Remembering The 15 Coolest Cars from the 1980s

Nostalgia All Lifestyle Technology December 12, 2024

The 1980s were a time of bold design and unforgettable pop culture. From neon-lit arcades to iconic TV shows, the era left its mark on everything — especially cars.

These legendary cars from the 80s remain some of the most iconic vehicles ever made. Their unique designs, powerful engines, and role in pop culture ensure they still turn heads today. Let’s explore 15 coolest cars from the 1980s that stand the test of time.

1. DeLorean DMC-12 (1981)

Coolest cars of the 1980s - A silver DeLorean DMC-12, one of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked in a rooftop parking lot. The car features iconic gull-wing doors and a distinctive stainless steel body. In the background, there's a partial view of another vehicle and a modern concrete structure.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Stainless steel body, gullwing doors, Back to the Future fame
  • Fun Fact: The DeLorean’s appearance in Back to the Future made it one of the most famous cars of all time.

2. Ferrari Testarossa (1984)

A red sports car, reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked on an urban street. It boasts sleek, aerodynamic lines and a distinctive rear design. Industrial buildings with graffiti-splashed walls serve as its edgy backdrop.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Sleek, wide body design, iconic red paint, featured on Miami Vice
  • Fun Fact: Its wide rear track gave it a unique stance that stood out in traffic.

3. Lamborghini Countach 5000S (1982)

A classic white sports car, reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked on a city street in front of red-brick buildings. It features a distinctive angular design and a large rear wing. Potted plants and flowers adorn the building entrances.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Futuristic design, scissor doors, exotic appeal
  • Fun Fact: This poster-worthy car symbolized 80s luxury and excess.

4. Porsche 911 Carrera (930 Turbo) (1980)

A person stands beside one of the coolest cars from the 1980s—a vintage silver sports car with wide rear fenders and a rear spoiler. It's parked on a paved road, surrounded by dry grass and hills, all bathed in warm sunlight.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Turbocharged performance, classic design, rear-engine legend
  • Fun Fact: Known as the “Widowmaker” for its challenging driving dynamics.

5. BMW M1 (1981)

A sleek, silver sports car reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s is captured on a racetrack at sunset. The sky is a soft orange, and the car's aerodynamic design highlights its performance focus. The background shows distant mountains and a blurred track.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Rare mid-engine design, motorsport pedigree, wedge-shaped body
  • Fun Fact: The M1 remains BMW’s only production mid-engine supercar.

6. Buick Grand National GNX (1987)

A black, vintage muscle car, one of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked on a barren desert landscape with distant mountains under a clear sky. The car boasts a sleek, glossy finish with distinctive wheels and tinted windows.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: All-black, turbocharged V6 engine, stealthy design
  • Fun Fact: It’s one of the fastest American cars of its time, beating many European sports cars.

7. Mazda RX-7 (1981)

A 1980s Mazda RX-7 car ad showcases one of the coolest cars from the era, featuring a silver sports car with pop-up headlights. Bold text highlights engine performance at 6,800 rpm. Additional text details specifications and comparisons, with the Mazda logo in the corner.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Rotary engine, lightweight design, affordable performance
  • Fun Fact: Its rotary engine gave it a unique sound and smooth power delivery.

8. Toyota AE86 (Hachiroku) (1983)

A sleek, vintage white and black sports car from the coolest cars of the 1980s era, with pop-up headlights and a spoiler, is parked in an outdoor setting. The design boasts distinctive angular lines and proudly displays "Trueno" on the front bumper.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, drift car legend
  • Fun Fact: The AE86 became famous in the anime Initial D and is a drifting icon.

9. Ford Mustang GT (Fox Body) (1987 Refresh)

A white classic Ford Mustang with a red stripe and red interior is parked in a bright, minimalist indoor space. With its distinctive headlights and sleek body, this iconic car rivals the coolest cars from the 1980s, capturing vintage style and performance on silver wheels.
Via Autobarnclassiccars.com
  • Why It’s Cool: Affordable performance, V8 power, beloved by drag racers
  • Fun Fact: The Fox Body Mustang is one of the most modifiable muscle cars ever.

10. Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z (1985)

Collage showcasing one of the coolest cars from the 1980s: a yellow 1985 IROC-Z Camaro. It features images of the car's exterior, engine, front interior, rear seats, dashboard, and close-up of wheels. The iconic vehicle is highlighted in multiple angles and details.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Performance trim, street cred, and racing heritage
  • Fun Fact: The IROC-Z name comes from the “International Race of Champions.”

11. BMW M3 (E30) (1986)

A classic red BMW M3 from the coolest cars of the 1980s is parked indoors, showcasing its sleek design. The car features gold alloy wheels and has a distinctive, sporty appearance. The background includes industrial-style walls and a mix of floor textures.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Compact, rear-wheel drive, motorsport roots
  • Fun Fact: The E30 M3 is one of the most celebrated performance cars in history.

12. Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK2) (1984)

A vintage black Volkswagen hatchback, reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked on a wet street. Its circular headlights and license plate reading "WPZ-766" gleam softly. The weathered stone wall in the background enhances the nostalgic atmosphere.
Via reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: The original “hot hatch,” sporty handling, daily drivability
  • Fun Fact: The GTI set the template for what a hot hatch should be and still inspires modern models.

13. Porsche 959 (1986)

A red sports car with a sleek design is parked next to a modern glass building. Reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s, it boasts a distinctive rear wing and large wheels, highlighting its aerodynamic build.
Via reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: All-wheel drive, twin-turbo engine, 197 mph top speed
  • Fun Fact: It was the world’s fastest production car when released.

14. Audi Quattro (1980)

A white sports car with a large rear spoiler and distinctive side decals, reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked on a patterned brick surface. Its boxy shape evokes a nostalgic era of automotive design, further highlighted by a white arrow pointing left.
Via reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: All-wheel drive rally legend, turbocharged engine
  • Fun Fact: The Quattro revolutionized rally racing with its AWD system and dominated motorsport for years.

15. Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit (1980)

A classic black Rolls-Royce sedan, one of the coolest cars from the 1980s, is parked in an empty lot. Its shiny exterior and vintage design are highlighted with chrome accents and a distinct grille. The sky is overcast, and trees are visible in the background.
Via Reddit
  • Why It’s Cool: Ultimate luxury, handcrafted quality, iconic status
  • Fun Fact: The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit featured advanced self-leveling suspension, delivering one of the smoothest rides of its time.

What Made 80s Cars So Iconic?

A person in a leather jacket and jeans sits on the hood of a sleek black car with a futuristic red light, reminiscent of the coolest cars from the 1980s. Trucks are parked in the background.
Via Reddit

The 80s brought new ideas to the world of performance cars. Here’s why they stand out:

  • Design Trends: Bold, boxy shapes, turbocharged engines, and pop-up headlights defined the decade’s look.
  • Advanced Tech: Wheel drive systems like front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive became more popular.
  • Pop Culture Influence: TV shows like Knight Rider and movies like Back to the Future made cars essential to the stories.

The coolest cars from the 1980s are more than just vehicles — they’re cultural icons that embody an unforgettable era. From sci-fi stardom to track-day triumphs, these machines continue to fuel the passion of car lovers and collectors alike. For even more 80s nostalgia, check out 80 Photos That Totally Sum Up the 80s, revisit the hits with Summer Songs That Take Us Back to the 80s, or explore the wild side of automotive history with 53 of the Strangest and Most Obscure Vehicles to Ever Roll on 4 Wheels.”

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