14. Peugeot 205 T16 (1984)
Another refugee from the rally stages, the 205 T16 was one of the most successful Group B cars. Its mid-mounted 2.0-litre turbo engine developed 700bhp, while its 4-wheel-drive system provided limpet-like grip. Only 200 road-going cars were built.

13. Lancia Stratos (1973)
Probably one of the best looking cars ever, the Stratos was designed as a rally vehicle first and a road machine second. Featuring a mid-mounted engine and drivetrain from the Ferrari Dino 246, the lightweight Stratos was devastatingly quick in a straight line.

12. Nissan Skyline GT-R (1999)
Hi-tech, high price and outrageously aggressive from any angle, the Skyline GT-R represents the pinnacle of Japan's love affair with monstrous four-wheel-drive turbos. The latest R34 version is the maddest, baddest Nissan yet (with the exception of the R390), with a 2.6-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine that's good for 276bhp and is capable of hurling the car from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds. An ultra-stiff chassis and tail-happy handling are two of its main traits. Subtlety, however, is not.

11. Bugatti EB 110 (1982)
If the EB110 had realised a fraction of its potential, Bugatti may have hit the big time. As it was, the EB110 was quick but desperately underdeveloped - a classic example of too many ideas and not enough money. Even so, the quad-turbo 60-valve Bugatti broke plenty of new ground and was, for a brief time, the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 212mph.

10. Ferrari 250 GT SWB (1961)
Usually known as the Berlinetta, the SWB was a short wheelbase version of the popular 1954 GT - Ferrari's first high-volume production model. Its stiffer and more compact chassis made for assured handling, and also helped the company snatch yet another GT title in 1961. With the road-going talent to match its track prowess, the SWB is still considered to be the ultimate dual-purpose Ferrari.

9. Porsche 911 GT3 (1999)
As we're limiting ourselves to one version of each model, only the glorious GT3 graces our list. Yes, the Turbo is quicker - by one mph - but for seat-of-the-pants thrills, the GT3 is the definitive new 911. Designed primarily for racing and sold in limited numbers, it features a 360bhp flat-six engine and race-honed suspension. Is about as close as you can get to 911 heaven.