The 1980s delivered cutting edge performance machinery along with iconic movie cars capturing our imaginations. Automakers pushed technology and introduced new ideas while confronting an energy crisis, emissions regulations and an exciting era for motorsports innovation. These amazing machines made the 1980s a landmark decade for car enthusiasts thanks to their standout style, racing dominance or pop culture history. Their impact persists today.
1982 DeLorean DMC-12
The wedge-shaped DeLorean became immortalized in pop culture for its starring role as Doc Brown’s time machine in 1985’s Back to the Future. Its iconic gullwing doors, brushed stainless steel body and ethos of technology pushing performance boundaries made the ill-fated DeLorean an unforgettable icon of the era.
1983 Ferrari 288 GTO
Before the F40 or LaFerrari, the 288 GTO stood as Maranello’s definitive supercar thanks to its rally technology-infused 2.8 liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 400 hp. Built expressly for Group B competition, Ferrari’s homologation special set benchmarks in speed, ferocity and style during the 1980s. Its blistering performance and heart-stopping looks make the 288 an enduring halo car.
1984 Audi Sport Quattro
All-wheel drive and turbochargers revolutionized rally racing in the 1980s. Audi harnessed that recipe best via its boxy Sport Quattro coupe – the roadgoing car mandated by Group B rules. Its radical styling cloaked a heavily modified version of the championship winning Quattro rally car’s drivetrain and the Sport Quattro became an instant motorsport icon despite miniscule production numbers thanks to its WRC prowess.
1985 Ferrari Testarossa
No single Ferrari encapsulates the 1980s quite like the Testarossa with its signature side strakes feeding air to its rear-mounted flat-twelve. Passionate supercar dreams were shaped by Miami Vice where the Testarossa starred and melted hearts with its runway-ready looks. Even today the Testarossa signifies automotive excess thanks to its red hot styling.
1986 BMW E30 M3
Built expressly to contest touring car racing, BMW stuffed a race-ready inline-four into its compact 3 Series, birthing the legendary M3 performance icon. Evolutionary styling cloaked a revolutionary approach to motorsport that enabled giant slaying performance still revered today. The original M3 remains a benchmark sports sedan thanks to sublime handling and an appetite for revs befitting its competition bloodline.
1987 Buick GNX
Buick shocked the world by transforming its Grand National Regal coupe into the menacing GNX – an absolute monster packing more muscle than exotic supercars of its era. With blacked-out styling and nearly 300 hp produced by its force-fed V6, the GNX smashed performance benchmarks to become the quickest production car of 1987, blitzing 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
1984 Lamborghini Countach LP500S
The outrageous Countach defined excess for a decade thanks to its signature wedge styling, scissor doors, visible cabins, and extroverted rear wing – all cloaking a riotous V12. Posters graced bedrooms worldwide as this creation of Gandini and Lamborghini dictated dreams. Even today, the Countach defines what an exaggerated Italian supercar should be.
1988 Porsche 959
Porsche built the ultimate 1980s supercar via the technology-laden 959. It served as the genesis for the modern performance SUV by mating race-spec 911 Turbo performance to all-wheel drive grip with adaptive ride height. Cutting-edge tech included an actual computer system fine-tuning its performance. The 220 mph twin-turbo 959 auspiciously kicked off the 1990s early.
1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R
With its electronically adjustable all-wheel drive system, twin turbo 2.6 liter inline-six pumping out 276 hp, and distinctive boxy shape, Godzilla originated – Nissan’s mythical GT-R performance icon. Thanks to exceptional handling combining Japanese tech and passion, the Skyline GT-R dominated touring car racing while birthing the JDM tuner scene still thriving today. Its legend grew exponentially ever since.
1986 Ford RS200
As Group B rallying peaked then quickly crumbled, Ford entered its futuristic European rally fighter – the RS200. Built for homologation, its radical Kevlar and carbon fiber composite design could withstand extreme terrain at silly speeds. Powered by a turbo four driving all wheels, this ultra-rare rally legend pushed 1980s competition tech boundaries.
1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
With tuned suspension and aero matched to 5.0 liter V8 muscle pumping out 215 eager horses, the third-gen IROC-Z propelled Chevy’s F-body icon into the 1980s as a legitimate sports car. That formula of style, power, and athletic handling made the IROC-Z a defining performance car of the decade. It kept pony car dreams alive despite tough emissions regs.
1987 Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R
Mitsu’s advanced 2.6 liter turbocharged four packing 190 horsepower might not seem outrageous today but marked uncharted performance territory in its day. The Starion’s futuristic wedge coupe styling cloaked immense capability thanks to four-wheel steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and turbo torque vectoring to tame its rally car DNA. The overlooked ESI-R rivaled icons costing far more. Whether chasing checkered flags, escaping East Berlin, or simply tackling Mulholland Drive dreams, iconic 1980s cars delivered style and performance that indelibly marked the decade. Their advanced technology, motorsport success and star power shaped automotive dreams for a generation of enthusiasts. These radical rides above hold enduring influence even today.
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Justin Deagle
Justin Deagle has over 7 years of professional editorial experience writing and editing for both print and digital publications. He has covered a wide range of topics but is most passionate about sports, entertainment, and men's lifestyle subjects. Justin joined the team in 2023 and is excited to provide our male readership with engaging content on the topics they care about most. When he's not researching and writing, Justin enjoys traveling, golfing, and seeking out new adventures.
