Remember The 80's?
Long before algorithms told us what was cool, these cars figured it out themselves. They popped with their own unique style, some with muscle, some with flair, but the one thing they all came with was personality. When you see one roll past, you'll be hard-pressed to forget it. So let's take a quick look at the 20 coolest cars the 1980s had to offer.
1. Ferrari F40 (1987)
Every detail of the F40 screamed intensity. Built to honor Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, this twin-turbo V8 beast delivered 478 horsepower and stunning precision. The carbon fiber panels and stripped-down interior created a thrilling experience that few modern supercars can replicate with such purity.
Falcon® Photography from France on Wikimedia
2. Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV (1985)
A symbol of radical design, the Countach mesmerized with its scissor doors, geometric angles, and V12 roar. It commanded attention from every corner. With 414 horsepower and a low, aggressive stance, the LP5000 QV exuded an unforgettable visual and mechanical identity that shaped future supercars.
3. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981)
Formulated from brushed stainless steel and framed by iconic gullwing doors, the DeLorean represented futuristic imagination. It gained legendary status through film, but its appeal ran deeper. Its unique design and unconventional build sparked fascination among enthusiasts and collectors who admired its daring vision.
4. Porsche 959 (1986)
Highly advanced for its time, the 959 pioneered features like twin turbos and active suspension. This ride blended luxury with groundbreaking performance. As Porsche’s technological flagship, it laid the foundation for future supercars, and it left a lasting impression on automotive engineering excellence.
5. BMW M3 E30 (1986)
The E30 M3 was a masterful creation originally built for racing homologation. The car featured a high-revving 2.3L engine and an aggressive stance, but its most significant win was its motorsport success, which made it a benchmark for compact performance sedans that have influenced BMW’s design to date.
The 1986 BMW E30 M3 - The long journey to 2022 by Car Chronicles
6. Buick GNX (1987)
The GNX was a vehicle built in stealth mode with a serious attitude. Cloaked in black and armed with a turbocharged V6, it shocked muscle car fans with launch speeds that felt like a slap from the future. With beastly engines under the hood, this street machine meant business.
7. Audi Quattro (1980)
Audi revolutionized rallying with the Quattro by introducing all-wheel drive and turbocharging to world competition. The aggressive five-cylinder tone and powerful presence made it an instant classic that changed how manufacturers approached performance dynamics.
8. Toyota AE86 (1983)
The AE86 was a lightweight and responsive ride that became the driver’s weapon of choice. With rear-wheel drive and a rev-happy engine, it rewarded skill. Emerging as a drifting legend and grassroots motorsport icon, it inspired a loyal following in car culture across generations.
9. Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1(1990)
Known as the “King of the Hill,” the ZR-1 proudly launched a new era of American performance. Thanks to a collaboration with Lotus, it featured a high-revving V8 and precision handling. Packed with advanced technology and international flair, it boosted the Corvette name.
1990 Chevy Corvette ZR-1 Review - The First MODERN Corvette! by Shooting Cars
10. Ford RS200 (1984)
Built for the Group B rally competition, the RS200 delivered explosive performance with its mid-engine layout and turbocharged four-cylinder. Aficionados loved this. The ride was also constructed using revolutionary composite materials and an intelligent AWD system.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
11. Mazda RX-7 FC (1986)
With razor-sharp balance and rotary muscle, the RX-7 FC danced through corners like a pro. Its twin-rotor engine delivered a high-revving rush while its sleek shape sliced through the air with purpose. Enthusiasts loved it because it fused elegant sophistication with unadulterated driving exhilaration.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
12. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 (1983)
Did you know the 190E 2.3-16 earned its racing stripes in DTM before most knew Mercedes made sport sedans? With its Cosworth-tuned engine and razor-sharp chassis, it tore up the track while looking boardroom-ready. This stylish powerhouse marked the thrilling start of a new performance chapter for Mercedes-Benz.
13. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1984)
The Mk2 GTI struck gold by combining tight handling with zippy power, creating an everyday ride that felt anything but routine. It was agile and responsive in corners and also offered room and reliability. This winning mix cemented its legacy as a true hot hatch icon.
Vintage Wagens: Discover the Iconic 1984 Golf GTI Mark 2 by Volkswagen Malaysia
14. Peugeot 205 GTI (1984)
This compact French icon set the standard for hot hatches. Its lightweight chassis and razor-sharp suspension enabled electric cornering, while dynamic power delivery and lightning-fast reflexes earned it a passionate following among driving enthusiasts.
Kieran White from Manchester, England on Wikimedia
15. Ferrari Testarossa (1984)
A pure symbol of 1980s flair, the Testarossa turned heads with its wide rear stance and iconic side strakes. It delivered blistering performance through a 4.9L flat-12 engine. Italian craftsmanship made it more than a car—it was a statement.
16. Lancia Delta Integrale HF (1987)
Purpose-built to conquer rally stages, the Delta Integrale stood out with its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive layout. Boxy arches and a squared-off frame hinted at its rally-bred power. Plus, its motorsport dominance secured its place in automotive history.
17. Honda CRX Si (1985)
Compact, efficient, and undeniably fun, the CRX Si brought together sharp handling and commuter-friendly practicality in the 1980s. It delivered a driving experience that felt like a go-kart on city streets, wrapped in a sleek, aerodynamic design.
1985 Honda CRX Si 100% Stock – Walk-around, Start, Run, Interior, Exterior by CarSpaz!
18. BMW 635CSi / M6 E24 (1983)
The M6 blended executive elegance with serious performance, offering a refined yet thrilling driving experience. Its inline-six engine delivered smooth, responsive power. With shark-nose styling and aggressive dynamics, it carried a motorsport legacy that still echoes today.
19. Toyota Supra Mk3 (1986)
Turbocharging, pop-up headlights, and refined comfort defined the Mk3 Supra’s character. Designed as a grand tourer, this car handled long distances with ease while maintaining agility in the corners. With 232 horsepower under the hood, this generation balanced performance and dependability.
1986 Toyota Supra Mk III | For Sale $12,900 by Unique Classic Cars
20. Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1986)
Built for racing homologation, the RS Cosworth brought bold design and a competitive edge to the streets. Rear-wheel drive, a turbocharged engine, and its now-legendary rear wing helped it dominate touring car circuits and cemented its status as a street-legal race car.
