At the start of the 1980s, the automotive industry was experiencing an era of fuel efficiency. New laws had been set in motion to stop pollution. Manufacturers like Holden came out with cars like the Commodore to capitalise on the fuel efficiency trend. The ‘80s saw a rise in the number of performance cars, coveted for their speed and appearance. A recent study has shown that now is a good a time as ever to invest in 1980s cars. To celebrate the era, here are five classic cars that were made in the 1980s.
1. 1988 Volkswagen Corrado
The 1988 Volkswagen Corrado featured a wedge shaped body and mounted windows. It also came with an electrically operated rear spoiler that opened up when the car went over 50 mph. Later models were fitted with a VR6 engine that gave the car increased performance. The Corrado remains one of the decade’s most stylish cars.
2. 1985 Porsche 944 Turbo
The Porsche 944 was introduced in 1982, but received a major upgrade in 1985. The came in the form of a turbocharged engine. With this kind of power, the car achieved 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Other new features included a fresh dash and door panels, as well as an embedded radio antenna. The Turbo has the distinction of being the first vehicle to utilise a ceramic port liner, which helped it retain exhaust gas temperature.
3. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO
The Ferrari 288 was developed for speed, as the 80s were a popular time for rally racing. The car reached a top speed of 189 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest cars of the time. It was built with a sleek exterior and comfortable leather interior. The GTO is considered the first of
Ferrari’s modern supercars, having a lasting impact on the automotive industry.
4. 1986 Lancia Delta Integrale
The Lancia Delta Integrale has earned a legendary reputation in the rallying world, having won many world championships. The original model was launched in 1986 and featured a 2-litre, 8 valve engine with a horsepower of 165.
5. 1980 Audi Quattro
The Quattro is another rally car that has a place in history. When it debuted in 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show, it stood out for its sporty design. It was the first high-performance production car to use electronic engine management. It raced for the first time in 1981 at the Janner Rally in Austria and won. This cemented its legacy as one of the most dominating vehicles of the decade.
