Single donor (or close)
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Mazda Miata 1.6 or 1.8
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Toyota Corolla GTS 80'-87' RWD version
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Mazda RX-7 all 3 generations
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Nissan 200sx and 240sx
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Honda S-2000 ($$$$)
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Older Mazda, Nissan or Ford Ranger Pickup trucks
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Most of the MG product line
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Datsun 510 or B210
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Ford Mustang II, Pinto or Bobcat
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Chevrolet Chevette, Pontiac Acadian (zzzz)
This list is by no means meant to be exhaustive, just some of the "Greatest Hits". The most important question is what do you want to do with it, and how much additional time and money do you want to invest.
The contributions of the donor Reality Check - 87 RX-7 to Sevenesque Roadster
You can make a list of the pro's and cons for each and every choice. I used availability as a major factor. Just narrow it down to a few and go hunting. It really is a big part of the fun.
The only truly absolute thing for this design is front engine and rear wheel drive. I have seen rear mounted engines, but that is a whole different beast.
A very important thing to point out is power to weight ratio. In the Testosterone rich world we live in most people thinking sports car, believe it needs 200-300 horsepower to be fun.
The equivalent performance advantage is gained by adding 1 horsepower or reducing 6 lbs.
Using my personal RX-7 donor which at 157 hp and 2600 lbs stops and goes quite capably. I am taking all that gear and moving it into a 1100 lbs package.
To equal the performance it would require roughly 400 horsepower in the stock Mazda chassis.
To minimize the overall cost of the build you are best to use a "one donor" approach, or at least as few as possible.
Please feel free to contact us to address questions specific to your choice.