Take a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s, when automotive innovation and style were at their zenith. We’ll explore 15 icons from the ’80s that continue to captivate enthusiasts. Each car on this list represents a blend of technology and striking design of the decade.
Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV (1974-1990)
Born in the early ’70s and thriving through the ’90s, this beauty underwent its most significant evolution during the ’80s. In 1985, the Countach LP5000 QV emerged as the apex predator, sporting a 5.2-litre V-12 engine with four valves per cylinder.
Ferrari Testarossa (1984-1991)
Few cars personify excess like the Ferrari Testarossa, with its outlandish appearance, pop-up headlights, and imposing side fins. But this Italian stallion wasn’t just about looks — it packed great power under the hood, clocking in at 5.2 seconds for a 0 to 60 mph sprint.
Porsche 959 (1986-1989)
This rear-engine marvel wasn’t just ahead of its time, it was in a league of its own. Sporting water-cooling for its cylinder head, a first for any 911-based car, it blazed trails while keeping its block air-cooled.
DeLoren DMC-12 (1981-1983)
The DeLorean DMC-12, immortalized by its role in the “Back to the Future” film franchise, had gull-wing doors that added a touch of futuristic flair to its sleek stainless-steel body. While it stood out due to its appearance, on the performance front, it failed.
BMW M3 E30 (1988-1991)
If the last ride was about making an entrance, buckle up for the BMW M3 E30 — an ode to the pure joy of driving. Born in 1986 as a nod to the European Touring Car Championship, this baby kicked off a legacy of lightning-fast “3ers”, becoming an instant favorite among racers.
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985-1990)
The mission of the high-octane Camaro, packed with the Corvette’s 5.7-liter V-8 generator, was to dethrone Ford’s pony car from its pedestal. Though the Camaro IROC-Z didn’t quite clinch victory against the Mustang 5.0, it carved out a cozy spot in our loving souls that’s here to stay.
Ford Mustang GT (1987-1993)
While some may argue that the ’80s marked a downturn in Mustang design, these bad boys remained as desirable as ever. They epitomized speed and classic American muscle. Options ranged from notchback to fastback to convertible, and machines spanning 4, 6, and 8 cylinders to suit every need and budget.
Toyota Corolla GT-S (1983-1987)
Corolla GT-S rolled in with rear-wheel drive and an electronically fuel-injected apparatus, churning out a modest 112 horsepower. But don’t let those numbers fool you—this GT-S was a blast to drive. It had the most volumetrically efficient motor ever seen in a production car.
Nissan Pulsar NX (1987-1990)
A shining example of the quirky innovation of Japanese cars, this front-wheel-drive compact car possessed a reconfigurable, erm, rear end that managed to grab eyeballs. With its pop-up headlights, slotted taillight covers, and sharp styling, this car is a neon-drenched blast from the past.
Ferrari F40 (1987-1992)
Ferrari F40 bears witness to Enzo Ferrari’s vision, marking the culmination of his legendary career in automotive excellence. As the crown jewel in affluent collections, this super-exotic masterpiece boasted a jaw-dropping starting price of $400,000.
Audi Quattro (1983-1985)
In a groundbreaking move in 1983, Audi shattered norms by becoming the first automaker to unleash full-time all-wheel drive in a mass-produced vehicle. Critics scoffed, predicting unwieldy handling, transmission whines, and a thirst for fuel, but these marvels silenced the naysayers with their unmatched prowess.
Buick GNX (1987)
Buick might have a reputation for churning out rides that scream “grandpa chic,” but in 1987, they decided to flip the script. An all-black, turbocharged beast of a car affectionately dubbed “Darth Vader’s ride.” Sadly, this blacked-out beauty was short-lived, with only 547 units ever hitting the streets.
Lancia Delta HF Integrale and S4 Stradale (1985-1986)
Lancia Delta S4 was a real fire-breather with a 1.8-litre, DOHC, twin-charged inline-four machine (that’s turbocharged and supercharged, folks), and its power ranged from a respectable 247 horsepower in the road-ready “Stradale” version to a mind-blowing 1,000+ horses in full-attack mode.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato (1986-1990)
Displayed at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show, these ’80s gems caused a stir—even before they rolled off. With eager buyers lining up despite only glimpsing drawings of the car, it was clear that something special was brewing. But luxury comes at a price — it had a hefty price tag of US$156,600.
Peugeot 205 GTi (1984-1994)
Known for its lively handling and impressive power-to-weight ratios, the GTi was a true game-changer that flipped Peugeot’s previously ho-hum image. This pocket rocket came with a 105bhp 1.6-litre apparatus and front-wheel drive and wasn’t afraid to kick its tail out.
