26. Ferrari 550 (1996)
For years it was accepted that real supercars had their engines mounted in the middle. Then Ferrari launched the 550 Maranello and blew that theory to bits. The flagship two-seater marks a return of the classic front-engined Grand Tourer, and crushes its rivals with a blend of awesome power from its V12, sublime handling and supreme comfort. With stunning-looking styling completing the package, this could be the most capable sports car of all time.

25. Lancia Delta S4 (1984)
This was Lancia's answer to Peugeot's all-conquering 205 T16 Group B rally car. The S4 had lightweight magnesium panelling, and a turbocharged and supercharged engine that was said to be capable of delivering 1,000bhp. Two hundred road cars were built before Group B was axed in 1985.

24. Ford RS200 (1985)
State-of-the-art rally car was cut off in its prime by the demise of Group B rallying, although the RS200's turbocharged four-wheel-drive legacy still lives on in the form of 200 road-going versions. These wild-looking machines boasted mid-mounted 240-litre four-cylinder engines tuned to produce 250, 350 or 450bhp, according to customer preference. The ultimate fast Ford, and rarer than plutonium.

23. Aston Martin DB7 (1994)
The car that saved Aston Martin. Although the purists hated its Ford switchgear and Aston's plan to sell it by the thousand, the DB7 promoted the marque back to the super car league. The profile is one of the all-time classics, while the V12 of the Vantage version is equal to anything that is produced in Italy.

22. Ferrari Dino (1967)
Although the Dino became one of the greatest Ferraris of them all, the first examples did not wear the Ferrari logo or the Prancing Horse. Named after Enzo Ferrari's son, the Dino was going to be a brand in its own right before the firm thought better of it and included it with the rest of the range. Powered by a mid-mounted V6 it set the template for all future Ferraris.

21. Lamborghini Countach (1974)
Rocked the world of supercars when it blasted on to the scene in 1974. A replacement for the much-loved Miura, it traded beauty for sheer power and was the quickest car in the world for a while. Powered initially by a 4.0-litre V12, the Countach evolved over the years and by the time that the Quattrovalvole model appeared in 1985 capacity had increased to 5.2 litres. Styled by Marcello Gandini, it remains one of the all-time classic supercar designs.