10. Pagani Huayra
Max speed: 231mph
The brainchild of Italian supercar maestro Horatio Pagani, the Huayra builds on the success of his previous creation, the Zonda, and boasts an intricately styled interior together with a 6.0-litre, twin-turbo V12 engine.
9. Zenvo ST1
Max speed: 233mph
Its looks are an acquired taste, but there’s no doubting the way the Zenvo ST1 goes. Designed and built in Denmark, it’s powered by a 6.8-litre V8 that’s both turbo and supercharged. A controversial appearance on Top Gear during which it caught fire ensured its fame – or rather, infamy.
8. McLaren F1
Max speed: 231mph
It’s an old hand at this game now, but the McLaren F1 can still mix it among the young pretenders. Renowned for its builders’ no-compromise attitude, it remains one of the most sought-after cars in the world.
Max speed: 241mph
The CCR was the first car to break the McLaren F1’s top speed record, one which had stood for eight years at the time. Power came from a 4.7-litre twin-supercharged V8.
6. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo
Max speed: 248mph
The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo exists because, of course, what your 7.0-litre, V8-powered supercar needs is a pair of turbochargers bolted on to make it even quicker. The S7 Twin Turbo was a mind-blowing thing, with modified aero over the standard S7 that gave it 60 per cent more downforce.
5. SSC Ultimate Aero
Max speed: 256mph
It might not be quite as famous as the Bugatti Veyron, but the SSC Ultimate Aero held the record for the fastest car in the world for a brief period, until the Veyron SuperSport swept in and stole its crown (twice, due to a technicality).
4. Bugatti Veyron SuperSport
Max speed: 268mph
The Veyron SuperSport’s claim to the crown of fastest car in the world did not go entirely smoothly; its record was rescinded at first due to a technical quibble over a speed limiter fitted to the standard car, which was removed for the test. But as speed limiter removal was available as an optional extra, Guinness officials allowed the record to stand.
3. Hennessey Venom GT
Max speed: 270mph
The Hennessey’s top speed here is that which was claimed by its maker; in an official attempt at the record it only managed to reach this speed in one direction, rather than both. But one thing’s for certain: with a 1,244bhp twin-turbocharged V8 engine, this is one exceptionally fast car.