The 1980s had a lasting impact on popular culture. Everything from Thriller to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, big hair, and Rubik’s Cubes encapsulates the style of the 80s, but nothing embodies the spirit of the decade more than iconic vehicles of the era.
For over 20 years, Capture has preserved video, film, and photo memories for millions of families, but our archival experts are also committed to preserving the culture, nostalgia, and technology of years past. That’s why we put together this list of iconic 80s cars.
Keep reading to learn about the cultural fascination with 1980s automobiles, technological advancements, specific design trends, and the 40 most iconic old-school rides including the DeLorean DMC-12, Ferrari Testarossa, Lamborghini Countach, Porsche 911 Turbo, BMW M3, and many more.
Jump to:
- Popularity and Iconic Status of 80s Cars
- Technological Advancements that Defined 80s Cars
- Design Elements and Styling Trends
- The 40 Most Iconic Cars from the 80s
- Collectability and Current Market
- Maintenance and Restoration Tips
- Conclusion
Popularity and Iconic Status of 80s Cars
Vehicles in the 1980s offered an iconic look that progressed from the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s to create a distinct style that’s still cherished today. In many ways, the 1980s were the last decade before the aerodynamic curved style of the 1990s that is still common in 2023.
Plus, there are many features of 80s vehicles that are unique like headlight wipers, car phones, and automatic seatbelts. For some, these vintage vehicles represent a simpler time or nostalgic emotions. One of the reasons that some of these cars are so iconic is a connection with other cultural events like movies, television shows, and MTV music videos.
For others, the combination of safety, power, and aesthetics is completely unbeatable by vehicles from other decades. Either way, the love for classic cars from the 1980s only seems to be increasing in recent years and is unlikely to go away anytime soon. In fact, there has been a rapid appreciation in the value of 80s cars, which might make some of the most iconic options a good investment that you can also drive.
Technological Advancements that Defined 80s Cars
The 1980s were a time of great technological innovation for the automotive industry. Instead of relying solely on style and power, many of the automobiles incorporated more safety, fuel efficiency, and durability features. This was even true of high-performance cars that began to focus on other aspects that consumers wanted in a sports car.
One of the biggest changes was the carburetors were beginning to be replaced by fuel injection systems. This offered better control, less pollution, and higher fuel efficiency. Additionally, CD players were added to vehicles starting in 1984 when Pioneer introduced the CDX-1, the first in-car CD player.
Another massive advancement came with the fact that mechanical devices began to transition to computer control. This paved the way for future diagnostic advancements, smart safety features, and controlled performance.
Finally, while turbochargers were used before with the Chevrolet Corvair Monza and Oldsmobile Jetfire in 1962, the 1980s was when turbocharging started to find its way into passenger cars and economy vehicles.
All of these advancements meant a safer, more pleasant driving experience and likely contributed to the popularity of 80s cars today.
Design Elements and Styling Trends
Cars in the 80s are so iconic because of some of the styling and design trends. First, to go with the bright aesthetics of clothing, music videos, and movies of the era, 80s cars often use more vibrant paint colors than in previous decades. In addition, cars began to favor blacks and reds.
80s cars also used angular shapes instead of the curvy shapes we often see in the 2020s. Boxy appearances, straight lines, rectangular grills and headlights, and square interiors were found in most vehicle types from trucks and sports cars to vans and coupes.
Other elements that were common on vehicles in the 80s included pop-up headlights, automatic seatbelts, turbo engines, hatchback designs, gull-wing and butterfly doors, and hood ornaments. In some cases, car manufacturers attempted to create a futuristic style similar to the vehicles you might see in the great 80s Star Wars movies The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Regardless, this styling was only around for a few short years, which makes these vehicles stand out as iconic and memorable. However, some have stood the test of time more than others, which is why we included 40 iconic 80s cars on our list.
The 40 Most Iconic Cars from the 80s
These are the most iconic cars of the decade for several reasons. Some are iconic because of movies or television shows while others offered advancements that made them more powerful, unique, or nostalgic.
DeLorean DMC-12
Landing at the top of our list is the famous DeLorean with gull-wing doors, stainless steel panels, and, if you’ve seen Back to the Future, time-traveling capabilities. While it’s possibly the most iconic vehicle from the 80s, there are only around 6,500 in existence, making them even more valuable, rare, and cherished.
Ferrari Testarossa
This is a sleek, high-performance vehicle that not only looks exceptionally cool, but offered iconic 80s features like pop-up headlights, wide grated hips, and a combination of angular and curved aesthetics. It was also featured in the classic 1986 arcade driving game, OutRun.
Lamborghini Countach
This futuristic and totally 80s version of the Countach offers grates, ducts, and a large wing that makes it a pop cultural embodiment of culture. Plus, it offered high horsepower to compete with race cars of the time.
Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
This 1980 model year vehicle is not only extremely rare but was designed for speed and performance more than other models and could go from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. It also influenced an entire line of 80s Porches and was used for Group B rallying making it an easy choice for our list.
BMW M3 (E30)
This angular body kit and easy control for smooth maneuverability is coupled with extreme popularity throughout the decade. Whether you wanted an easy-driving coupe, a first car, or a high-performance supercar, this option was a decent choice.
Ford Mustang GT (Fox Body)
To compete with the popularity of the Charger as well as family cars, Ford changed to the Fox Body in 1979 and produced it until 1993. Available in 2-door sedan (coupe) and 3-door sedan (hatchback) body styles and numerous trim variants, the adaptability still influences vehicles today.
Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
This classic Chevy offered great fuel efficiency for a powerful rear-wheel drive V8 sports car. Plus, the ducted hood, low-to-the-ground design, and sleek appearance are distinctly 80s.
Mazda RX-7 (FC)
This two-door hatchback coupe was produced from 1978 to 2002 making it a massively popular, but the Series 2 and Series 3 offer everything you’d want in throwback cars including fun driving, sporty appearance, durable rotary engine, and timeless style.
Toyota Supra (A70)
With hideaway lights, a long straight hood, angular windows, and thin yellow headlights, this Toyota Supra model represents many of the features associated with classic cars of the 1980s. Retro automobile enthusiasts and collectors also love it for its premium handling.
Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
Initially released in 1983, this Japanese sports car brought more luxury and comfort to performance vehicles. It offers a front-end style that was ahead of its time while still using wonderful angular features reminiscent of other iconic 1980s cars.
Citroen BX
Released in 1982, this boxy option may often be considered ugly, but it’s also representative of the iconic features of 80s cars. With front-wheel drive capability and a safe design that influences other manufacturer safety features into the 1990s, this French vehicle left a lasting mark on auto culture.
Audi Quattro Sport
This vehicle is based on the Ur-Quattro, but the sport model offered a shortened chassis to reduce understeer and provides 300 horsepower with a turbocharged 2.1-liter inline engine. It’s fun to drive and still has the square hatchback aesthetics of the decade.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
This was a luxury 4x4 designed to offer the classy comfort of Lincoln or Lexus, but with the offroad capability of jeeps. In fact, it pioneered the luxury “sports utility vehicle” class and offered a station wagon wood paneling aesthetic that is just about as 1980s as you can get.
Aston Martin V8 Zagato
This powerful V8 offered a geometric appearance with a convertible top that was perfect for letting the wind blow through your big 80s hairdo. Plus, the bubbled hood, leather seats, and fast appearance were fantastic.
Honda Accord Compact Hatchback
Made from 1976 through 1989, this hot hatch Honda Accord style is the epitome of the 80s family car. It was safe, fuel efficient, compact, square, and came in vivid bright colors as well as pastel yellows, browns, and reds.
Dodge Omni 024
This extra performance package Charger released in 1981 and 1982 offered a hood scoop, quarter-window appliques, special gearing, rear spoiler, tape graphics, and an upgraded 84 horsepower engine. By 1983, Chrysler/Peugeot produced a different engine that renamed the vehicle the Charger.
Pontiac GTO
While not even produced during the 1980s, this car deserves to be on this list because the 70s models were extremely popular rebuilds during the 1980s. Plus, they were featured in many 80s music videos including Lou Gramm’s Midnight Blue from 1987.
Buick Grand National
The Grand National GNX wasn’t like other popular models like the Buick Regal. Instead, this turbocharged, 300 horsepower luxury coupe was created by Buick and McLaren to display a muscle car persona.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (Third Generation)
This generation of Firebird Trans Am was produced from 1982 through 1992 and offered a redesigned windshield slope, hatchback style, and pop-up lights. It also offers better aerodynamics than the iconic 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am features in Smokey and The Bandit. Plus, it was featured in the hit TV show Knight Rider.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2
This compact four-cylinder engine car may look generic, but the model designed in Germany by Herbert Schafer sold around 6.3 million, making it a nostalgic choice for many people’s childhoods and first cars.
Alfa Romeo Spider
The Alfa Romeo Spider was a convertible that combined luxury, comfort, safety, and performance. The 80s versions updated the 60s aesthetics with a boxier, lower design.
Lotus Esprit Turbo
This fantastic British sports car used the iconic polygonal “folded paper” design and the 1980 model came in unique blue colors with striped options, commemorative features, and a pointed futuristic front end.
Mercedes-Benz 560SL
Made from 1986 to 1989, this model somehow maintains the iconic Mercedes design elements while also updating them for the 1980s decade. Plus, it came in a convertible option that was supremely luxurious.
Chevrolet Corvette C4
You can’t go wrong with a Corvette from any decade, but the C4 model of 1984 to 1996 meant the return of higher performance engines and convertible options. Plus, it used a sleeker, more modern aesthetic.
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
This high-performance version of the Ford Sierra was built by Ford Europe from 1986 to 1992. The goal was to produce a Group A racing winner for Europe, which meant a faster, sleeker, more aerodynamic version that ended up placing in many tournaments and championships.
Saab 900 Turbo
For a mid-sized automobile that symbolizes the technological innovation of the 1980s, this might be the best option. It used fuel injected, turbocharged engines, and a double wishbone front suspension. It also offered greater windshield visibility and smart electronic controls.
Lancia Delta
This model debuted as an Italian response to the Volkswagen Golf and became one of the most popular rally cars of the 1980s. It offered all-wheel-drive and a twin-charged, inline-four varied 247 horsepower engine all inside a compact, family-friendly exterior.
Volvo 240 Turbo
Car collectors love this vehicle because it offered the safety and reliability of other Volvo models, but was also fast, easy to handle, and efficient. It was nicknamed the “Flying Brick” because it was fast, but box-shaped and durable.
Rolls-Royce Corniche
This classy, luxury vehicle was produced throughout the entire decade as well as a few years before and after. It offered the elegance of other Rolls-Royce models while also offering a convertible option and other technological advancements like anti-lock brakes, air bags, and advanced suspension.
Chrysler LeBaron Station Wagon
Chrysler LaBaron’s have a long history, but the Second Generation produced in 1982 through 1988 included the Station Wagon version called the Town and Country. This option had the distinct 1980s wood panel aesthetics that are cherished by enthusiasts in 2023.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic
Only produced in 1988 and only 27,678 built, this version was roomy and perfect for family vacations. However, since it’s rare, this model is most sought after by collectors.
Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
While the Eldorado Biarritz began long before the 1980s, it was an up level trim package for the Eldorado from 1976 to 1991. This option offered an upgraded interior while retaining the luxury exterior with straight lines, safety fiberglass suspension, and bucket seats with lumbar support.
Renault R5 Turbo
As soon as you look at this car, you’ll understand why it’s on this list. The 80s appearance emits from the style, but it also offers speed, performance, and reliability because it was used for rallying before being released as a street driving option.
Peugeot 205
This French supermini car was produced starting in 1983 and won What Car?’s Car of the Year Award for 1984. It offers a 1980s aesthetic combined with typical European automobile style to create a truly iconic look.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (third generation)
As the second Chevy Camaro on our list, this one is probably the more popular with buyers today because it offers an iconic style that transitions to more modern design features. It’s also an upgraded version of the 1977 black and yellow Camaro from the Transformers movies.
Dodge Daytona Shelby Z
This front-wheel drive machine offers a more rounded appearance than many options on our list, but still uses iconic features like pop-up lights, a lengthy front end, and turbocharged power.
Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
This Thunderbird favored luxury more than in prior years, but still offers the sporty engine package that makes it a reliable sports car with luxury elements. Plus, it’s available to collectors today for an affordable price compared to many other options on our list.
GMC Vandura
This vehicle is most notably the A-Team Van driven by none other than Mr. T, which instantly makes it an iconic option. The straight edge appearance and dual-color scheme are also very much 1980s.
Pontiac Fiero
This was styled as an economical commuter car with modest performance, but what makes it so unique is the fact that it utilizes many style elements of the Trans Am while still retaining the affordability, fuel economy, and safety of a family vehicle.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60
This fantastic four-wheel drive vehicle was extremely durable and many of them are still in great condition. While other manufacturers styled their vehicles as more station wagons in the 1980s, this option retained the military appearance that makes it one of the best retro automobiles for camping and off roading.
Collectability and Current Market
The market for 80s cars is currently appreciating, which means they are gaining in value. There are many reasons for this, but the most obvious is that Generation X and 80s Millenials are making more money now than ever before.
Additionally, nostalgia for old cars seen in movies is higher than ever before. This includes the DeLorean in Back to the Future, the Trans Ams in Smokey and the Bandit and Knight Rider, the GMC Vandura in the A-Team, the Ferrari Testarossa from Miami Vice, the 1969 Dodge Charger known from Duke’s of Hazzard, and many more.
Finally, 80s cars in fantastic condition are getting rarer and more valuable simply because they are getting older. People love the innovation, aesthetics, and nostalgic autos of the 1980s and it appears this trend will continue for the foreseeable future.
Maintenance and Restoration Tips
As mentioned before, 1980s cars are getting old, as much as 40+ years old for vehicles from the beginning of the decade. Because of that, you need to maintain them to keep them in good condition. Many collectors also perform full restorations complete with rebuilt engines, new paint jobs, replaced parts, and more.
The most important thing is to keep your car in a cool, dry place and keep it as clean as possible. Additionally, if it currently runs, it’s a good idea to drive it a little bit at least monthly. This keeps the fluids in motion so they don’t settle into the parts.
You can find more in-depth maintenance and restoration tips to keep your car in great condition on places like Classics World or online forums like Old Classic Car or the Antique Automobile Club or America.
Conclusion
80s cars offer an iconic look with rectangular lines, innovative technology like fuel injection systems, unique features like pop-up lights and gull-wing doors, and memorable movie autos like the DeLorean. The most iconic cars from the decade exemplify and impact the culture in many ways, but if you have one of the classic cars, it’s important to keep it in good condition.
Furthermore, it’s also important to preserve your memories of vacations, family gatherings, and car restoration projects that involve your classic automobile. Capture can help you preserve your home movies and car photos with professional digitization. Click here to learn more!
