The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ROADSTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
O
A
D
S
T
E
R
More clues leading to the result ROADSTER
- Cook run into by duke’s open car
- Repairs, or trades, sports car
- A copper involved in roll in sports car
- A daughter may be in list for such a car
- Traders possibly accepting nothing for such a vehicle
- Within list there’s commercial type of vehicle
- Sort of car trader so troubled
- Car delayed first during very hot day
- Sporty car lineup including a Datsun’s debut
- Dee, getting into chicken’s hot rod
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "sports car" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sports car = roadster.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ROADSTER mean?
ROADSTER noun- A sea-going vessel riding at anchor in a road or bay.
- A clumsy vessel that works its way from one anchorage to another by means of the tides.
- A horse for riding or driving on the road.
- A bicycle, or tricycle, adapted for common roads, rather than for the racing track, usually of classic style and steel-framed construction.
- One who drives much; a coach driver.
- A hunter who keeps to the roads instead of following the hounds across country.
- An open automobile having a front seat and a rumble seat.
- A person who lives along the road.