The 1980s produced some distinctive and memorable cars that only true gearheads can appreciate. These vehicles, often overlooked by the general public, stand out for their unique designs, innovative technology, and performance. Here are some cars from the 1980s that only true gearheads recognize.
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Buick GNX
The Buick GNX, produced in 1987, is a limited-edition performance car that stands out for its turbocharged power and stealthy design. Under the hood, it features a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 276 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds, the GNX was one of the fastest cars of its era. Its blacked-out exterior and aggressive styling make it a favorite among gearheads who appreciate its sleeper car status and impressive performance.
Renault 5 Turbo
The Renault 5 Turbo, produced from 1980 to 1986, is a mid-engine, turbocharged hot hatch that was originally designed for rallying. It boasts a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 158 horsepower, which was impressive for its compact size. The wide fender flares, mid-engine layout, and rally heritage make it a unique and desirable car for enthusiasts who appreciate its engineering and performance on both road and track.
Toyota AE86
The Toyota AE86, also known as the Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno, was produced from 1983 to 1987. It features a 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing 130 horsepower and is renowned for its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout. The AE86 gained fame in the drifting scene and is beloved for its exceptional handling and balance. True gearheads recognize it as a cult classic, especially due to its popularity in motorsports and anime culture.
Lancia Delta Integrale
The Lancia Delta Integrale, produced from 1987 to 1994, is a rally-bred performance car known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged power. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 210 horsepower in its later versions. The Delta Integrale’s boxy design, aggressive stance, and rally success make it a highly coveted car among enthusiasts who appreciate its racing pedigree and exceptional handling.
Ford RS200
The Ford RS200, produced from 1984 to 1986, is a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive sports car built for Group B rally racing. It is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 250 horsepower in its road-going version. The RS200’s unique design, rally heritage, and limited production make it a rare gem that true gearheads recognize and admire for its performance and exclusivity.
Porsche 959
The Porsche 959, produced from 1986 to 1989, is a technological marvel that was ahead of its time. It features a 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 444 horsepower and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. With a top speed of 197 mph, it was the fastest production car of its time. The 959’s advanced engineering, rarity, and performance make it a car that true gearheads appreciate for its innovation and legacy.
BMW M1
The BMW M1, produced from 1978 to 1981, is BMW’s first and only mid-engine supercar. It features a 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 273 horsepower. The M1’s Giugiaro-designed body, motorsport pedigree, and limited production run of just 453 units make it a highly desirable car among enthusiasts. True gearheads recognize the M1 for its significance in BMW’s history and its exceptional performance.
Lotus Esprit Turbo
The Lotus Esprit Turbo, produced from 1980 to 1987, is a British sports car known for its sharp styling and impressive performance. It features a 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 210 horsepower. The Esprit Turbo’s lightweight construction, mid-engine layout, and handling prowess make it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its driving dynamics and unique design.
Audi Quattro
The Audi Quattro, produced from 1980 to 1991, is a pioneering all-wheel-drive sports car that revolutionized rally racing. It features a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five engine producing 197 horsepower. The Quattro’s boxy design, quattro all-wheel-drive system, and rally success make it a legendary car that true gearheads recognize for its impact on both motorsports and automotive technology.
DeLorean DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12, produced from 1981 to 1983, is an iconic car known for its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It features a 2.85-liter V6 engine producing 130 horsepower. While its performance is modest, the DMC-12’s unique design and cultural significance, particularly as the time machine in the “Back to the Future” movies, make it a car that true gearheads appreciate for its distinctiveness and history.
Ferrari 288 GTO
The Ferrari 288 GTO, produced from 1984 to 1987, is a high-performance sports car designed for Group B racing. It features a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. The 288 GTO’s aggressive design, limited production of just 272 units, and Ferrari’s racing heritage make it a highly sought-after car among enthusiasts who appreciate its rarity and performance.
Honda CRX Si
The Honda CRX Si, produced from 1985 to 1991, is a lightweight, front-wheel-drive sports car known for its agility and efficiency. It features a 1.5-liter or 1.6-liter inline-four engine producing up to 108 horsepower. The CRX Si’s compact design, nimble handling, and fuel efficiency make it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its balance of performance and practicality.
Mazda RX-7 (FC3S)
The Mazda RX-7 (FC3S), produced from 1985 to 1992, is a rotary-engine sports car known for its unique powerplant and balanced handling. It features a 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine producing up to 200 horsepower in the Turbo II variant. The RX-7’s sleek design, lightweight construction, and distinctive rotary engine make it a car that true gearheads recognize and admire for its engineering and driving experience.
Mitsubishi Starion
The Mitsubishi Starion, produced from 1982 to 1989, is a turbocharged sports car known for its boxy design and performance. It features a 2.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 197 horsepower. The Starion’s aggressive styling, rear-wheel-drive layout, and strong performance make it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its uniqueness and potential for modifications.
Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
The Nissan 300ZX (Z31), produced from 1983 to 1989, is a sports car known for its advanced technology and performance. It features a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing up to 205 horsepower in the turbocharged version. The 300ZX’s distinctive design, digital dashboard, and impressive performance make it a car that true gearheads recognize for its innovation and driving dynamics.
Peugeot 205 GTI
The Peugeot 205 GTI, produced from 1984 to 1994, is a hot hatch known for its agile handling and lively performance. It features a 1.6-liter or 1.9-liter inline-four engine producing up to 130 horsepower. The 205 GTI’s lightweight construction, sharp styling, and exceptional driving experience make it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its balance of power and handling.
Saab 900 Turbo
The Saab 900 Turbo, produced from 1978 to 1993, is a unique sports sedan known for its turbocharged power and distinctive design. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 175 horsepower. The 900 Turbo’s unconventional styling, advanced safety features, and strong performance make it a car that true gearheads appreciate for its engineering and driving experience.
Toyota Celica GT-Four
The Toyota Celica GT-Four, produced from 1986 to 1999, is a rally-bred sports car known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged power. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 252 horsepower in later versions. The GT-Four’s aggressive design, rally heritage, and strong performance make it a highly coveted car among enthusiasts who appreciate its motorsport pedigree and capabilities.
Volkswagen Scirocco
The Volkswagen Scirocco, produced from 1974 to 1992, is a sporty hatchback known for its sleek design and agile handling. It features a range of inline-four engines, with the most powerful producing up to 123 horsepower. The Scirocco’s distinctive styling, lightweight construction, and driving dynamics make it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its balance of performance and practicality.
Volvo 240 Turbo
The Volvo 240 Turbo, produced from 1981 to 1985, is a performance-oriented variant of the Volvo 240 series. It features a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 157 horsepower. The 240 Turbo’s boxy design, strong performance, and rally success make it a car that true gearheads recognize and appreciate for its engineering and motorsport heritage.
Yugo GV
The Yugo GV, produced from 1980 to 2008, is often remembered for its affordability and simplicity. It features a 1.1-liter inline-four engine producing just 55 horsepower. While not known for its performance, the Yugo GV’s unique place in automotive history and its reputation as one of the most accessible cars of its time make it a car that true gearheads recognize for its cultural significance and simplicity.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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