars ever put into production. At just 10 feet long and weighing barely 700 pounds, it was closer in size to a go-kart than a road car. Power came from a motorcycle-sourced 322cc two-stroke engine, which gave it just enough speed to feel lively. What it lacked in outright performance it made up for in nimble handling and innovative use of fiberglass construction. Though short-lived, Berkeley’s cars remain fascinating examples of how small sports cars could be taken to the extreme.
Daihatsu Copen
Launched in 2002, the Daihatsu Copen was a kei-class roadster that combined modern styling with strict size limits. Measuring only 133 inches long, it featured a turbocharged 660cc engine to meet kei regulations, along with a retractable hardtop roof. Despite its small size, the Copen delivered real sports car fun with sharp steering and balanced handling. Later export models received slightly larger 1.3-liter engines, but the essence of the car remained the same: a tiny roadster designed for maximum enjoyment in a minimal footprint.
Suzuki Cappuccino
The Suzuki Cappuccino is often considered one of the best kei sports cars ever made. Introduced in the early 1990s, it was just 129 inches long and weighed under 1,600 pounds. Its 657cc turbocharged engine drove the rear wheels, and with a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it handled like a true sports car. The Cappuccino offered an open-top experience with panels that could configure it as a coupe, targa, or full convertible. Its small stature made it feel like a toy, but its driving experience was anything but—it delivered thrills well beyond its size.
Smart Roadster
In the early 2000s, Smart decided to expand beyond city cars with the Roadster, a futuristic looking two-seater that was one of the smallest sports cars of its time. Just over 133 inches long, it was shorter than most hatchbacks but featured sleek styling and low-slung proportions. Power came from a tiny turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and while outright speed was modest, the lightweight chassis made it a joy to toss around corners. The Roadster never sold in huge numbers, but it developed a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciated its unique blend of style and compact fun.
The Small Sportscars
These ten cars prove that sports car thrills are not reserved for massive engines or wide bodies. From the quirky British roadsters of the 1950s to the ingenious Japanese kei cars of the 1990s and beyond, some of the smallest cars ever made have delivered some of the biggest smiles. Their compact dimensions made them agile, affordable, and approachable, and their legacy shows that when it comes to pure driving enjoyment, size is often an advantage rather than a limitation.
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