The 1980s was a thrilling decade for car lovers. It was an era that produced some of the most desirable models in automotive history.
If you’re a classic car enthusiast or just love the nostalgia of the ’80s, here are some of the most coveted and popular ‘80s cars that are making waves at auctions.
1. Ferrari F40 (1987)
One of the super-fast sports cars ever built, the Ferrari F40 features a sleek design and powerful performance. It was made to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary.
With a V8 engine, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just about 3.8 seconds! The F40 is famous for its sharp looks and racing heritage, making it a dream car for many.
2. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985)
The Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z is a sporty car with a muscular design. It was created to be powerful and fun to drive, featuring a V8 engine that offers great speed.
The IROC-Z name comes from the International Race of Champions, showing its racing spirit. With its bold looks and affordable price, it became a favorite among car enthusiasts in the ’80s.
3. Aston Martin V8 Zagato (1986)
This stylish luxury car is known for its beautiful design and exclusive feel. Made in limited numbers, the V8 Zagato is equipped with a powerful V8 engine that provides a smooth and exciting ride.
The Zagato’s elegant lines and classic charm make it a rare gem loved by collectors. It combines comfort with performance, making it a unique choice.
4. Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition (1984)
The Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition celebrates a decade of the Z-car series. This sporty coupe features a sleek design and a reliable engine, offering a great mix of performance and style.
It comes with special features like unique colors and badges to mark the anniversary. The 280ZX is appreciated for its comfort and handling, making it a great car for driving enthusiasts.
5. Lamborghini Countach (1980)
The Countach is one of the most famous supercars of the ’80s. With its sharp angles and unique scissor doors, it looks like a car from the future.
It has a powerful V12 engine, allowing it to reach high speeds quickly. It’s often seen as a symbol of luxury and excess, making it a legendary choice for car lovers.
6. BMW M5 (1984)
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the regular 5 Series. It features a strong engine that provides a thrilling driving experience, along with luxury touches inside.
The M5 is known for its balance of power and comfort, making it a great car for both daily driving and exciting journeys. Its sporty handling and sleek design have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
7. Porsche 944 Turbo (1985)
Porsche’s 944 Turbo is a sporty coupe known for its great handling and performance. With a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it offers a nice balance of power and fuel efficiency.
The car features a sleek design and a comfortable interior, making it a fun choice for driving enthusiasts. It became popular for its driving experience and reliability.
8. Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984)
Celebrated as a classic American sports car that features a bold, aerodynamic design, the Corvette C4, with its V8 engine, delivers strong performance and speed.
The C4 also includes modern touches for its time, like a digital dashboard and improved handling. This model helped keep the Corvette’s reputation as an iconic sports car throughout the ’80s.
9. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981)
With its distinctive stainless-steel body and unique gullwing doors, the DeLorean DMC-12 is a memorable car from the ’80s. It became famous for its role in the “Back to the Future” movies.
Although it didn’t have the most powerful engine, its futuristic look and design captured the imagination of many. The DeLorean is a symbol of 1980s pop culture.
10. Mazda RX-7 Turbo II (1986)
The Mazda RX-7 Turbo II is a sporty car known for its lightweight design and rotary engine. This unique engine gives it smooth power and a high-revving experience.
The Turbo II offers excellent handling and a fun driving experience, making it popular among car enthusiasts. Its sleek styling and turbocharged performance make it a standout choice from the ’80s.
11. Mercedes-Benz W124 (1985)
The Mercedes-Benz W124 is a luxury sedan that features a stylish design and a range of powerful engine options. This model offers a smooth ride and high-end materials inside, making it a favorite for those who value elegance and reliability.
The W124 is also praised for its safety features and durability, showing the brand’s commitment to excellence.
12. Renault 21 Turbo (1988)
From its sleek design and turbocharged performance, the Renault 21 Turbo is a compact family car with sporty qualities. This model features a comfortable interior and practical space for passengers and luggage.
The Renault 21 Turbo is a great option for those wanting a mix of performance and practicality.
13. Acura Integra (1986)
The Acura Integra is a sporty compact car known for its fun driving experience and reliability. It features a peppy four-cylinder engine and a comfortable interior.
The Integra became popular for its good handling and affordability, making it a favorite among younger drivers. Its stylish design and performance made it a strong contender in the ’80s car market.
14. Toyota Celica Supra (1986)
With its sleek lines and sporty performance, the Toyota Celica Supra is a powerful coupe that many car enthusiasts admire. It has a strong inline-six engine that provides impressive speed and handling.
The Supra offers a comfortable ride and advanced features for its time, such as a digital dashboard. This model is known for its blend of style and performance, making it a standout in the ’80s.
15. AMG Hammer (1986)
Starting as a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz W124, the AMG Hammer is a high-performance luxury sedan. It features a powerful V8 engine that offers incredible speed and acceleration.
With its sporty suspension and distinctive styling, the Hammer became known for its combination of comfort and performance. This car represents the beginning of AMG’s reputation for making luxury cars into powerful machines.
16. Ford Taurus SHO (1989)
The Ford Taurus SHO is a sportier version of the popular Taurus sedan. It features a powerful V6 engine that delivers great speed and performance.
The SHO is known for its comfortable interior and spacious design, making it suitable for families. With its sporty looks and strong performance, it became a favorite among those looking for a fun family car.
17. Audi Quattro (1980)
The Audi Quattro is a groundbreaking sports car that features all-wheel drive, making it excellent for handling on different road conditions. It has a turbocharged five-cylinder engine that provides great power.
The Quattro’s unique design and engineering helped it stand out in motorsports, contributing to its popularity. Its combination of performance and practicality made it a desirable choice in the ’80s.
18. Ferrari Testarossa (1984)
With its iconic design and striking side strakes, the Ferrari Testarossa is a legendary supercar. It features a powerful flat-12 engine that offers thrilling performance and speed.
The Testarossa’s luxurious interior and high-tech features make it a symbol of luxury and wealth. This car is celebrated for its performance on the road and its status as an icon of the 1980s automotive scene.
19. BMW M3 (1982)
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the regular 3 Series. Known for its sporty handling and powerful engine, it features a four-cylinder engine that offers great speed and excitement.
The M3 has a classic design and a comfortable interior, making it popular among car enthusiasts. Its racing success and driving experience make it a standout in the ’80s.
20. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)
With its dark, aggressive styling, the Buick Grand National GNX is a performance version of the Grand National. It features a turbocharged V6 engine that produces impressive power, allowing it to compete with many sports cars.
The GNX is known for its speed and acceleration, as well as its comfortable interior. This model became a legend for its performance, making it a favorite among car collectors.
21. Audi 100 (5000) (1982)
From its smooth lines and spacious interior, the Audi 100 (known as the 5000 in North America) is a luxury sedan that combines style and comfort. It features a range of engine options and is known for its good handling.
The 100 includes advanced features for its time, such as a comfortable ride and high-quality materials inside. It helped Audi gain popularity in the luxury car market during the ’80s.
22. Ferrari 288 GTO (1984)
A truly stunning supercar that showcases Ferrari’s racing heritage, the Ferrari 288 GTO boasts a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers incredible speed and performance. The GTO features a lightweight design and sleek body, making it an eye-catching choice.
This model is rare and highly sought after, known for its engineering excellence and status as one of the best Ferraris of the ’80s.
23. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 (1982)
The Ford Mustang GT 5.0 is that classic American muscle car with a powerful V8 engine that provides thrilling performance. Known for its bold looks and sporty design, the Mustang GT offers a fun driving experience.
Its comfortable interior and modern features make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. The 5.0-liter engine helped revive the Mustang’s performance reputation in the ’80s.
24. Ford Sierra (1982)
A common sight on the roads during the ’80s, the Ford Sierra is a compact family car that combines practicality with a modern design. Known for its spacious interior and good fuel economy, it became popular in Europe.
The Sierra features a range of engine options and is praised for its comfortable ride and handling. Its aerodynamic shape was innovative for its time.
25. Honda CRX (1983)
A small, sporty car known for its fun driving experience and great fuel efficiency, the Honda CRX features a lightweight design and a peppy four-cylinder engine, making it quick and agile. The CRX has a stylish look and a comfortable interior, which made it popular among young drivers.
Its reliability and affordability helped it stand out in the ’80s.
26. Jaguar XJS (1986)
The Jaguar XJS, a luxurious grand tourer, offers a blend of elegance and performance. With its smooth lines and comfortable interior, it is designed for long drives in style.
The XJS features a powerful V12 engine, providing strong acceleration and a smooth ride. Known for its classic British charm, this car became a symbol of luxury in the ’80s.
27. Jeep Cherokee (1984)
One of the best-selling SUVs of the ’80s, the Jeep Cherokee is popular for its ruggedness and off-road capability. With a spacious interior and practical design, it is perfect for families and outdoor adventures.
The Cherokee features a powerful engine and four-wheel drive, making it great for various terrains.
28. Porsche 959 (1986)
The Porsche 959 is a high-performance sports car that showcases advanced technology and design. With its powerful twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, it can reach high speeds quickly.
The 959 features all-wheel drive and a lightweight design, making it exceptional on the road. Known for its innovative engineering, this car is considered one of the best Porsches of the ’80s.
29. Toyota MR2 (1984)
Offering a fun and engaging driving experience, the Toyota MR2 is a compact sports car with a mid-engine layout and lightweight design. The MR2 features a sporty design and comes with a four-cylinder engine, providing good performance.
Its affordable price and reliability made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
30. Mitsubishi Starion (1982)
This sporty coupe is known for its turbocharged performance and unique design. With a powerful inline-four engine, the Starion was fast, capable, and reliable.
The Starion features bold styling and a comfortable interior, making it enjoyable to drive. Its combination of performance and style helped it gain popularity in the ’80s.
These amazing vehicles are sure to spark your interest and take you on a ride through a memorable time in car culture.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.